b'MENTAL HEALTHHelp is at HandAn up-to-date list of mental health and support resources for LGBTQ+, questioning and transitioning youth across CanadaBy Sarah B. HoodI ts tough to be young during COVID.NATIONAL/INTERPROVINCIAL Brite Line Its even harder when youreCanadian Mental Health Association struggling with gender identity. EvenNational network offering a wide range ofMental health and wellness helpline for prior to the pandemic, LGBTQ+ youthmental health resources. cmha.ca Edmontons 2SLGBTQIA+ community. were found to be at significant increased1-833-456-4566risk for depression, anxiety, substanceKids Help PhoneDistress Line: 780-482-4357 (HELP) use and suicidality. These risks are evenMental health resources, crisis supportbriteline.camore pronounced among youth who areand counselling for ages 5-20. transgender and/or nonbinary, stated1-800-668-6868 / kidshelpphone.ca Calgary Outlink a recent report, Implications of COVID-19Support and referrals for Calgarys for LGBTQ Youth Mental Health and SuicideParents of Gender Creative Kids2SLGBTQIA+ community. Its Inside Out Prevention, published by The TrevorCommunity organization supportingYouth Group supports ages 13-18.Project, a global suicide prevention andtrans, non-binary and gender-fluidwww.calgaryoutlink.ca/copy-of-feedbackcrisis intervention organization for youths affirmation.LGBTQ+ youth. gendercreativekids.com Centre for Sexuality Services and supports for Calgarys Before the pandemic, the CanadianPFLAG CanadaLGBTQ+ community including Camp Mental Health Association estimatedNational support organization forfYrefly, a national leadership retreat for that LGBTQ+ youth were about 14 timesparents, families, friends and LGBTQ+ages 14-24. centreforsexuality.camore likely to be at risk of suicide thanpeople themselves. pflagcanada.caheterosexual youth, with suicidal thoughtsEdmonton Two Spirit Society and attempts being most commonTrans LifelinePrograms and services for Two-Spirit, among trans youth. With so manyPeer-run helpline offering support IndigiQueer and/or Indigenous schools, libraries, community centresto trans people in crisis.LGBTQIA+ communities. e2s.caand fitness facilities operating under1-877-330-6366 / translifeline.orgCOVID protocols, youth who are comingLGBTQ Wellness Centre out or transitioning have been facingWabanaki Two Spirit AllianceWellness services for Edmonton and an even more precarious period overRepresents the interests of Two-Spiritnorthern central Albertas 2SLGBTQ the past few years. Its been hard to getand Indigenous LGBTQ+ individuals andpopulation. wellnesscentreab.caaway from unsupportive family membersgroups ages 16+ in Wabanaki Territory or roommates, and harder to find a(Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PrinceMental Health Help Line sympathetic ear or a safe, unjudgmentalEdward Island, Newfoundland/Labrador,24-hour helpline for Albertans space just to be themselves. Quebec and Maine). w2sa.ca experiencing mental health concerns. Yet even through this very challengingALBERTA 1-877-303-2642 / albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=6810&servicetime, there is support for LGBTQ+ youthaltView Foundation for Gender VariantAtFacilityID=1047134who need to find information, socialize inand Sexual Minorities a comfortable environment or just talk, Province-wide non-profit based in as the following list (by no meansStrathcona with a youth space/activity exhaustive) shows. group and all-ages discussion group.altview.ca28| QBiz CANADA | Issue 1 2022'