The first week of May (May 4–10) brings communities, families, and friends together to recognize Children’s Mental Health Week, with May 7 marking National Child and Youth Mental Health Day. This time highlights the importance of supporting the well-being of children and youth.
As the Lead Agency for Child and Youth Mental Health Services in Windsor-Essex, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare (HDGH), along with the core service providers, Children First, Maryvale Adolescent and Family Services, and Family Respite Services Windsor-Essex, joins partners across Ontario in recognizing the vital role of community-based mental health services in fostering connection and belonging, and in building a more connected, accessible, and family-centred system of care across Windsor-Essex.
This year’s theme, “Come Together,” invites everyone to strengthen connection to ourselves, to one another, and to our community, as a foundation for mental health and well-being.
Launched in May of 2022, WEConnectKids was created by HDGH in collaboration with the core service providers, as a starting point for families who aren’t sure how, where, or what type of mental health support they need. It is a free and confidential service for children, youth, and families living in the region. This year, we are proud to introduce its newly redesigned website and searchable program directory, making it easier to find mental health and community-based supports in Windsor-Essex.
“Connection is at the heart of what we do,” said Lori Kempe, Lead Agency Director of Children and Youth Mental Health. “During Children’s Mental Health Week, we’re reminded how important it is for families to feel supported and not alone. The WEConnectKids website helps strengthen those connections by making it easier to find and access the right services in our community.”
The WEConnectKids website provides a centralized, user-friendly platform where families can explore local programs by age group, area of need, and type of support — helping them better understand available services and take the next step with confidence. Co-designed with caregivers and youth in the community, the site reflects real experiences and priorities, including simple navigation, plain language, and quick access to relevant information.
The website is available at: WEConnectKids.org
In addition to the online directory, children and youth up to age 18, along with parents, caregivers, and providers, can connect directly with the WEConnectKids team in the following ways:
- By phone: Call 519-257-KIDS (5437), Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- By walk-in: Visit the HDGH Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) Counselling Clinic, 3901 Connaught Street, Windsor, Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last appointment time) and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last appointment time)
WEConnectKids works to strengthen connections between families and local service providers. The program is not intended to replace existing intake processes, but rather to support collaboration, reduce barriers, and make it easier for children, youth, and families to access timely, appropriate mental health care.