YourSpace Hamilton

Back to School Transitions

Going back to school is a hard transition in any year. This year, there are many new changes to adjust to. Here is a collection of links, resources and videos to help you prepare and adapt to the new school year.

Back to school tips and kits

Just for youth:
Children's Mental Health Ontario (CMHO):
- 6 Tips for Supporting Your Child's Mental Wellness and Preparing to Return to School
- Back to School Mental Health Toolkit
School Mental Health Ontario:
- Supporting Mental Health and Wellness During the Return to School (pdf)
- Soutenir la santé mentale et le bien-être pendant la rentrée scolaire : Fiche-conseils pour les parents et les familles (pdf)
Hamilton Health Sciences' Back to School 2020 YouTube playlist - quick tips for children, youth and families
Child Mind Institute: Back to school resources
Articles:
- "Getting Back to School When School Isn’t the Same: 5 Steps to Navigating Successfully" from The Gottman Institute
- "Children may be afraid of masks: here's how to help" (New York Times)
- Back to School: A Youth’s Top Tips for How Parents Can Support their Kids

Helpful YourSpace sessions

OurSpace youth sessions:
- Something feels different...? Tips for youth going back to school
- Youth Resiliency - Part 1 and 2
FamilySpace family sessions:

School Board Updates

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB)
Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board (HWDSB)
Conseil scolaire Viamonde (Cs Viamonde)
Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir (Csc MonAvenir)

Local Mental Health Supports

Want to talk to a mental health counselor in Hamilton? You can access brief services through Child & Adolescent Services' virtual walk-in mental health service for children, youth and families (part of Public Health Services, City of Hamilton)
Not sure what services are available? Waiting for services and feel that there has been a change in your mental health? Get in touch with Contact Hamilton.
More info on where to find help