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Planet Youth Lanark County (PYLC) is working to prevent and delay youth substance use by strengthening the places where young people live, learn, and play. By understanding what helps youth thrive, and what creates barriers, they’re bringing communities together to build safer, healthier, and more connected environments for everyone.
LanarkLeedsToday.ca connected with Rebecca Shams of the Southeast Public Health Unit who’s the project coordinator for PYLC for an update on their work. One of PYLC’s main focuses is sleep.
PYLC is working with youth to explore sleep health, body clocks, and ways to create positive change. They’re reaching out to parents to start conversations about how communities can support better sleep for our kids. And they’re partnering with Children’s Resources on Wheels and ConnectWell Community Health Centre to offer workshops this fall for parents of young children on bedtime routines and healthy sleep habits.
Surveys of grade 10 students found that up to 45% of students don’t feel safe at school. Youth have also shared where they do feel safe, and PYLC is using that information to help grow positive spaces across the region.
PYLC is supporting and investing in local youth centres, enabling them to hire extra staff and expand programming. They’re asking the public to share their social media posts and help spread the word and to start conversations with friends, family, and networks about how we all can make our communities better for youth. Find out more at planetyouthlanark.ca. Hear our complete conversation with Shams below.
Story by Brian Turner
