Anyone who knows me, knows that I love walking so here I am again writing about getting out walking! Not only does it provide tremendous mental and physical health benefits, and time for meaningful conversation, but it is a wonderful way to experience being a part of the community. Sometimes that may be as simple […]

There is nothing like getting outdoors for a good brisk walk either on my own for mental clarity or with my family allowing an opportunity for great conversation. When I am on my own, I am always amazed at the ideas or answers that “pop into my head” when I am in this space. When […]

  As May approaches, so do many requests from schools for our presentations to support their mental health initiatives that are often being done during this time. I am in awe at the amazing work that is being done in schools. From day/week-long events to ongoing projects where, not only our speakers are brought in […]

I have been collecting tools for coping with stress and life challenges since I was sixteen years old! I have always been drawn towards creating a positive mindset and building inner strength and resilience. This is not an easy endeavor or something that happens fast – it takes perseverance, optimism and a lot of getting […]

One of the most courageous things that any of us can do today is to be genuinely honest about who we are – for “real”. Most of us present the “highlight reel” – those parts of our lives that we want everyone to see, while the true and whole self stays safely tucked away. This […]

  “There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Leonard Cohen. One of my favourite quotes because even though we grow from them, how many of us welcome the experience of too many “cracks” in life just to let more light in! But they happen, and when they happen it helps to know […]

There is no getting away from the fact that we impact those around us. We are energetic beings, so we influence others in negative and positive ways depending on what we put out into the world.  The key is Awareness – we can only be responsible for things for which we are aware. Having said […]

       It must be human nature to have issues with change because, I think I am safe to say that most of us do. We tend to push for a change related to something that we really want, at the same time hold on to the habits, relationships or circumstances that resist that […]

Cantare, a concert fundraiser for YouthSpeak Performance Charity was held on August 30th, 2017 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Woodbridge. The brainchild behind this event was Sabrina Di Battista, a twenty-year-old soprano singer who is immensely talented. Sabrina has traveled all over the world to study music and has performed at various charitable galas. […]

As we approach the doorstep of September it brings the feeling of new growth and opportunities. This can trigger a range of emotions – excited anticipation, but also anxiety and overwhelm at what challenges may come. We live in a fast-paced, uncertain world where we are seeing an eruption of turmoil, while at the same […]

Rich Clune, Forward for the Toronto Marlies “I was introduced to YouthSpeak two years ago and coincidently joined them at an event right by a school where I grew up. The passion they have for their message related to mental health, anti-bullying and addiction is one that I firmly believe in. It is important for […]

As we launch our new website, we would like to take this opportunity to thank The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group for a $20,000 donation through their C.A.R.E. – Create A Ripple Effect Program. The Commonwell, “truly believe that as people who share the same schools, the same rinks, parks, markets and love of fresh air […]

We are absolutely thrilled to have O’Hara Technologies Inc. as a new sponsorship partner supporting the work of our youth speakers. “Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders than any other age group.” Statistics Canada (2013). Canadian Community Health Survey – Mental Health Given the prevalence […]

There is more to the name Heart2Heart than a 70’s/80’s Dinner & Dance fundraiser being held on February 13th, 2016 at Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Richmond Hill. The name also carries a meaning that is larger than the timely Valentine’s on which our event is being held, although many attendees will make […]

“Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something and has lost something.” This quote by Jackson Brown Jr. is one of my favorite because it breaks down walls and creates unity in our human experience. While reflecting back on successes and “yet-to-be” successes this past year, I recall a Speak Inspire Change challenge that we tried […]

It is time for greater change. I believe it is time for all of humanity to step up and be true to ourselves – to be brave, experience genuine peace and have a voice of strength and compassion. We all have been playing it too small! What could it look like? Every child is free […]

YouthSpeak programs are all driven by the philosophy that inspirational personal stories can inspire change. Our youth speakers always share a message about asking for help and to encouraging others to reach out to someone who needs it. Grade 10 student… “A speaker from YouthSpeak spoke to me on a day I was planning to […]