News

Enhancing mental wellness through creative expression

July 18, 2018

MBGC_Group_July_sm.jpg#asset:440Medavie CEO Bernard Lord and Boys & Girls Club of Moncton youth display their artwork, created as part of the Reflexion program building mental resiliency.


The Boys and Girls Club of Moncton is receiving a $45,000 grant over three years in support of Reflexion, a program providing children and youth with a variety of creative, therapeutic outlets in helping them move toward positive mental health. Part of the Club’s Context mental health program, Reflexion facilitates the learning of various mediums including dancing, photography, painting, and gardening, leading to a healthier sense of self and increased mental resiliency. This funding brings Medavie’s support of the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton to over $100,000.

Through our Foundation, Medavie supports community-based programs aligned with child and youth mental health, post-traumatic stress, and type 2 diabetes. Since late 2011, Medavie Health Foundation has committed over $2.7 million to single and multi-year grant and partnership programs in New Brunswick, including some $1 million in the Moncton area. For information on the Foundation’s 2018 Grants Program, or to apply, visit medavie.ca.

 

Quick Facts

  • Evidence suggests that children and youth benefit from the therapeutic approach of art therapy (visual arts, music, dance, etc.), allowing them to describe their experiences in a non-threatening environment, leading to improved psychological, behavioural, and emotional functioning.1
  • Over 50% of children and youth attending the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton have a diagnosed mental health condition, with many others coping with undiagnosed symptoms.
  • Program participants report improved critical thinking and social emotional learning skills, as well as a decrease in anxiety, feelings of anger, and depression.

 

Quotes

“As a not-for-profit health solutions partner, Medavie is committed to improving the wellbeing of Canadians.  For 75 years, through investments in programs and innovative solutions, we’ve been helping Canadians live well and enabling easier access to quality health care in our communities. Increasing positive mental health outcomes and resiliency among children and youth aligns with our Foundation’s belief that all Canadians, especially young Canadians, should have access to the tools and supports they need to live their best lives.” – Bernard Lord, CEO, Medavie

“Although traditional mental health therapeutic methods have their place, research now shows that multi-faceted community approaches like our Club’s Reflexion program help to strengthen the work already being done by mental health professionals in clinics, schools, etc.  Reflexion is designed to stimulate a young person's creativity, while creating environments and platforms that encourage a sense of purpose and meaning through various means other than on a one-on-one basis. With the continued support of Medavie, we’re able to positively impact the lives and social development of our youth.” – Daniel LeBlanc, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Moncton

Associated Links

Boys & Girls Club of Moncton

1 Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health