PHU launches Planet Youth Timmins

Timmins, Ontario — The Porcupine Health Unit (PHU) is set to launch a five-year pilot project in Timmins, becoming the first community in Northern Ontario to implement the Planet Youth Guidance Program. This approach is based on the Icelandic Prevention Model, an evidence and community-based process which has been proven to lower substance use among youth in Iceland and has since been adapted in more than 16 countries.

“The PHU recognizes that the well-being of young people is fundamental to the overall health of society and is eager to bring Planet Youth to the community” says Laurie Dagg-Labine, Manager of Healthy Families, Substance Use and Mental Health at the PHU. Using data collected from local youth, in collaboration with school boards the community will gain valuable insights into the health and well-being of young people, implement effective solutions, and measure changes over time.

“Planet Youth's guidance program isn't a one-size-fits-all approach, which means not all the successful measures used in Iceland will work for Timmins. We can learn from the successful projects implemented around the world and adjust it to fit our own community's needs and circumstances.” said Kaidan Hardy, who will lead the project for the PHU.

Hardy added that the Planet Youth Guidance Program asks us to change the way we think. “Instead of focusing on individuals, we need to think about the whole community,” said Hardy. “We should also think beyond short-term goals and set our sights on long-term goals that will make a lasting difference.”