Stay Connected Mental Health Project

Seventy-five per cent of mental health disorders start before people turn 25, meaning the transition from youth to adult care comes when people are most likely to face mental health problems.

About the project

Connecting to what matters most with the Stay Connected Mental Health Project

The visionary leadership and generosity of Fred and Elizabeth Fountain activated the launch of the Stay Connected Mental Health Project in 2013.

The project started as a five-year innovative initiative to change the way young adults transition from youth to adult-based mental health and addictions services. At 19, people receiving ongoing treatment must switch from youth services at the IWK to adult services at the QEII Health Sciences Centre and other sites within the Mental Health and Addictions Program.

“The Stay Connected project has connected these services. We can reach out much more easily and collaboratively,” says Dr. David Pilon, a psychologist and program leader within the Mental Health and Addictions Program.

Connecting services and increasing support is critical because the transition of care comes at a time when people are most likely to face mental health problems.

keeping a son's legacy alive

Honouring Alex, influencing change

A sensitive young man, musician and exceptional student, Alex Fountain took his own life in August 2009 just before he was to begin his fourth year at the University of King’s College. He was 20 years old and had received professional help for his depression.

After his passing, his parents, Fred and Elizabeth, wanted to honour his memory by contributing in a positive way to other youth who might be experiencing mental health problems. In addition to their significant donation to fund the Stay Connected Mental Health Project in 2013, the Fountains’ recent gift in recognition of Canada 150 will support the continuation of the program.

Impact

Ensuring youth stay connected to the care they require

The impact of the Stay Connected Mental Health Project is vast and growing. Since 2013, the project has activated new processes to ensure that all new mental health and addictions staff within the IWK and NSHA’s Central Zone are introduced to the Stay Connected Mental Health Project and care transition guidelines as part of their mandatory orientation and training.

As part of the Stay Connected Mental Health Project, a student peer-support initiative was started where each of the project’s five partner universities recruits and trains two peer-support workers who provide free, non-judgmental, confidential, and safe mental health support to their fellow students. The project offers students an opportunity to meet with and learn from peer-support workers, who have experienced mental health issues.