The summer youth intern will develop and implement youth engagement strategies, and actively provide a voice for local youth in the ongoing development of the hub in our community

The highly popular Timmins Youth Wellness Hub is receiving provincial support for a youth intern this coming summer.

The hub is one of only 10 organizations across Ontario selected by the Rural Ontario Insitute (ROI), a non-profit organization whose mandate is to develop leaders, initiate dialogue, and support collaboration on northern-Ontario specific issues and opportunities. One of their latest project, Municipal Internship: Youth Engagement Strategies, will streamline the funding.

The summer youth intern will develop and implement youth engagement strategies, and actively provide a voice for local youth in the ongoing development of the hub in our community.

Launched in co-creation with local youth, The Timmins Youth Wellness began operating twice a week at various locations across the city. The Youth Wellness Hub provides a safe, inclusive and welcoming space for all youth in Timmins aged 12-25 years old to connect with others and access activities, resources and services to support their well-being.

The communities selected underwent a rigorous evaluation process form staff and selection committees, and ROI Project Lead Ryan Deska said that expressions of interest have been "quite impressive," with communities looking at youth engagement from a number of different angles.

According to a press release issued by ROI, each partner has developed their own unique approach to youth engagement, tailored to address needs in the local community. As such, the interns will be tasked with implementing local workplans.

Final reports from this project will be shared publicly following its completion, outlining promising practices and lessons learned.

The Rural Ontario Institute is a non-profit organization committed to developing leaders, initiating dialogue, supporting collaboration and promoting action on issues and opportunities facing rural and northern Ontario.