News Release                          For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                September 19, 2007

Youth Today…The Real Picture

Grey Bruce youth have spoken and now it’s time for action! Youth Today…The Real Picture is a snapshot focusing on youth in Grey Bruce, what they are saying, what changes they feel they need and how they measure themselves against the rest of Ontario and Canada. This snapshot presents the findings of focus groups conducted with youth aged 14-18 throughout Grey Bruce over this past summer. The results will be shared with municipalities, politicians, service clubs and those working with youth across Grey Bruce.

“We hope the snapshot will raise awareness in each community regarding what youth do and how they feel.” says Michelle Cameron, a fourth year Health Science student who lead the Youth Today project in conjunction with Youth Team of the Grey Bruce Health Unit and with support from Grey Bruce Partners in Health.

Currently Meaford, the Town of the Blue Mountains and the Town of Hanover are taking an active role with youth focused coalitions to identify youth needs and wants within their respective communities. Youth sit alongside town councilors, police officers, local media and community stakeholders to have a say on issues important to youth.

Youth are the experts on youth and should have a voice within their community. Youth need to know that through collective action they can be contributing members of their community and positively effect change.

The snapshot also provides a focus for the introduction of the Developmental Assets framework to Grey Bruce. This framework provides strategies for communities to connect, engage and commit to their youth.

For further information on the snapshot or resources on the Developmental Assets, please contact the Youth Team at the Grey Bruce Health Unit 519-376-9420 or visit our website at www.publichealthgreybruce.on.ca.

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Attachments: Cover -  Youth Today…The Real Picture

For more information contact:
Barb Gardner

Public Health Nurse, Youth Team

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 466