New play space at children’s mental health unit
AN indoor play space at Health Sciences Centre will give children and teens struggling with their mental health a space to exercise, spend time with their families and play games over the winter months.
In 2022, HSC opened an outdoor play area for children admitted to the child and adolescent mental health unit.
The feedback on the outdoor play area was overwhelmingly positive, said Val Mondor, director of mental health services.
“The opportunity to have something similar to the outdoor space, but inside, is especially helpful because of the long winter months we have here,” she said.
Manitoba’s Credit Unions provided $250,000 to create Manitoba’s Credit Unions Play Space.
Mondor said patients and staff members are “extremely grateful.”
Activities include foosball, air hockey and table tennis, which Mondor said has been especially popular.
It is great to have space for activities that weren’t offered in the past, she said.
“Our main goal is for our patients to engage in healthy activities and have access to a calm, nurturing space,” Mondor said. “It’s a really important strategy to support youth through their recovery.”
The youth can also use the space for other physical activities such as yoga or stretching. Mondor said staff members will also run recreational activities.
The mental health unit has 14 beds and admits 600 youth per year. A 2019 statement from Manitoba’s advocate for children and youth said 11 per cent of youth ages six to 12, and 17 per cent of young people ages 13 to 19, experience significant mental health or addiction.
“The foundation is so grateful for Manitoba’s Credit Unions’ commitment to the well-being of our community and dedication to improving the lives of young patients at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital,” Stefano Grande, chief executive officer of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, said.
A plaque outside the space displays the dozen credit unions that contributed to the funding.
“Mental health is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and we are proud to contribute to the well-being of Manitoba’s youth through this initiative,” Assiniboine Credit Union CEO Kevin Sitka said.
Craig Zamzow, CEO of Swan Valley Credit Union, said mental health is particularly a problem for youth, and he is thrilled to be able to contribute to the new play space.
