Maintaining mental health support for youth with virtual programming and technology

Lumenus Community Services is a GTA-based mental health resource that provides free support for people with mental health issues, complex special needs, and developmental challenges.

COVID-19 forced Lumenus to shift its programs linking youth and their families to accessible and responsive mental health resources to a virtual platform. Thanks to a grant from the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation, Lumenus was able to continue its commitment to mental health programs and ensure that it can continue its vital work remotely.

“At Lumenus ‘accessibility’ is our keyword, and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has greatly helped us remain accessible to children, youth, individuals and families in our care.”

Specifically, the funding enabled Lumenus to provide patients and their families with computers and other devices, ensuring that everyone that it supports can remain connected to its services throughout the pandemic. Lumenus now offers online counselling programs and educational services, helping ensure that addressing mental health is not forgotten during this time of need.

As demand for mental health services increases, the need for virtual support has expanded and our funding has given Lumenus farther reach to keep these vulnerable communities connected.

Staying connected

“The TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has made it possible for our youth to stay connected in this new virtual world – connectivity in learning, connectivity in community and connectivity in mental health supports” said CEO Lydia Sai-Chew. “At Lumenus ‘accessibility’ is our keyword, and the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation has greatly helped us remain accessible to children, youth, individuals and families in our care.”

By connecting our communities and ensuring that virtual programming is available through organizations like Lumenus, the TELUS Friendly Future Foundation continues to help build brighter futures for those who need it most, using technology to ensure nobody gets left behind.