U-HUB by The Turning Point - Team 29

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  Team member talking to Mayor of Ottawa

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  Team Word search

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  Team Poster

Inspiration Growing up in Afghanistan, I saw how prevention, rather than just reacting can reshape lives. Even where resources were scarce, school-based prevention and peer support programs gave young people hope, resilience, and new paths. As I’ve traveled and learned from other communities, this lesson has been reinforced: wherever proactive prevention takes priority, youth and the broader community thrive. This inspired me to help create U-HUB by The Turning Point, aiming to bring the same proven, prevention-first approach to support youth mental health and substance use in Ottawa.

What it does U-HUB is a blueprint for school-based, peer-supported prevention programs that integrate mental health and substance use education into school culture. Our plan outlines a hub model for Ottawa schools combining: • Universal prevention (emotional intelligence and resilience taught in class) • Targeted peer support (dedicated safe spaces and trained peer mentors) • Equity-focused outreach to ensure marginalized youth are included How we built it We haven’t launched U-HUB yet, but to do so we need to conducted in-depth research: • Interview students, teachers, and local mental health professionals • Review international best practices on youth wellness hubs • Design program modules, peer mentor guidelines, and outreach strategies • Create mock-up diagrams and workflows for schools and community partners

Challenges we ran into One major challenge is designing something that fits the needs of Ottawa’s diverse youth, particularly marginalized groups. Another challenge is ensuring programs remain accessible and engaging for students whose attendance or family support may be inconsistent. Finally, since we are in the planning stage, aligning many partners and potential funders around a shared vision is complex.

Accomplishments that we're proud of We’re proud to have put together a truly evidence-based, equity-centered plan that adapts the best of prevention science from around the world to our local context. We hope that if we continue we built relationships with mental health organizations, got feedback from students, and mapped out the practical steps needed for implementation in Ottawa.

What we learned We learned that real, lasting change for youth mental health comes when prevention is woven into everyday school life, not added as an afterthought. Listening to youth voices, especially those most at risk, is crucial for credibility and impact. We also learned that while software and apps are helpful, human relationships and peer connection make the biggest difference.

What’s next for U-HUB by The Turning Point We hope to receive funding to pilot our plan in partnership with Ottawa schools and community organizations. We’re seeking feedback from more youth and stakeholders, applying for funding, and preparing to test and refine our program in a real-world school setting. Our ultimate goal is to expand U-HUB across the city, helping every young person feel supported, seen, and set up for success and show that Ottawa can be a success story in Canada.

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