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HB NEWS STRONG NEIGHBOURHOODS HELP CHILDREN THRIVE: SURVEY The third bulletin re- leased by Our Kids Net- work from its Halton Youth Impact Survey shows how young people interact with their community. Just under 2,600 stu- dents participated in the survey, which has been shared with youth- centred organizations in Halton. Youth aged nine to 18 from 27 different neigh- bourhoods across th tions on topics such as the environment, public spac- es, green spaces, volun- teering and civic engage- ment. “At Our Kids Network, research shows that neigh- pourho ods and communi- s play a really critical oe in the healthy develop- ment of children and youth," said Dr. Elisabeth Wells, interim executive di- rector of OKN. "All of those unique features of the pub- lic spaces in our neigh- bourhoods — like green spaces, parks, beaches, Oars nity ioe dens — are really impor- tant because they support youth physical health, their ability to connect and come together, munity belo: Youth not ey have lle opinions about how to strengthen commu- nities, but they also have a right to participate in the development of program- ming that impacts them, said Wells. “That means local orga- nizations need to provide authentic, meaningful op- engage youth. OKN's mandate is to collaborate with agencies and professionals to find ways to provide those op- portunities.” Here are some high- lights from. the OKN' 'sthird survey bulletin: + Youth are passionate about issues related to ne environment and man} oung people indicated they would like to see more neighbourhood events such as cleanups. + Six in 10 respondents reported being satisfied with the overall quality of the natural environment in their community. +The eet of youth who participated in the survey reported volunteer- ing sometimes, often or al- ways in their community. + Civic engagement was higher in Halton Hills and Milton than in other areas of the region. To transform the survey findings into action, OKN is working with partner agencies, including librar- ies, YMCAs, school boards, public health and parks and recreational depart- ments to share informa- tion, and provide tools and resources to begin conver- sations about how to lever- age the data. OKN has launched the Youth Volunteer Life Cycle Resource Toolkit. Based on Graham Paine/ Metroland Unique features of public spaces help kids connect and support their physical health, says Elisabeth Wells, OKN interim director. work done by the Halton Youth Initiative, an OKN- led Trillium project from 2019-2021 that has evolved into the Halton Youth Voic- videos, infogra ics and tip sheets. Youth c canbe part ofthat values their voice, said Wells. "They have a right to have their voices heard, but we need to make the space to have that happen," she said. "They have so many great contributions that they want to make, and they want to be! leaders face barri io be le to warticipate ‘Cue Otherwise, we're missing out — adults, profession- als, all of society — because they're not being heard.” CALLING THE SHOTS NEVER GETS OLD At Amica Bronte Harbour, the day is yours to spend any way you wish. Whether you like to keep busy and stay social or relax and take things at your own pace, we'll work to discover what makes you, you. Together we'll create a senior living experience that's all yours, including personalized, professional care that evolves to meet your needs, even as those needs change. And, like spending the afternoon shooting the breeze, that never gets old. Join us for a complimentary lunch & private tour. AMICA BRONTE HARBOUR 160 BRONTE RD « AMICA.CA/BRONTEHARBOUR 2202 ‘Cb Jeqawo ‘Aepsuny, | senzeg eMHeO | €Z woo"uo}]EYyapIsUt