Each year, Mental Health Week invites us to reflect, connect, and take action to support well-being in our communities. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Thomas-Elgin, we see firsthand how something as simple as a consistent, caring relationship can make a lasting impact on a young person’s mental health.
Mentorship is more than guidance—it’s connection. And connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for mental well-being.
Research continues to show that mentoring relationships can play a meaningful role in supporting youth mental health:
While mentoring isn’t a replacement for clinical care, it is a powerful complement—offering connection, consistency, and encouragement when it’s needed most.
For many young people, having a mentor means having someone who:
These relationships can help build confidence, improve coping skills, and foster a stronger sense of belonging—all critical components of positive mental health.
At BBBS St. Thomas-Elgin, we are proud to create and support mentoring relationships that help young people thrive. During Mental Health Week, we celebrate the mentors, volunteers, and supporters who make this work possible—and the young people who inspire us every day.
Because when a young person feels seen, heard, and supported, it can change everything.
Interested in becoming a mentor or supporting our programs?
Join us in creating life-changing connections that strengthen mental health and build brighter futures.