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Throughout the month of May, Digby Mental Health Services, Digby SchoolsPlus and Nova Scotia Works partnered with Turning the Tide to launch a new program called Lunch and Learn for students across the Digby area. The focus of the program was to help prepare students for life after high school.
The idea started from the initial research Morgan did last fall. When meeting with youth in the community and organizations serving youth, themes of worry and not feeling prepared to transition from high school were emerging.
Due to Covid-19, the planning for the session took a different direction and the program was offered online. It was a valuable way to keep youth connected during this time as the online format allowed the sessions to be shared with students from Digby Regional High School, Islands Consolidated and St. Mary's Bay Academy.
Each week featured a new guest speaker who presented on a topic chosen by youth. These live sessions allowed youth to engage with the presenter and ask questions. We know not all students could participate each week, therefore videos were made available for youth to watch on their own time. For their time and participation each student received a $20 grocery gift card. The gift cards covered the Lunch component to the program. We have had an average of 35 students register each week and students have shared positive feedback regarding the program and sessions. Turning the Tide has also met with other communities in the Tri-County to share our learnings and experiences in hopes the program can grow across the region!
Our last session will be on Monday, June 1, but we are excited to launch a "Summer Series" of the program and are already discussing topics for our Fall sessions.
We would like to thank the Digby & Area Community Health Board, Digby SchoolsPlus and Nova Scotia Works for their contributions to the sessions. And to our partners, presenters and to the youth who participated, thank you!
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