“We wanted to provide something helpful to teenagers who might be struggling or isolated, to make something they would be excited to receive,”  said Mark Stromenberg, the Community Director for YFC Guelph. “Covid-19 has limited the ways we can connect with our students, many of whom already have mental health challenges, and this is one way we can continue to connect with and support them.”

“It’s needed because youth and teens struggle with mental health and don’t ask for help. I believe that this box will help them know that they are not alone.
⏤Lily (Guelph, aged eighteen)

Each box includes clothing items, mental health tools, stickers, and local resources that are all chosen to promote positive mental wellness, provide support connections, or inspire mental health advocacy.

What is really unique about the program is that members of the community can directly support it through their own subscription on a buy-one-give-one model. Each paid subscription provides a box for free to a young person who may really need some encouragement. For local addresses, each box will be delivered to the doorstep by Youth Unlimited volunteers in several of our communities.

Interest in the program has been very positive, with a waiting list already growing for teenagers who want to participate. “I’m really excited with how well BrainBox has been received,” says Stromenberg, “We really believe it’s something special and hope the community can support it.”

The first set of boxes is set to be delivered in March, with a brand new box every three months. Subscriptions are free for youth aged 18 and younger.