Supporting Youth, Strengthening Community: The Impact of the Youth Wellness Hub Ontario - Northumberland

Young people in Northumberland County now have a dedicated place to turn for support, connection, and care, thanks to the Youth Wellness Hub Ontario – Northumberland (YWHO-Northumberland). The Hub is a project led by Rebound Child & Youth Services and supported by a Collaborative Partnership Team of local organizations who gather input, collaboratively plan and implement services. The partners include Community Health Centres of Northumberland, YMCA Northumberland, Northumberland Hills Hospital, Municipality of Port Hope, and Community Living & Respite Northumberland. 


The hub represents a significant step forward in improving access to youth-focused services across our community. 


Located in Port Hope, the YWHO-Northumberland offers free, low-barrier services for youth aged 12 to 25. Designed as a “one-stop shop,” the hub brings together a wide range of supports under one roof. 


Services include: 


  • Mental health and substance use supports 
  • Primary care 
  • Peer mentorship 
  • Education, employment, and housing supports 
  • Community Cupboard 
  • Life skills programming and recreational activities 
  • Shower and laundry facilities 


By integrating clinical care with social and community supports, the hub creates a welcoming environment where youth can feel safe, supported, and empowered to take the next step in their wellness journey. 


What makes the hub truly unique is its commitment to co-design. The YWHO-Northumberland was developed in collaboration with youth, families, and community partners to ensure services reflect real needs and lived experiences. A dedicated youth advisory committee continues to play an active role, meeting monthly to help shape programs, provide feedback, and ensure the hub evolves alongside the needs of young people in the community. 


This approach helps remove traditional barriers to care. Youth can access primary care services through self-referral, without needing a health card, and can choose to connect in-person or virtually. The hub also has the capacity to offer transportation support for booked appointments, helping ensure that lack of access to transportation is not a barrier to care. 


As the lead agency, Rebound has played a critical role in bringing this vision to life. With decades of experience supporting children, youth, and families in Northumberland, Rebound has built strong partnerships and a deep understanding of local needs. 


Through its leadership, the hub has already demonstrated meaningful impact by: 


  • Expanding access to integrated mental health and wellness services 
  • Creating a centralized access point for youth supports 
  • Strengthening collaboration across health and community partners 
  • Increasing early intervention opportunities for young people 


The hub is also part of the broader Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario network, which aims to address gaps in youth mental health and substance use services across the province. 


The YWHO-Northumberland reflects the shared goals of OHT-N partners: to build a more connected, accessible, and person-centred health system. 


By bringing services together and focusing on prevention, early intervention, and whole-person care, the hub is helping to reshape how young people experience the health system—making it more responsive, more inclusive, and more effective. 


Learn more by visiting the Rebound Youth Wellness Hub website. 


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