Roddie Saunders wants to keep the brightly-coloured mobile clinic that drives to local schools, malls and skate parks on the road.
That is why the Bradford West Gwillimbury realtor started the Lions Walk for MOBYSS, which will have its 3rd annual event May 26.
The Mobile York South Simcoe (MOBYSS) mobile youth health clinic provides people between the ages of 12 and 25 with confidential and professional medical, sexual and mental-health services, free of charge.
“I’ve had people in my life take their lives,” said Saunders. “Why wasn’t this around when I was younger?”
It is an initiative of the Canadian Mental Health Association of York Region and South Simcoe, and it is meant to help remove barriers preventing youth from getting health services they need.
The mobile clinic takes health services directly to young people who may be struggling with illness, depression, anxiety, bullying, or other issues. Youth can drop in and talk directly with a nurse practitioner, youth counsellor and peer support specialist in a non-judgemental setting.
Saunders said MOBYSS is part of a new, more open approach to mental health.
“People are talking about it. There’s so much more interaction,” including more opportunities to educate, support and help, he said.
This year’s Lions Walk for MOBYSS takes place this Saturday. Walkers will gather at the park at the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library for a one- or five-kilometre walk. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the walk starts at 10 a.m.
Pledge forms are available at [email protected], or just drop by on the day of the event to sign up.
“There’s no minimum donation,” added Saunders, and the MOBYSS mobile clinic will be on site for anyone who wants to learn more.
Lions Walk for MOBYSS
May 26
9 a.m. registration
10 a.m. walk begins
Outside the BWG Public Library
