nourish
nourish: Radiating Wellness in Huron County Youth supports the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of rural youth through wellness workshops focused on movement, mindfulness, nutrition, and peer connection.
Project Background
nourish aims to create accessible, engaging, and empowering wellness experiences directly within our local rural high schools. Recognizing the unique challenges of rural youth, nourish was created by Gateway CERH to address rising mental health concerns, academic pressures, and substance misuse. By integrating movement, nutrition, and mindfulness, the program addresses youth well-being holistically. nourish is currently being piloted in Huron County and surrounding areas with strong involvement from local youth leaders and wellness professionals.
Project Goals
Promote Physical Well-Being in Youth
nourish integrates accessible, low-impact movement such as yoga and stretching to support the physical health of youth. These practices not only improve mobility, posture, and flexibility but also serve as effective tools for stress reduction and mental clarity. By introducing physical activity in a welcoming, non-competitive environment, nourish encourages youth to build positive associations with movement and care for their bodies.
Enhance Youth Emotional Intelligence Through Reflection & Mindfulness
Each session includes mindfulness activities and journal prompts designed to help youth reflect on their thoughts, behaviours, and experiences. These reflective practices promote self-awareness, empathy, and effective coping strategies—key components of emotional intelligence—while also supporting self-regulation, goal-setting, and long-term wellness habits that youth can carry beyond the sessions.
Encourage Mindful Disconnect & Body Awareness
To counter the constant stimulation of digital life, Nourish offers screen-free sessions that allow youth to unplug and reconnect with themselves. Through movement, mindfulness, and stillness, participants are encouraged to tune into their physical and emotional states. This intentional break from screens helps reduce stress, improve focus, and foster a deeper awareness of the body and mind.
Provide Youth with Healthy, Nourishing Food Options
At every session, youth are offered build-your-own smoothie bowls and fresh-pressed juice. These meals not only fuel the body but also teach youth how simple, healthy eating can be both enjoyable and accessible. Nourishment becomes a tangible part of wellness education, reinforcing the connection between what we eat and how we feel.
Project Timeline
01.
Ideation & Grant Writing
02.
Literature Review & Community Research
03.
Program Design & Planning
04.
Execution
05.
Evaluation & Final Report
Gateway CERH has partnered with local yogis to bring this program to life. We offer guided yoga and stretching sessions designed to help rural youth improve physical health, increase flexibility, and reduce stress—all within a safe and supportive environment.
In these sessions, participants learn effective breathing techniques to calm their minds and restore inner peace. This skillset is especially valuable for students who experience anxiety or become overwhelmed, equipping them with practical tools to use beyond the wellness sessions. Additionally, student athletes benefit from enhanced breathing methods and core engagement, which can improve physical performance and focus.
Project Initiatives
Yoga & Stretching
Project Initiatives
Meditation & Journaling
Mindfulness meditation combined with journaling encourages youth to pause and connect with their thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way. These practices build greater emotional awareness, allowing participants to identify and understand their emotions without judgment. Through guided prompts and reflective writing, youth develop important self-reflection skills that support personal growth.
Youth are provided with journals to take home for ongoing reflection and practice. These journals are free, remain private and are not collected or reviewed, giving students full autonomy over their thoughts and feelings. Inside, participants will also find a brochure featuring local, youth-focused mental health supports and resources, along with daily affirmations and mindful journal prompts to continue nurturing their well-being beyond the sessions.
Youth are able to create their own healthy smoothie bowls and juices, promoting positive eating habits through an interactive and enjoyable experience. Students can choose a smoothie bowl base—or simply take a smoothie if they prefer—and customize it with a variety of fresh, wholesome toppings such as bananas, blueberries, rolled oats, chia seeds, and more. This process encourages mindful food choices and creativity.
Pre-made or donated juices from local shops provide students with convenient, on-the-go options to enjoy later, allowing them to nourish themselves their way, on their own time.
This initiative also provides a healthy alternative lunch option for students and offers free meals to those who may not otherwise have access to nutritious food. Thus, supporting youth who face budget constraints and promoting equitable access to quality nutrition.
Project Initiatives
Build-Your-Own Smoothie Bowl & Juice Bar
Project in Action
Transformative
Inclusive
Empowering
Supportive
Community Resources
If you are in an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please call Huron Perth Helpline and Crisis Response Team at 1-888-829-7484, call or text 9-8-8, or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
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The 9-8-8 suicide and crisis helpline provides free, confidential support via call or text 24/7 across Canada. It's a vital resource for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or in need of mental health support.
Anxiety Canada is a non-profit organization that offers evidence-based, downloadable resources for youth and adults dealing with anxiety and related mental health concerns. They also provide tools and education for those supporting loved ones with mental health challenges.
Project Team
The nourish project team is filled with passionate advocates for youth wellness and rural health equity. The team collaborates with local wellness instructors, educators, and mental health professionals to deliver meaningful, accessible wellness experiences for youth across Huron County. Focused on prevention, empowerment, and connection, the nourish team is committed to supporting rural youth in building healthier habits, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of community—both now and for the future.
Sophia Buckman
Research Assistant
Project Funders
