Guests were treated to a captivating performance by Canadian singer/songwriter and Juno Award nominee Peter Patz, whose artistry set the tone for an evening dedicated to hope and impact. The intimate concert experience, paired with the generosity of attendees and supporters, made the night a resounding success.

“It was inspiring to see so many caring and compassionate people gathered together to make an impact on mental illness, addictions and dementia care in our communities,” said Co-Chair Laurene Hilderley. “The food was delicious, the volunteers were charming hosts, and Peter Katz’s music and storytelling created a fun and hopeful evening of community.”

Proceeds from An Evening to Shine the Light will directly support Waypoint’s essential mental health and addiction programs and services, while also helping to advance care, research, and innovation through the Dementia Fund — addressing the growing needs of individuals and families affected by dementia.

The organizing committee extends heartfelt thanks to all attendees, donors, sponsors and volunteers, whose support made the evening possible. Together, the community demonstrated the power of coming together to make a meaningful difference.

For more information about Waypoint and how to support its programs and the Dementia Fund, please visit waypointcentre.ca.

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“In many cases, when somebody calls in sick, we may have to rely on overtime or agency
staff to fill that shift, which costs the organization considerably,” said Jennifer Crawford, PhD, Director of Data Analytics.

The department has developed a machine learning model, which is a program that can
analyze years of historical data — every day, every hour, across clinical programs — to
forecast when and where sick calls are most likely to occur.

“The model learns from past data,” explained David Wen, PhD, the Data Scientist who
developed it. “It summarizes that data and makes a prediction for future sick positions.”
Unlike manual analysis, this AI model can handle a much deeper level of complexity. “A
human can look at one unit or one month of data,” said Wen. “But it would be extremely
difficult for a person to summarize five years of data across multiple programs and make a
reliable prediction.”

Sidestepping the privacy concerns that would come with focusing on individual employees,
the model will aggregate data at the program level. That output will then be delivered in a
user-friendly dashboard within Waypoint’s business intelligence portal, giving clinical managers real-time visibility into predicted sick-time spikes. “It’s not just an Excel spreadsheet or a file someone has to dig through,” said Crawford. “It’s at their fingertips, embedded in the systems they already use.”

A pilot project is being rolled out in the coming months. Clinical managers will be able to
compare the model’s predictions with actual outcomes, and use that information to make
informed staffing decisions.

“For example, if the model predicts that four clinicians may call in sick,” said Data Analyst
Kathleen Power, “communication needs to occur between clinical managers and the staffing
office to determine how many of the positions will be filled based on clinical activity and
program needs. This will help build trust in the model and ensure that humans have the final decision.”

Trust is a key theme in the project’s design. AI remains unfamiliar or concerning for many in health care, and Waypoint is prioritizing transparency and governance in its rollout.
“One of the really important things is there is always a human in the loop,” said Crawford. “The model makes a prediction, but it’s up to the clinician or decision maker who evaluates it to say, ‘Does this actually make sense in context? Or are there other factors in my environment that are not being captured by this data?’”

Waypoint has developed a governance framework to ensure all AI use — whether developed in-house or brought in from outside vendors — meets high standards for privacy, safety and ethical use. This predictive sick-time model is just one of several AI pilots currently underway,

alongside an AI scribe to support medical documentation and a crisis early-warning system for patient care. With AI adoption a strategic priority for 2025-26, Waypoint is taking deliberate, practical steps to explore how advanced analytics can support both operations and clinical care.

“We have new and more advanced analytical methods that can fundamentally transform
how we support our staff in delivering care,” said Crawford. “And there’s never been a more
critical time to act. These technologies are at the forefront of health care and, by adopting
them now, we can lead the way in shaping higher-quality mental health care while driving
greater operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.”

Other AI applications being explored by Waypoint include analyzing financial data, predicting alternate-level-of-care need, and assessing the risk of 30-day readmissions — all part of a broader vision to improve efficiency and outcomes.

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Whether your child is returning to a familiar school, entering a new grade, or beginning college or university, this time of year can bring added stress. Here are a few tips to help you support their mental health:

1. Talk openly about feelings – Create space for kids to express any worries, fears or excitement about going back to school. Normalize a mix of emotions and remind them that it’s OK to feel nervous.
2. Limit over-scheduling – While sports, clubs and other activities are important, too many commitments can lead to burnout. Keep after-school time balanced with rest, play and free time.
3. Practise coping strategies together – Teach and model healthy ways to manage stress, like deep breathing, journalling or going for a walk. The more familiar these tools are, the more likely kids will use them when they need to.
4. Set a routine – Make sure your children go to bed and wake up at regular times to ensure they get enough rest and can adjust smoothly to school.
5. Reassess device, gaming and social media habits – Social media can be distracting, sleep-disrupting, and even harmful or addictive. The start of the school year is a good time to take steps to reduce the harmful impacts of screen use, excessive gaming and social media.

Dr. Kim Fielding is a Child and Youth Psychiatrist with Waypoint’s Family, Child and Youth Mental Health Program, which provides care for the full spectrum of mental health conditions to individuals 17 years of age or younger. She pointed out that many parents are very aware of their child’s mental health struggles, but tend to overlook their own needs.

“I am often reminding parents to ‘put their own oxygen mask on first’ before trying to help their children, as unwell parents are not as effective at helping guide our youths toward wellness,” she said.

“Whenever parents are feeling lost amongst all the recommendations and advice, I suggest going back to the basics — sit down as a family at the dinner table without distractions and talk about your day.”

In addition to the tips above, Waypoint’s partner, the Centralized Ontario Specialized Health Network, has created a guide called Feelings Pathways for Children and Youth. A comprehensive list of resources for young people experiencing a range of mental health symptoms, it is available online at waypointcentre.ca/support-resources/feelings-pathways-for-children-and-youth. For more mental health information for youths, call the North Simcoe Youth Wellness Hub (705-427-5639) or stop by for walk-in counselling services (287 Bayshore Dr. in Midland).

The post Back-To-School Checklist: Don’t Forget Your Child’s Mental Health appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Hub offers youths aged 12 to 25 access to mental health care, substance use support, social services, employment and education resources, primary care, and opportunities to connect through social activities like movie nights and cooking events — fostering a sense of belonging and community.

It’s also a welcoming space for people like Kaleb, 24, who found himself turning to a homeless shelter in the last year before learning about the Hub.

“I didn’t know what to do or where I could go or who I felt comfortable calling in that situation,” he said. “I was very down and kind of all over the place — it threw my head for a loop not knowing what was next.”

Kaleb found a supportive community at the Hub. With encouragement and support, he pursued housing and employment opportunities, and found the tools he needed through the Hub’s wraparound care. Today, he works as a dietary aide in a long-term-care home, has stable housing and is working toward his Grade 12 diploma.

“Coming here every day made me feel like I had a comfortable space,” he said. “I’m a lot more confident and open to trying things.”

Kaleb also wants people to understand that homelessness doesn’t always match the stereotypes — it often goes unseen and can affect anyone.

“People think it’s about drugs and people not doing what they need to do to help themselves, but sometimes you end up in a situation you didn’t plan for,” he explained.

Each year, 35,000-40,000 youths in Canada experience homelessness. Many face systemic challenges — 29 per cent identify as LGBTQ2+, 28 per cent are racialized, and 31 per cent are Indigenous.

Since 2016, the Orange Door Project has raised more than $17.6 million. The Home Depot Canada Foundation aims to invest $125 million by 2030 to end youth homelessness across the country.

How to help:

• Donate in-store at the register or online at canadahelps.org/en/dn/28220. Your support can help someone like Kaleb find hope, stability and a path forward.

The post Kaleb’s Story Shows Why Support For Orange Door Project Matters appeared first on Muskoka411.

The pair took different paths to get here. Rob, 49, a Toronto resident and warehouse logistics manager, had been silently battling anxiety and depression for years. He turned to substance use to cope, but eventually realized he needed professional help. Gord, now 61, grew up in Scarborough and began experiencing mental health challenges around age 12. By 14, alcohol had become his way of handling the confusion inside.

Though age and life experiences separated them, Rob and Gord both arrived at a pivotal moment: the realization they couldn’t fight this alone.

For Rob, that turning point came when he discovered Waypoint’s Georgianwood Program for Concurrent Disorders, a voluntary, 12-week inpatient program for people 18 and older experiencing mental health and substance use problems: “I found the program on my own,” he recalled. “I did some research and that was the one I felt best suited me.”

Gord, who retired just as the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic set in, found himself spiralling. His drinking worsened and, in March 2023, he was admitted to Waypoint, where a psychiatrist recommended Georgianwood.

“I was very happy to know there was something out there like that,” said Gord. “It’s a safe place that gives you an environment where you can figure it out.”

Both men speak with deep appreciation for the care they received. Rob describes the Waypoint staff as “incredible” and calls his experience “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” A standout was Mary Mitchell, a Recreation Therapy Assistant who helped him take his first steps toward physical activity: “I met Mary and actually started exercising for the first time in my life,” he said.

For Gord, Georgianwood’s structure and supportive environment were key. Through cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness activities and exercise, he began to rebuild what had been buried under decades of pain: “They brought it all together and gave me my confidence and self-esteem back.”

Why it matters

One in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness this year — and by age 40 around 50 per cent of us will have had a mental illness. And yet, stigma remains a stubborn barrier to seeking help. That’s why Waypoint hosts Mental Health in Motion — a fun, inclusive community fundraising event that raises awareness, breaks down stigma and spotlights life-changing programs like Georgianwood.

Join Rob, Gord and many others on Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waypoint’s main campus in Penetanguishene for a day of movement, community and inspiration. Register for the 1K or 5K at arxbfycc.donorsupport.co/-/XZAZNRMC, or simply show up and enjoy a community barbecue, KidZone, educational booths, and hands-on activities for all ages. Full details can be found at waypointcentre.ca/get-involved/donate/fundraising-events/mental-health-in-motion. All proceeds go directly to Waypoint’s community-based mental health programs.

For more information, contact fundraising@waypointcentre.ca or call 705-549-3181, ext. 2578.

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Despite these staggering numbers, stigma and misunderstanding about mental health persist. That’s why Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care is proud to host Mental Health in Motion — a fun, inclusive community event designed to raise awareness, promote understanding and support mental wellness for all.

Join us on Saturday, May 31, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Waypoint’s main campus in Penetanguishene for a day of movement, connection and support.

“Mental Health in Motion is more than just an event — it’s a movement that brings our community together to support one another, raise awareness, and drive real change in how we talk about and care for mental health,” said Rob Desroches, Senior Vice-President, Clinical Services, and Chief Nursing Executive at Waypoint. “I’m proud to be part of something that inspires action and compassion in equal measure.”

TWO WAYS TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Walk or run for mental health: Register solo or as a team for a 1K or 5K run, and compete for great prizes. Register at https://arxbfycc.donorsupport.co/-/XZAZNRMC.
2. Enjoy a barbecue, KidZone, educational booths, activities and more — all while learning about mental health programs that support individuals of all ages in our community. Full details are available at https://www.waypointcentre.ca/get-involved/donate/fundraising-events/mental-health-in-motion.

Whether you come to walk, run, cheer or simply learn more, your presence will help shine a light on mental health and make a real difference. Proceeds from the event will support Waypoint’s community-based mental health programs.

This is a perfect opportunity for individuals, families, friends and workplace teams to:

• Get active and outdoors
• Learn about valuable mental health resources
• Support a vital cause and fundraise for better mental health

Together, we can break the stigma and build a healthier, more compassionate community.

To learn more, contact fundraising@waypointcentre.ca or call 705-549-3181, ext. 2578. Let’s move for mental health. See you on May 31.

The post Let’s Move Together: Mental Health In Motion Unites Community For A Cause appeared first on Muskoka411.

“Mental Health Month serves as a vital reminder that mental health is integral to our overall well-being,” said Rob Desroches, Senior Vice-President, Clinical Services, and Chief Nursing Executive. “At Waypoint, we are committed to transforming the mental health landscape by providing compassionate care, advancing research, and fostering partnerships that enhance access and equity. Together, we can build a future where mental health is prioritized, stigma is dismantled, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.”

Waypoint is a recognized leader in specialized mental health care, and this month provides an opportunity to highlight the strides made in improving outcomes for children, youths, adults and seniors across Ontario. From cutting-edge clinical services to collaborative research initiatives, Waypoint’s multidisciplinary teams are working to break down barriers to care and support recovery at every stage.

All through May, Waypoint is bringing together staff, clients and community partners for an exciting lineup of educational events, wellness activities and meaningful conversations — all designed to inspire understanding, boost resilience and celebrate inclusivity. These include:

• A May 7 discussion on Zoom called “Unlock the Power of Trust” that will examine how trust impacts mental health (https://www.waypointcentre.ca/events/trust-for-now-with-glenn-robitaille)
• A three-part online workshop starting May 15 on “Unlocking Your Best Work and Well-Being” that will help build resiliency (https://www.waypointcentre.ca/events/unlocking-your-best-work-well-being-part-1)
• A virtual conversation on May 21 titled “Unbalanced: Hormones, Mental Health and the Hidden Cost of Being Female” (https://www.waypointcentre.ca/events/womens-mental-health)

Additional May events will showcase the healing power of music, yoga, tai chi, nature walks and regular Mindfulness Minutes.

The month will end with Mental Health in Motion on May 31, an activity-filled day raising awareness and funds for Waypoint’s community mental health programs. These efforts reflect Waypoint’s vision of a society where mental health is recognized as a fundamental component of health.

For more information on Mental Health Month activities at Waypoint, please visit mentalhealthmonth.ca and follow on social media.

The post Waypoint Puts Spotlight On Well-Being With Mental Health Month Activities appeared first on Muskoka411.

“It’s so rewarding to play for them and see them light up,” he said. “Some of them sing along and clap even when they don’t know the songs.”

Growing up near Montreal with his father, stepmother, grandparents, aunts and uncles around, there was always a lot of music and a lot of love. However, living in an imagined reality, Steve found himself lying constantly, even about inconsequential things. Despite being popular at school, enjoying an active social life and playing sports, the compulsion started affecting his relationships.

“There was a lot of angst over these polar opposites inside of me,” he said. “I’d go out of my way to pick fights with people who were a lot bigger than me. People wanted to be around me because it was exciting — until I’d push the envelope to the point where I was hurt or they were in danger.”

In 1990, Steve moved to Toronto for a job opportunity and to enjoy the rock music scene. He got married, bought a house and moved to Barrie. But it only appeared he was living a charmed life.

Steve had a frightening mental break and ended up in hospital, where a psychiatrist diagnosed him as bipolar; it was the first time someone had ever stated clearly what was ailing him: “It was nice to be able to point to something tangible and treatable. But the fact I was ill and would most likely have to take medication for the rest of my life was devastating.”

Bipolar disorder frequently comes with mood swings — from mania to depression — that can last days, weeks or even months. It is a serious illness, but treatment such as that offered at Waypoint can help people recover and lead fulfilling lives.

The Georgianwood Program for Concurrent Disorders is a 12-week inpatient program for people 18 and older experiencing mental health and substance use problems. Admission to the OHIP-covered program is voluntary. Patients receive treatment such as behavioural therapy, anger management and relapse prevention. Each day offers group programming that teaches a variety of skills to help patients reach their goals. They receive direct support along the way from a physician and multidisciplinary team. Every patient’s journey is unique, but it is common for a patient to relapse and go through the program several times before successfully overcoming their addiction.

Periods of improved health were followed by relapses and a few lengthy stays in the mental health inpatient ward at Barrie’s Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. Returning to Waypoint again and again, however, the benefits of the program started to sink in.

“When I came back in April 2024,” he said, “I spent most of the time in my room with my guitar and my books, and I focused on the program. I really, really applied myself. And the program saved me. No question. My life was aimless and meaningless. Coming here and working really hard — and being encouraged and supported by staff — turned me around.”

Today, Steve can see himself reviving his music career, perhaps even getting his old band back together. Down the road, he’d also like to become a peer support worker as another way of supporting Waypoint the way it supported him.

“My future, as much as possible, I’d like it to involve giving back,” he said. “It’s important for me to be busy, and for what I’m doing to mean something.”

The post Patient Giving Back To Waypoint Program That Saved His Life appeared first on Muskoka411.

“I use music strategies to support people in reaching their health-related goals,” explained Lefaive, the hospital’s Music Therapist. “I run groups and also offer individual services, and I work in all units here at Waypoint, as well as at the HERO Centre.”

Music therapy is more than just entertainment — it is a powerful tool for healing. Lefaive tailors her approach to each individual’s comfort level.

“I try to have the person be as involved as possible in the creation of music. This could mean playing instruments, singing or writing songs,” she said. “In some cases, if people are a little less comfortable expressing themselves through an instrument or their voice, it may be about simply listening.”

From the very first session, she works with clients to identify their health goals and determine how music can support them. Lefaive noted there’s a growing body of research around the different ways music can affect patients.

“It impacts our brain chemistry. Music engagement allows for improvement in mood, lower stress, and better connection with others,” she said. “But on a basic level, people relate to music. When I meet someone in a hospital setting, I’m not saying, ‘Oh, what’s wrong?’ or ‘What brought you here?’ I’m asking them about what role music has played in their life. If we can find this common ground, that’s where the therapeutic relationship starts to build.”

This approach is especially valuable for patients reluctant to participate in other types of therapy or group settings. Through music, they find a comfortable and expressive outlet.

“I find it really special and feel very honoured when people share their own original music with me and then we start working on it together and collaborating,” Lefaive said. “With some people, we’ve gotten to the point of actually recording them singing and playing.”

Lefaive’s passion for music therapy is deeply rooted in her personal history. Coming from a musical family, she has been performing and touring with her family band, Ariko, since childhood. Music has always been a part of her identity as a person, but also her cultural identity as a francophone because their playlist includes so much traditional French Canadian music.

Her journey into this unique profession began at Wilfrid Laurier University, where she studied music therapy and psychotherapy. After completing a nine-month student placement at Waypoint in 2021, Lefaive transitioned into a full-time role in 2022, thanks to the support of her manager, John Rodnick. Since then, she has continued to bring harmony and healing to patients through her work.

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Since January 2023, approximately 160 patients have been supported by the Urgent Outpatient Psychiatry Consultation Service, with 110 of them further benefiting from follow-up care from Waypoint. The result is better care for patients seeking help for a mental health crisis, fewer admissions to hospital when appropriate, fewer return visits to busy EDs for unmet needs, and improved capacity to serve other patients requiring emergency care and/or access to inpatient beds.

“This program is making a difference both for patients and partner hospitals,” said Dr. Kevin Young, Vice-President, Medical Affairs, and Chief of Staff. “By working as a team and better using existing mental health resources, we can provide timely expert assessments in emergency departments and follow-up appointments within six days on average.”

The program has gradually expanded to include the six general hospitals currently utilizing the service. Known as non-Schedule 1 hospitals, they do not provide inpatient psychiatric care. Their ED physicians refer to a specialist psychiatrist at Waypoint to address patients’ immediate concerns, and an appointment is arranged before they leave the ED.

“Collingwood General and Marine Hospital has greatly benefited from the Urgent Outpatient Psychiatry Consultation Service,” said Rosemary Frketich, Vice-President, Patient Services, and Chief Nursing Executive. “Since its launch in early June, the service has facilitated approximately a dozen community connections, ensuring timely mental health support and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.”

One patient who got the care she needed after arriving in crisis at West Parry Sound Health Centre said the service made a huge difference for her.

“Having this in place was like a miracle,” she said. “I would say it saved my life.”

As important as the response to the initial crisis was, she said the follow-up care was equally vital. She continues to receive support in the form of in-person appointments with a Waypoint psychiatrist, recommended readings and an ongoing care plan.

“People in crisis can really be helped by this urgent response program,” she said. “It was so important to me getting the care I needed.”

KEY FACTS

• North Simcoe and Muskoka has the highest rate of mental health and addiction-related ED visits per capita in Ontario Health Central Region, and the highest rate of hospital admissions from EDs.
• Mental health and addiction-related visits to EDs in north Simcoe and Muskoka have increased by 36 per cent over the past 15 years.
• For every four people who visit an ED for mental health and addiction reasons, one returns within 30 days, suggesting those who do not require admission are not having their needs met in the community.

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