Introducing our new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John

Just Us is thrilled to be joining forces with Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Saint John to bring accessible mental health support directly to the young people who need it most.

Starting March 7, counselling intern Miranda Foster will provide on-site mental health counselling every second Friday for BBBS clients. This collaboration is part of our commitment to enhancing community well-being and supporting the mental health of young people and their families.

“Our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters was inspired by our shared commitment to supporting youth in our community,” says Courtney Figler, Interim Executive Director of Just Us. “By bringing our 'on-site' counselling services directly to their location, we aim to remove barriers to accessing mental health support and provide essential resources to youth who need them the most.”

Young people today face increasing pressures, from school stress and social struggles to challenges at home. Many children and youth, especially those from difficult circumstances, need mental health support but face barriers like cost, accessibility or stigma. Our partnership with BBBS helps break down those barriers by bringing professional counselling directly to a safe, trusted environment where kids and their families are already engaged.

“Mental health support is crucial for the children we serve because it helps them build resilience, understand their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies,” says Lori Hall, BBBS Mentoring Coordinator. “By providing this kind of care, we give kids the tools to heal, grow and succeed despite adversity.”

There has been an increased need for mental health support for children and youth. Research shows growing concerns about the well-being of children, particularly those facing trauma, poverty or instability. The pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, economic hardship and increased exposure to stressors have only exacerbated these issues. Social challenges, such as difficulty fitting in or navigating complex social dynamics, also contribute to their mental health needs.

“As awareness of mental health issues has increased, more attention is being given to addressing these needs early in life,” says Hall. “Providing support now is critical, as untreated mental health challenges can persist into adulthood, affecting education, employment, relationships and overall well-being.

This partnership will primarily focus on individual counselling, with the potential for future group sessions and workshops. Our approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, and tailored to each young person’s unique needs. With Miranda’s extensive experience working with children and youth, we’re confident in her ability to provide compassionate and impactful support.

To ensure this program truly benefits the youth we serve, we’ll gather feedback through pre- and post-session surveys, track attendance and assess improvements in emotional well-being, coping skills, and overall mental health. This data will help us refine and enhance our services, ensuring we continue to provide meaningful support.

“By working alongside Big Brothers Big Sisters, we’re taking a significant step toward building a stronger, more resilient community where mental health care is accessible and equitable for all,” says Figler. “We can’t wait to see the positive impact this partnership will have on the lives of young people.”

To book an appointment with Miranda, visit our website. Counselling is voluntary and can be self-referred or referred through Big Brothers Big Sisters support staff.