Legacy for Alex Kerswell continuing work to aid in reducing stigma around youth mental health

The Legacy for Alex Kerswell charity is hosting a fundraising dinner and silent auction on June 21 at the Terry Fox Auditorium in Gravenhurst. 

Organizers say the purpose of the dinner is to raise funds, awareness and resources for youth struggling with mental health, addiction and homelessness, and to reduce the stigma around these issues.  

All proceeds from the fundraiser will directly support the Legacy for Alex Gravenhurst High School Bursary Fund, Mind-Aid Muskoka, and Alex’s Place. 

Reservations for the dinner must be made by June 11. 

On September 20, 2019, one week after Alex Kerswell turned 17 years old, he took his own life.  

“This haunts our family every single day, we never want anyone to go through what we have,” said Leanna Kerswell, Alex’s mother and charity president. “We want to ensure our youth has the support and resources they need to help them on the journey to mental wellness.”  

Leanna said her son was identified as being gifted in his public-school days, but he also had ADHD and found it difficult to make friends.  

He also struggled with his mental health and experienced significant depression and anxiety, and tried to self-medicate using marijuana.  

“As a family we found it difficult to navigate the mental health system and get him the help that he needed,” she said. 

When they finally came across some counseling, Alex was not interested due to the stigma around it.  

She says that as a community, we should talk more about mental health issues and end the stigma that’s stopping youth from getting the help they need. This is the main reason they started the Legacy for Alex Kerswell charity.  

Leanna says Alex’s Place is a safe space that provides affordable transitional housing to support youth aged 16 to 24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness and assists them in finding a permanent solution.  

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, about 1.2 million children are affected by mental illness – 18% to 22% of students in Ontario –and meet the criteria for a mental health illness or concern. However, only 22% to 34% of children and youth who have a mental health problem receive the care they need. 

Leanna said she thinks mental health should be taught in schools to minimize the stigma around it and help young people know that they are not alone and it is okay to ask for help. She would also like to see students be allowed to take mental health days and have psychologists available in school to offer support to youth who are struggling. 

She urges parents to check in with their kids and encourage discussions about their feelings, while keeping an open mind and creating an environment that is safe, non-judgmental, and supportive.  

“Mental health, is health,” said Kerswell. 

She would like to see all levels of government take a stand and increase funding for mental health support and services. Leanna also would like to see more youth wellness hubs and spaces like Alex’s Place where youth can get the support they need.  

“I’m thrilled we have such great support from our community. It’s been amazing to have the outpouring of donations from our local businesses and for all the support we have from the individuals who come to the dinner,” she said. “We’re just so fortunate and we do need the community to continue to be involved to support organizations like ours so we can continue to support other charities in Muskoka.”  

For more information, visit LegacyForAlex.com