Self-care is a vital practice for everyone, but for youth experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness, it can be a lifeline. At Covenant House Vancouver, we understand that self-care is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here is why self-care is so important for the young people we serve and how we help them incorporate it into their daily lives.
Desiree, Life Skills Coordinator at Covenant House Vancouver, explains why self-care is so important for the young people we serve and how we help them incorporate it into their daily lives.
“For the youth we support, life presents numerous challenges. Young people spend much of their time just pushing through daily obstacles, whether it’s mental health issues, addictions, or complex trauma. Many aren’t afforded the luxury of traditional self-care, like taking a bath by candlelight. However, self-care can be accessible to everyone. It’s not just about luxurious activities; it’s about finding ways to nurture yourself emotionally, socially, spiritually, physically, and professionally, regardless of your resources.
Self-care can be as simple as meditating, taking a walk at sunset, calling a friend, or seeking counselling, if available. Most of these activities are free and accessible. It’s crucial for the youth, especially in the hustle culture of Vancouver, to learn the art of slowing down and engaging in self-care. This understanding helps them navigate their lives with more resilience and well-being.”
Why Self-Care Matters
- Mental Health and Emotional Resilience: Youth experiencing homelessness face many stressors, from the uncertainty of their living situation to the trauma of past experiences. Self-care practices like mindfulness, journaling, and therapy provide essential tools for managing stress and building emotional resilience. These practices can help youth process their experiences, reduce anxiety, and foster a sense of control and stability.
- Physical Health: Maintaining physical health is a significant challenge for homeless youth. Self-care, in this context, includes being able to access nutritious food, safe shelter, and healthcare services. We provide these basic necessities to support the overall well-being of the youth in our care. Regular exercise, proper hygiene, and adequate rest are also emphasized as part of a comprehensive self-care routine.
- Building Self-Esteem and Confidence: Self-care activities can boost self-esteem and confidence, to help youth feel valued and worthy. Simple acts like grooming, wearing clean clothes, and engaging in hobbies can significantly impact their self-perception. At Covenant House, we encourage youth to pursue their interests, set personal goals, and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
How Covenant House Vancouver Supports Self-Care
Safe and Supportive Environment
Providing a safe and supportive environment is the cornerstone of our approach to self-care. At Covenant House Vancouver, youth find a welcoming space where they can feel secure and cared for. This environment allows them to focus on their self-care without the immediate concerns of survival.
Access to Counselling and Therapy
Mental health support is a critical component of self-care. We offer access to counselling and therapy services to help youth work through their challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Our trained professionals provide compassionate and effective care tailored to everyone’s individual needs.
Life Skills and Education
Empowering youth with life skills and education is another way that we promote self-care. Workshops on nutrition, budgeting, and personal development equip youth with the tools that they need to take care of themselves, independently. Educational opportunities also open doors to future stability and success.
Community and Connection
Building a sense of community and connection is essential for self-care. At Covenant House, youth can participate in group activities, peer support groups, and community events. These connections provide a network of support and a sense of belonging, which are crucial for mental and emotional well-being.
Celebrating Self-Care Today and Always
Today, youth in our programs are being treated to a day of self-care in the gym. The goal is to create a welcoming space where they can explore various ways to care for themselves and see just how accessible self-care can be. Many of the youth do not have additional income to spend on traditional self-care activities. However, self-care doesn’t have to be costly. It can encompass many free, or low-cost, activities that nurture emotional, social, spiritual, physical, and professional well-being.
To make self-care more approachable and inclusive, staff organized a special event where youth can relax and mindfully pamper themselves. A variety of stations will be set up, each offering different self-care activities, including simple and effective ways to unwind and take a moment for themselves.
By providing these opportunities, we hope to show these young people that self-care is not a luxury but a necessary practice that is within their reach. This event is just one step towards helping them understand that regardless of their circumstances or resources, they can always find ways to nurture themselves.
Check out our Instagram to see what activities the youth are engaging in today.