The pandemic has affected all of us, but some, more than others, have been left unattended. “Since the beginning of the pandemic last spring, teenagers attending high school have been pretty much left alone with a lot of unanswered questions,” explains Shanna Da Silva, Director of Maison de Jeunes Val-Martin. “There was an increase in demand during the pandemic; teenagers were anxious; they felt they were unable to express what they felt.”

The Regroupement des Maisons de Jeunes du Québec also observed an increase in demand. “Needs have increased; there is a lot of distress, isolation, misunderstanding of the rules; it’s not easy for teenagers,” adds Nicholas Legault.

According to Legault, the Youth Clubs, or Maisons de Jeunes, help to break social isolation, something teenagers struggle with more than ever during this pandemic. “Youth Clubs also allow teenagers to develop their own identity, to become more active, make new friends and adopt a healthy lifestyle that benefits their physical and mental well-being,” he says.

Da Silva, at Maison des Jeunes Val-Martin, agrees. “Youth Clubs offer a safe haven to teenagers where they can meet, connect and get help,” she says.

Marie-Pier Bujold, Coordinator of Maison de Jeunes du Centre Communautaire Val-Morin, explains that teenagers all come with similar worries about self-esteem, body image issues, learning to make friends and losing motivation at school.

When asked how the pandemic has affected services, Legault explains that even if they had to shut down during the first wave, they were able to stay in touch with teenagers through the Internet. “It was essential to keep in touch. Youth Clubs are like an extension of their family,” he says.

The Maison des Jeunes Val-Martin stayed very active on social media through the pandemic; they had a private messaging service through Instagram which allowed teenagers to get psycho-social support on certain days and times, throughout the confinement. “Our support services are now available in person. We are here for them,” emphasizes Da Silva.

Last June, when most Youth Clubs reopened, social distancing measures were taken to limit the number of teenagers allowed inside at once. Some Youth Cubs have found creative solutions, like offering all services outside. Others like Maison de Jeunes Val-Martin, offer online services like regular Zoom meetings, thematic nights, games, tutorials, etc.

At Maison de Jeunes du Centre Communautaire Val-Morin, they have no wi-fi service. “We want to offer a safe place for young people to express themselves and open up and escape home restrictions,” says Bujold. “We also want to make sure that teenagers from the new generation who use technology all the time to communicate, are able to learn how to socialize and become an active member of the community. Our Maison is also a space to escape worries and have fun. We make sure to accept everyone who wants to be part of the community. We have a big inclusive space that allows us to maintain social distancing measures.”