Building a Better Future for our Youth | PYSUP Launch Event

On April 29th, 2025, at the Camp Kawartha Environmental Centre,

38 local community groups and leaders came together to learn about the ‘Planet Youth Nogojiwanong brought to you by PYSUP Initiative’.

The afternoon featured presentations from Planet Youth (the Icelandic organization that offers consultation on adapting the Icelandic Prevention Model to your community's needs) and other local community partners who highlighted the importance of this work today in Peterborough City and County. 

A powerful address by Chelsey McGowan speaking to her own lived experience of substance use brought home the importance of the work to come.

"I slipped through almost every crack, and this is an opportunity for us to catch the kids like me before they have the chance for that to happen to them. Historically, the programs we have about substance use that are targeted at youth are focused on reaction, rather than prevention. We need to figure out why people are falling into the river, instead of just pulling them out once they’ve made it so far downstream. Once we discover the why, we can put the processes in place to prevent them from even getting close to the river to begin with.”

Already, 19 local agencies and community members have signed on to be part of the work. Attending members were given time to reflect on how their organizations align with the work. Martha Faulkner said it best:

“We have so much good work already being done in our community; it’s bringing everyone together to work smarter, not harder.”  

Our work is just beginning! PYSUP aims to have the first survey completed next school year. Based on the survey feedback, action items will be identified by the Community Coordinating Team and three advisory groups, made up of youth, parents and community members. Learn how to get involved!