COVID Update

COVID-19 Update for Youth Futures 2021

In order to respond to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is important that Youth Futures prioritizes the health and safety of all our participants, community partners, employers, and staff.

Program staff, in collaboration with partners, have developed a new model for Youth Futures 2021 that respects the rules of physical distancing while honouring the human connections so important to the experience and success of the participants.

Here are the changes to the new model:

  • Principles

    • Hybrid model will include in-person and online (facilitated) sessions with the support of mentors.
    • Participants will have minimal work to complete on their own outside of the programming hours.
    • Program will be shortened and condensed for more impact.
    • Engagement activities will be organized by mentors and project staff at least once a month to increase cohesion and sense          of belonging to the program.
    • English and French cohorts will have separate engagement activities online.
    • 2020 participants will be invited to join the 2021 cohort.

  • Health and Safety Protocol

    Youth Futures requires participants to properly use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and face shields.

    • A physical distance of 2 meters (6 feet) between participants and staff is required during in-person activities. Visual markers will be used in facilities. · Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing must be maintained in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
    • Gathering limits will respect Provincial and local restrictions.
    • Locations will be adequately cleaned.
    • Please review COVID-19 Self-Assessment document before attending programming. (Attached to the email)
    • Staff will conduct health checks on programming days.
    • Ottawa Public Health (OPH) requires sign in sheets (names/phone numbers) in case of an outbreak.
    • Participants must stay home if they have any COVID symptoms. They are required to self-isolate for 14 days and notify mentors if they have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID case.

We encourage you to continue to follow the advice of Ottawa Public Health and stay informed on updates from the City of Ottawa.

We are facing an unprecedented challenge, one that will test the resolve of each of you and our community. I hope you will take care of yourselves and find strength in one another. Please contact mental health services below if you required additional support.

  • Ottawa Mental Health Crisis Line (EN/FR): 613-722-6914, 1-866-996-0991 if outside Ottawa
  • Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region (EN): 613-238-3311
  • Youth Services Bureau 24/7 Crisis Line (EN/FR): 613-260-2360 or 1-877-377-7775 (Eastern ON)
  • Kids Help Phone (EN): 1-800-668-6868
  • Centre d’aide 24/7 (FR): 1-866-277-3553
  • Tel-aide Outaouais (FR): 613-741-6433

Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at youthfutures@ottawa.ca.