Third Spaces: World Mental Health Day

Community News & Events Page Column 2 Uncategorized

During this season, days become shorter and nights become longer. Our children are in the midst of meeting deadlines for school projects and studying for exam season. Life gets stressful! Rates of depression and other mental health issues sky rocket this season due to reduced sunlight, serotonin levels, and even vitamin D deficiency’s. All of these factors lead to more irritability, low energy levels, and higher rates of depression. Families may experience challenges such as loss, grief, and mental health crisis any time of the year and our Club Kids are often in the midst of these challenges, or experience problems in their home and/or school life. Third Spaces like BGC Greater Saint John can be their safe haven in times like these.

The Importance of Third Spaces

The third place refers to the social surroundings that are separate from the two usual social environments of Home (“first place”) and the School or Work (“second place”).

With city living, there often isn’t much of an “outside” to go play in like there used to be. With the increasing safety risks over the past 3 decades, it’s tough for kids to have access to a Third Space. Oftentimes, many children and youth may not feel accepted or able to express their true selves without the inclusion of a safe Third Space. Our Club Kids may find it hard to socialize in conventional systems like school because of their neurodiversity’s, but find being in groups our afterschool program more pleasant where their specials interests are encouraged. at BGC Greater Saint John, we pride ourselves on being an accessible, barrier-free, and a confidence boosting third space for our Club Kids.

The Benefits of Attending Third Spaces

Academia

1. Academia

Children who attend programs at Third Spaces help students form positive connections to school. This, in turn, enhances their confidence and effectiveness, which is essential for sustaining engagement in their learning journey. An example of one of these programs is our pilot program in partnership with Saint Malachy’s High School. This pilot program aims to encourage new high school students who have a hard time attending their classes to get excited to come to school and to help set them up in becoming active members of society.

Behavioral

2. Behavioral

After-school programs are important for kids. They help children learn to manage their behavior and make friends. In these programs, kids can meet role models, face challenges, and interact with others, which helps them build important social skills.

Participation in Third Places has been associated with:

Enhanced cooperation and self-control
Reduced hyperactive behavior
Improved conduct in school
Better peer relationships
Greater emotional adaptability to change

Furthermore, as students age, spending time in Third Places lowers the likelihood of teenage pregnancy, illegal and violent behaviors, juvenile arrests, and drug-related activities.

Third Spaces are a Community Effort with Long-Term Impacts

By financially supporting BGC Greater Saint John, you are directly supporting the mental well being of children and youth alike. This allows us to continue to offer free evening programs, food for our backpack project, and educational programs, you help to empower our children and youth and help BGC Greater Saint John remain barrier free, and accessible to all – no matter a child’s background or circumstance.