Debra Woodfine is a registered social worker with 37 years of experience providing mental health services to children, youth and families in Renfrew County.
For 37 years, registered social worker Debra Woodfine has provided mental health services to children, youth and their families in Renfrew County.
And now that she’s retired from the Phoenix Centre of Renfrew County, Woodfine continues to share her knowledge, doing some private practice work, as well as various presentations, such as the one coming up in Renfrew this week.
The things parents say and do and the environment at home are major factors when it comes to fostering good mental health for kids.
Very important, says Woodfine, is that parents lead by example, a message she’ll bring to the upcoming talk .
Also on the roster for discussion is the question of when is the time to seek professional help?
Certainly, anytime there are suicidal or self-harm thoughts, parents should be sure to seek help. And there are other things to consider when it comes to reaching out.
It never hurts to ask, said Woodfine.
The theme for Mental Health Week 2025, running May 5-11, is Unmasking Mental Health. While there has been progress, stigma sometimes remains a barrier to seeking help, said Woodfine.
Woodfine’s presentation, Nurturing your Child’s Mental Health, is set for Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Renfrew Public Library. It is expected to be a one-hour, informal presentation and discussion.
Attendees can register at register online.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
Please note, if you or someone you know is in an emergency: call 911 or go to the nearest hospital.
Suicide Crisis Helpline (all ages) 988 (free)
Distress Line (all ages) 1-866-676-2080 (free)
Crisis Line (age 16 and over) 1-866-996-0991 (free)