The Waterloo-Wellington branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is ensuring that students at two high schools in Guelph receive the support they need as they cope with the loss of 16-year-old Nash Dunlop.
Dunlop passed away unexpectedly on Sept. 19. He was a student at John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute and an accomplished basketball player.
has confirmed through a close family friend that Dunlop was the 16-year-old who lost his life on Wellington Road 29 after being struck by a van just south of Eramosa-Garafraxa Townline shortly after midnight on Sept. 19.
Two boys aged 17 from Guelph have been charged with second-degree murder in connection with this incident. Their identities cannot be disclosed under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The minivan driver stayed at the scene and wasn’t hurt, according to police reports.
Wellington County OPP are still looking into the collision, and anyone who may have information is encouraged to come forward.
A cross hangs on a hydro pole along Wellington Road 29 on Sept. 29. The name ‘Nash’ is written on it along with several initials and the words “see you soon.” A pair of basketball shoes were placed at the base of the hydro pole, surrounded by flowers. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)
Walk-in clinics are scheduled for Tuesday evening at John F. Ross and Thursday at St. James Catholic High School for students and their families.
“It’s an incredibly hard time, there is no question about it,” Helen Fishburn, CEO of CMHA Waterloo-Wellington told The Morning Edition Tuesday.
WATCH | Sessions to be held at 2 Guelph high schools:
Mental health clinics set up at Guelph 2 schools after death of teen
Sixteen-year-old Nash Dunlop, a student at Guelph’s John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute, died suddenly on Sept. 19. To help support students, the Waterloo-Wellington branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association will be setting up walk-in clinics at two schools this week in partnership with The Nightingale Centre, a not-for-profit that provides grief and bereavement supports. A session will be held Tuesday night at John F. Ross and another session will be held Thursday night at St. James Catholic High School. Helen Fishburn, CEO of the Waterloo-Wellington branch of the CMHA, discusses why support nights like these are necessary.
“It’s a compounding tragedy and there is a profound loss, grief, sadness. There’s anger, there’s confusion, there’s a sense of helplessness. It’s hit people very deeply.”
Numerous tributes and heartfelt messages from community members and basketball groups that Dunlop has been part of have appeared across social media platforms. Residents are also placing basketballs on their porches as a way to honor Dunlop.
The walk-in clinics organized by CMHA are in collaboration with The Nightingale Centre, which offers grief support specifically for children and teens in Guelph and Wellington County.
Fishburn noted that students can simply drop in whenever they want; it’s crucial to provide young people space to start processing their feelings during such tough times.
“It’s not an easy world we’re navigating and it makes this situation-along with its layers-feel even more delicate,” she said.
‘They might want to debrief; they might want to find ways to express what they’re feeling right now because it’s tough for youth to articulate those emotions.’
Executive director of The Nightingale Centre , Jodi Pareira , said it’s also important to create space where teens can discuss their grief as they work towards healing together.
‘Grief alone can feel isolating , but when you bring it into community , allowing conversations about it , although still painful , it becomes more bearable ,’ she shared with Monday.
‘It’s reassuring knowing you’re not going through this alone.’
A spokesperson from Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) mentioned via email that supporting mental health among students remains a priority. Schools within WCDSB consistently provide access to mental health resources.
These resources are highlighted especially during challenging times so everyone gets access when needed,’ stated the spokesperson.
We value our long-term relationship with CMHA ; we appreciate their assistance in providing these essential resources for our community.’
A cross hangs on hydro pole along Wellington Road 29 Tuesday evening. Name ‘Nash’ written along side initials & words ’see you soon.’ Pair basketball shoes sit base hydro pole surrounded flowers.(Kate Bueckert/CBC) P >Additional Support Options for Young People Fishburn mentioned various other methods youth can seek help such as CHMA’s Here24/7 line available via call or text along seven youth wellness hubs throughout Guelph & Wellington County.’
She emphasized youngsters could easily walk into any offices seeking assistance.’
Parents , relatives , coaches or educators should remain alert spotting signs indicating child/teen may struggle e. g., changes sleep patterns/appetite/behavior.’
“We encourage everyone stay vigilant notice anything seems off even if youth says they’re okay,” she added.’
“Keep holding space create opportunities discussions.”
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