Desjardins’ help means everything during back-to-school season

The back-to-school season can be a challenging time for youth across Canada. With new classrooms, changing friendships, bullying, different routines and more, some young people may experience increased feelings of anxiety, stress, worry and/or other emotions this time of year.

At KHP, we learn about the impacts of back-to-school season directly from youth. We also experience some of our highest service volumes between July and October — including a 20% increase in texts about anxiety and stress during this period in 2024 alone.

With support from Desjardins — our partner for more than 33 years — we’re helping ensure young people across the country can Feel Out Loud and access the support they deserve during this pivotal time of year and beyond.

As Canada’s largest cooperative financial group, Desjardins invests in young people’s education, health and well-being through their Together For Our Youth program. In 2020, the company deepened its long-time partnership with KHP by becoming Presenting Sponsor of our back-to-school program.

Through this multi-faceted campaign, Desjardins and KHP are helping more young people navigate the return to school through text, phone, online message and self-directed resources. We’re also offering help to more Black, Indigenous and newcomer youth with wellness support rooted in culture and community.

Since 2020, Desjardins has made additional major investments in support of young people, our back-to-school program and Feel Out Loud — the most significant movement for youth and their mental health in Canada’s history. The company’s gifts now total an incredible $2 million to help unlock the hope young people need to thrive in their world. 

We’re deeply grateful to Desjardins for their steadfast partnership and support of students, caring adults and educators. Through our collaboration, more young people from coast to coast to coast can get help and give their feelings a place to go.