What began as a new partnership between Huddle Brandon and the Park West School Division has become a growing resource for youth across our region. Since opening as a satellite site in October 2024, Huddle has been connecting young people with mental health supports, wellness programming, and community resources—while building relationships that help interested youth and young adults feel supported, valued, and hopeful.
Huddle is a free, youth-focused organization that provides trauma-informed and culturally safe health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 29. Russell is proud to be the first rural community in Manitoba to pilot the Huddle model as a satellite of Brandon, working in partnership with Huddle Brandon, the Park West School Division, and provincial and federal governments to make mental health and wellness supports more accessible in rural Manitoba.
At its heart, Huddle's mission is to meet young people where they are, listen to their needs, and help connect them with the right supports. Sometimes that means arranging counselling. Other times it means helping someone obtain identification, access employment or literacy supports, connect with health services, or simply provide a safe space where they know someone cares and they are not alone.
A Growing Rural Resource
Huddle Brandon first launched a satellite site in Russell in October 2024, and it has continued to grow as more youth, and families learn about the supports available. The program currently serves young people from communities throughout the region, including Russell, Rossburn, Birtle, Binscarth, Inglis, Waywayseecappo, and surrounding areas.
Today, the Huddle satellite in Russell includes a full-time Service Navigator, a part-time Peer Supporter, and a counsellor who provides three hours of counselling each week. Provincial and federal funding has been secured through April 2029, allowing the team to continue building services that respond to the unique needs of rural youth. Additional funding/grants are pursued from businesses, foundations and individuals to enhance programming by bringing in mental health professionals, providing meals and snacks, purchasing program supplies, and expanding wellness opportunities for youth and families.
What Happens at Huddle?
Every young person who would like to access our Huddle services begins with a brief, approximately 20-minute intake meeting with the Service Navigator. This conversation helps identify each individual's goals and needs so they can be connected with the most appropriate supports. The intake isn't a test or assessment—it's simply an opportunity to get to know each individual and determine how Huddle can best support them. There are no membership fees or costs, and services are available to any youth aged 12 – 29 who would like to participate.
Huddle offers a variety of services, including:
•Individual service navigation and goal planning
•Free counselling by appointment
•Weekly and monthly wellness programming throughout the school year
•Mental health education and peer connection
•Employment and literacy support
•Referrals to community resources and specialized services
•Help obtaining identification and navigating government or community systems
Programs continue to evolve as community needs change. This coming school year, Huddle plans to continue Wednesday after-school wellness programming for Grades 9-12 in Russell, while also introducing a monthly support group focused on anxiety and depression, facilitated by mental health professionals. Monthly wellness programming also continues for students at Rossburn Collegiate and counselling will continue Mondays by appointment.
Intrigued? Pick up the latest copy of the Russell Banner and turn to page 7 to find out more.