Inspiring conversations – raising awareness – transforming youth mental health

In November 2010, 14-year-old Daron Richardson died by suicide. From this tragedy, Daron’s friends and family formed a grassroots movement with a mission of raising awareness, inspiring conversations, and transforming youth mental health.

DIFD supports education, awareness, and research initiatives at The Royal that encourage young people to talk openly about mental illness and to ask for help when needed, without fear or shame.

“It moved from being about Daron, to being about each and every youth,” Stephanie Richardson, Daron’s mom

The importance of youth mental health

Youth are particularly vulnerable to mental illness. In fact, mental health challenges affects 1.2 million Canadian youth, and fewer than 20 per cent of Canadian youth suffering from a mental health challenges receive the treatment they need.

With 70 per cent of mental health problems beginning during childhood or adolescence, it is essential that youth receive early intervention and the mental health care, innovation, and treatment they need. In Canada, mental health challenges amongst youth are at epidemic proportions.

Click here for the 2024 Suicide Prevention Research Spotlight Report. [Download the PDF here.]

Click here for the 2023 DIFD Impact Report.

How DIFD supports The Royal

DIFD supports education, awareness, and research initiatives at The Royal that encourage young people to talk openly about mental illness and to ask for help when needed, without fear or shame. Each year, volunteers from all over North America plan fun and creative events to raise funds and awareness for DIFD.

Anyone from individuals, families, community groups, small businesses, corporations, employee groups and service clubs often organize anything from bake sales, to golf tournaments, to large corporate fundraisers.

No event is too large or too small because every dollar counts. Click here to find out more and start making a difference.

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