What recreation activities are available through Belmont’s Parks and Recreation Department?

Check them all out at https://www.belmont.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation

How can young people actively participate in local government and have their voices heard?

Join the Youth Advisory Commission: https://www.belmont.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/youth-teens/y-a-c

Join VOICES for Community Service: https://www.belmont.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/youth-teens/v-o-i-c-e-s

Apply to be a Youth Park and Rec Commissioner: https://www.belmont.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks-recreation-commission

Attend and Speak at Public Meetings including City Council, Commissions, and any Public Meeting

What recent initiatives involve the concerns/needs of teens?

The New Community Center! Be a part of the conversation that helps to plan what amenities go there. You can fill out the survey online or join the next in-person conversation.  https://www.belmont.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/projects/the-community-center-conversation?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

What mental health resources are available for teens?

Belmont youth access services through the County. See the San Mateo County Behavioral Health Website at https://www.smchealth.org/bhrs. Some highlights from there are:

StarVista for mental health and substance abuse needs. You can go for services or to be trained to help other teens going through a hard time: https://star-vista.org

24/7 Crisis Hotline: 650-579-0350

The Teen Crisis Services online chat: sanmateocrisis.org and text at 650-747-6463 (4-10pm only)

National Resources include:

Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org

Dial or Text 988 for the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline

Very Local Resources include:

Your schools have resources. Go to the nurse’s office to find out more.