Times Observer photo by Brian Ferry Joseph Glarner of the Warren Music Conservatory shares the ideas developed by his team Thursday during a Whole Health meeting at the Warren County YMCA.

It started as a way to let people know the mental health benefits of exercise. It had grown to much more.

The Whole Health meetings at the Warren County YMCA have involved numerous specialists in the field of mental health, as well as educators, Scout leaders, health care providers, and law enforcement.

On Thursday, those in attendance were put into groups and asked for their ideas on encouraging young people to engage in activities – existing or new.

That getting out and being part of something – athletics, music, theater, arts, clubs, volunteering, etc. – is good for mental health wasn’t a question.

The groups were more concerned about access and the inclusion of all than not having enough things to do. There are plenty of those – from horseback riding to places to make videos and pod-casts, sports and music programs, and more.

Some kids don’t even know what’s available in their own communities, one said.

Offering credit to children who are being educated virtually for going to the YMCA to exercise or participate in programs would be a benefit, according to one group.

YMCA officials said they were willing to change a policy that prevents school-age children from being in the Y during school hours and encourage them to come to the Y during those hours instead.

In addition to the YMCA’s three locations and the Warren Public Library’s under construction teen space, neutral sites in dispersed areas – fire halls or community centers – were also proposed as places where activities could be delivered to young people.

Transportation was a key issue. The groups wanted to provide options for young people, even if their parents were unable to get them where they wanted to be.

“We need to go to the schools as school ends and pick up the kids that are going wherever they’re going,” one said.

The groups also talked about how to let people know. Using the phones that are already in their hands was the most common answer. “We need one (social media) place for all community activities,” one said. “A one-stop-spot for parents” and youth.

Providing some instruction for coaches on how to encourage positive mental health was brought up.

The groups also came up with additional people and organizations to add to the list of invitees for future meetings.

Facilitator Gary Lester was pleased with results of the gathering.

“We’ve had three meetings,” Lester said. “Everybody is into it. You can see the heads nodding every time. You can see the body language.”

He said the group’s point was clear – participation improves mental health. And, there are activities available. But, many who would benefit from them are not aware of them or not able to get to them.

“We need the menu,” Lester said. “Then we need the access.”

Members talked about creating a checklist of activities that are available and having young people indicate which they would like to try, all of which would be available in the county.

The members said it would be important to follow up with those who are not participating in the activities they said they would like to try to see if there were barriers the group could help them overcome.