Huddle Brandon
At our youth hub, you take the lead.
Welcome to our creative and inviting space in downtown Brandon! Whether you’re from the city, a visiting student or joining us from the surrounding areas, we’re happy to host you in our community space. We’re a place for youth ages 12–29 to access free counselling, peer support, substance use support, Indigenous cultural services, immigration services, and more.
Our services are free of cost and free of judgement. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted with a pair of cozy, knitted slippers and a cup of hot coffee or tea, your preference. Your comfort and safety is our top priority and all services are on your terms.
What we do
There are so many free events and programs you can join at Huddle Brandon, in-person or online! You’ll find health and wellness workshops, drop-in counselling, Indigenous ceremonies, group activities like crafting, movie nights, community breakfasts, and so much more.
Ongoing Weekly Programming:
Our programming is a combination of drop-in and appointment. It might change from time to time, so feel free to call ahead to confirm. In addition to what we list here below, we are also open Fridays 5pm – 7pm and Saturdays by appointment only.
Peer Support
11am – 7pm
Community Mental Health
1pm – 4:30pm
Peer Support
11am – 7pm
Employment Drop-In Support
1pm – 4:30pm
Peer Support
11am – 7pm
Employment Drop-In Support
1pm – 4:30pm
Anxiety Group
4pm
Peer Support
11am – 7pm
Primary Care
11am – 2:30pm
Youth Led AA/NA
7:30pm – 8:30pm
Peer Support
11am – 5pm
Where we are
701 Rosser Avenue
Brandon, MB
R7A 0K8
Hours of Operation:
Mon – Thursday 11am – 7pm, Friday 11am – 5pm (5pm – 7pm is appointment only), Saturday by appointment only
Contact Us:
Dwayne Dyck
204-717-6565
Email: youask@huddlebrandon.ca
Phone and emails are not monitored 24/7. Visit our Contact Page for more resources if you need immediate help.
How to get here
Bus Routes:
Who we are
Community Mental Health Worker
Hi everyone! I’m Robin and I am a Community Mental Health Worker at Huddle. I am a passionate advocate for mental health and wellness and look forward to engaging with youth and young adults to provide person-centered counselling support to help others reach their wellness goals. When I am not at Huddle, you can find me in the rink watching hockey or travelling with my family.
Peer Supporter
Hello friends! I’m Sintu. I enjoy cooking, baking for my loved ones, and I love a good, strong, freshly roasted cup of coffee. I am from the capital city of Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, and most of my family still lives there.
Counsellor
Hello! I am happy to be a part of the wonderful group at Huddle Brandon. As a counsellor, it is my pleasure to walk alongside someone as they go through the ups and downs of this journey called Life! It is my desire to help you heal, grow, and thrive. My approach can vary, but most importantly, it is relational. I have worked with young people and adults struggling in relationships, transitions, anxiety, depression, addictions, and trauma. I look forward to getting to know you!
Counsellor
Hello, my name is Dr. Chris Brown. I was born and raised in Brandon, and I am happy to be working at Huddle. My area of expertise is helping young people and adults overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you need help, I am here to guide you through these difficulties with kindness and compassion so you can live an awesome and fulfilling life.
Youth Services Director
My name is Anita Labonte. Spent most of my youth and adulthood in Thompson, MB, a place that has its fair share of gangs, violence, drugs, and alcohol. Through lived experience, education, and my journey, I have dedicated myself in support of healthy change, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wellbeing as well as addiction services. I want to empower our youth and guide them in positive ways in order for them to overcome obstacles faced by so many.
Addiction Services
Hi 😊 I’m Paul, a Community-based Addictions Worker here at Huddle Brandon. I like going to the gym and watching movies. I’ve been working with youth on and off for the past 17 years in social service and education contexts. I grew up here in southwestern Manitoba and have a B.A (Hons) in English Literature.
Service Navigator
Hi, I’m Jaime, a Service Navigator at the rural Huddle Brandon pop-up in Russell. I’m excited to be part of this growing initiative in our rural area. I enjoy family movie nights with pizza, coffee, and good conversations with friends. I believe we can all make a difference, young and old, no matter our circumstances. As Squire Bill Widener said, “Do what you can, with what you’ve got, where you are.” Our goal is to increase awareness and access to resources for youth and young adults, empowering them to create healthy, sustainable futures for themselves and their families.
Assistant Director
Tansi/Hello I'm Annalee! I'm the Assistant Director. You'll catch me either hanging with youth at Huddle or sharing info about our services in the community. My Indigenous background is Swampy Cree and I really connect with my culture through singing and drumming. Growing up, I was taught the value of listening to people's life stories - it's how we connect and build community. I hope to hear your story and support you on your wellness journey.
Nurse Practitioner
Hi! I’m Berly and I’m the Nurse practitioner here at Huddle Brandon. I love sports and plays tennis, soccer, field hockey, cricket, badminton, and table tennis. I tried my luck in ice hockey, but I can’t punch (just kidding). I completed my graduate studies in Alberta and did most of my training in Manitoba. I moved to Brandon two years ago from Thompson, MB. I work with families- all ages, youth, and also do clinics at BU and ACC.
Peer Supporter
Hey all! I'm a Peer Supporter here at Huddle Brandon. A few things about me: In addition to serving at Huddle, I’m a Brandon University student; I grew up in and near Russell; I have a pet newt named Norman; I am a social media wizard. I also enjoy a nice cup of black coffee, curling up on the couch, singing and playing guitar, and lounging around playing video games. Hanging out and sharing laughs with family, friends, is a huge part of my life. Always looking for opportunities to meet new people and walk with them for a little while.
Peer Supporter
Hi everyone! I’m Tyson, and I am excited to serve as a Huddle Peer Supporter in Brandon. My passion is to support and encourage young people, helping them navigate their personal journeys with confidence and hope. Outside of my time at Huddle, I love acting on stage and in film, staying active, and spending time with friends. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this amazing community and to walk alongside others in their growth and wellness.
Counsellor
Hello! My name is Sheryl Playford. I am an Indigenous Cree woman who loves to help guide others to healing and feeling good about themselves. I offer a comfortable space with no judgement and do my best to help mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have worked with youth the past 11 years and have lived life experience of anxiety, trauma, depression, addiction, and suicide ideation. I look forward to working with you on your healing journey to live life to its fullest. When I am not helping others, I am spending time with my loved ones, fishing, hiking or just relaxing at home.
Peer Supporter
Hi everyone! My name is Jayden and I am one of the Peer Supporters here at Huddle Brandon. I am also a student at Brandon University, currently studying psychology, which fuels my passion for supporting mental well-being. My own lived experiences have also shaped my drive to help others, as I understand the importance of support and connection in difficult times. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends, reading, exploring history (I’m a huge history nerd), being active, and discovering new TV shows. I’m here to offer a listening ear and provide support, no matter where you’re at in your journey.
Our services at Huddle Brandon are provided by a group of community organizations, including Westman Youth for Christ, Brandon Friendship Centre, Career and Employment Youth Services (C.E.Y.S. Brandon), Prairie Mountain Health, SERC, and the Addictions Foundation of Manitoba.
At Huddle, youth have a safe space to be authentically themselves. We welcome and respect people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, faiths, race/nationalities, and abilities.
We empower all youth, families, and service providers to show the same respect to others and to celebrate each other’s differences
Get Involved
Create positive change in your community and lead by example! If you’re between the ages of 12 and 29, come join our Youth Advisory Council, or start the journey toward becoming a peer supporter. You’ll get the chance to help plan events, make decisions for our youth-led programming, and provide mentorship to other youth seeking support.
We also have openings available for volunteer receptionists (ages 16+) as well as on our Parents and Family Advisory Council (ages 30+).
Our youth hubs are located on Treaty 1 and Treaty 2 territories. These lands on which we gather are the traditional territories of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Anisininew, Assiniboine, Dakota, and Dene Peoples, and the birthplace of the Métis Nation.
