TORONTO — National Council of Jewish Women of Canada, Toronto section, is addressing its concerns about mental health issues in adolescents with Making Connections, a free series of lectures for families beginning Nov. 14.

The first lecture, titled “Raising A Great Kid: Empowering Parents to Use Mirroring and Empathy to Attune to Their Child’s Feelings,” is presented by Jennifer Kolari, a social worker and therapist who has been helping children, teens and families for 20 years.

On Nov. 28, psychologists Megan Lowe and Tera Beaulieu, youth outreach directors at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, will speak about “Youth, Substance Use, Gaming and Mental Health.”

Dr. Katharina Manassis, staff psychiatrist and senior associate scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children, will speak Feb. 21 on the development and scientific evaluation of cognitive-behavioural treatments.

Shira Lester-Cohen, executive director of NCJW’s Toronto section, said that when she started working at the organization about one year ago, she heard about some teen suicides. “It struck me that we should be addressing the issue.”

Rosalie Shadlyn, a longtime NCJW volunteer, said that as a remedial specialist, she got involved in the lecture series because in her work she sees families who are concerned with the issue.

“I have come in contact with students who are in great distress. This is my arena.”

Lester-Cohen said the series covers a topic that many parents are concerned about. “We are reaching out to our own community, and the community at large.”

No reservations are required for the lectures, which take place at Council House, 4700 Bathurst St. Call 416-633-5100 for information.