WHAT IS UPOPOLIS?
Welcome to Upopolis: A Safe Community for Youth Facing Life's Challenges
A Safe, Online Community for Youth Facing Health Challenges
Upopolis is a free, secure, and clinically supported online community designed for youth and young adults navigating chronic illness, hospitalization, and major life challenges. Through peer connection, moderated discussion, and creative self-expression, Upopolis helps reduce isolation and supports emotional well-being when youth need it most.
Led by trained clinicians and shaped by youth voice, Upopolis offers a trusted space where young people can connect with others who truly understand their experiences.
What Is Upopolis?
Upopolis is a private digital platform where youth ages 13–23 can safely connect with peers who are navigating similar health or life experiences. The platform is moderated by Certified Child Life Specialists and other trained professionals to ensure a supportive, respectful, and age-appropriate environment.
Youth on Upopolis can:
Connect with peers who understand what they’re going through
Share stories, photos, and creative content
Participate in themed groups related to illness, grief, siblings, and life transitions
Access trusted, youth-friendly resources
Build confidence, coping skills, and a sense of belonging
Upopolis is always free to join and available to youth regardless of diagnosis, geography, or background.
Why Upopolis Matters
For many youth, illness and hospitalization can lead to profound social isolation — from peers, school, and everyday life. Traditional supports don’t always address the emotional and social impacts of these experiences.
Upopolis bridges this gap by providing:
Connection during moments of isolation
Peer understanding that can’t be replicated elsewhere
Clinically informed support in a digital space youth already use
Continuity of care beyond hospital walls
Upopolis is not a replacement for clinical care — it is a complementary, protective space that supports mental wellness through safe connection.
Who Upopolis Is For
Youth & Young Adults
Upopolis is for youth ages 13–23 who are navigating:
Chronic or complex medical conditions
Hospitalization or ongoing treatment
Major life events such as grief, trauma, or family illness
Youth join through referral or invitation and participate at their own pace, choosing how and when they engage.
Parents & Caregivers
Upopolis provides a safe, moderated environment where youth can connect with peers who truly understand their experiences — something caregivers often can’t provide alone.
Parents can feel confident knowing:
The platform is clinically supervised
Safety and community guidelines are enforced
Youth engagement supports emotional well-being and connection
Clinicians & Referrers
Upopolis is used by Child Life Specialists, social workers, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as a trusted referral option for youth who would benefit from peer connection and emotional support.
The platform:
Complements existing clinical care
Extends support beyond hospital stays
Offers a safe, moderated space for ongoing connection
Refer a youth or learn more about how Upopolis supports your practice
Safety & Clinical Oversight
Safety is foundational to Upopolis:
Moderated by Certified Child Life Specialists and trained professionals
Clear community guidelines and active moderation
Youth-informed policies and programming
Ongoing evaluation and clinician oversight
This structure ensures Upopolis remains a trusted, supportive environment for youth, families, and healthcare partners.
Our Hospital and Partner Network
Upopolis works alongside pediatric hospitals, treatment centres, and community partners across Canada and beyond to ensure youth are supported throughout their care journeys.
BC Children’s Hospital
Bethell Hospice
Brigadoon Village
Camp Erin
Cape Breton Regional Hospital
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario
CHU Sainte-Justine
Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre
Five Counties Children’s Center
Grey Bruce Health Services
Heart House Hospice
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
IWK Health Centre
Janeway Children's Health & Rehabilitation Centre
Kedooopse
London Health Science Centre
Lutherwood
McMaster Children’s Hospital
Montreal Children's Hospital
North York General Hospital
Paradise Youth Treatment Center
Ronald McDonald House Canada Northern Alberta
SickKids Hospital
Shriner's Hospital for Children, Montreal
Stollery Children’s Hospital
Trillium Health Partners
Victoria General Hospital / Island Health
Windsor Falls Youth Treatment Centre
Interested in joining Upopolis?
Click here if you’d like more information on how you or your organization can join Upopolis or email Upopolis Program Director, Krista Naugler.
Uknow is medical content that is provided to Upopolis users on a variety of topics ranging from explanations of diagnoses, unique hospital video tours, coping and distraction techniques and resources. Individual hospitals/centres are able to post their own content so information is applicable to what users may experience. Here’s an example of a recently completed Uknow video: Exploring the Operating Room.
What Youth Are Saying
“Upopolis has really helped me get through a lot! Being able to connect with other kids and teens going through treatment has really opened my eyes. Always knowing I have support from all the Upopolis users and that I support everyone is a really great thing to be able to turn to during treatment.”
“Upopolis is awesome! I love how you can chat with people and email friends, but I think the best part has to be how you can create your own space about anything you want and then invite people to join! Upopolis is something that I go on almost every day! I love it and if I had one word to describe it, I would say FUN!”
“I like having the external user feature and being able to add my family and friends ‘cause it allows me to chat, email and share photos with my cousin from across the country. Plus, Upopolis is like Facebook in a way, but since my Mom wants me to be a little older before I get it, this is a way for me to share everything that’s going on with my family and friends!”
“I don’t have any other social media than Upopolis so I really like using it because it is kinda like Facebook but better, LOL. Also on Facebook, you can’t go to someone directly for advice because they could be someone you don’t want to meet but on Upopolis you can trust.”
