The youth engagement project seeks to include young people in the design of Early Intervention services.
1. What is Talk to Youth Lately (TTYL)?
TTYL is a new mental health youth engagement project in Scarborough.
2. What is TTYL’s mission?
To implement effective practices of youth engagement in developing and delivering mental health educational programs and youth-led mental health support services in Scarborough.
To increase the mental health knowledge of young people and related stakeholders in schools and/or other community settings in Scarborough.
To give Scarborough youth a voice in the designing, delivering, and decision-making process when reaching out and/or educating youth and related staff about mental health issues.
To help facilitate opportunities for youth to have a voice in the delivery of mental health services in Scarborough.
3. Why is there a need for a TTYL youth engagement project in Scarborough?
Current statistics show that 1 out of every 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue within their lifetime, and that approximately 3 out of every 100 people will experience a psychotic episode. Since initial symptoms often occur during the teenage years, youth need accurate information about mental health issues to help encourage them to seek appropriate supports.
There are approximately 2,700 young people currently experiencing psychosis in Scarborough but there is no formal program to help identify these young people.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 16-24 (after automobile accidents).
Studies show that as many as 1/3 of people experiencing mental health issues do not seek supports, often because of concerns about stigma. TTYL believes that issues of stigma amongst youth are best addressed by using a youth-to-youth engagement strategy.
There is currently no formal mental health awareness program for youth in Scarborough.
Youth engagement is a right. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that all young people have the right to participate.
The Canada Health Network states that youth engagement enhances health because it offers young people a chance to develop important decision-making and problem-solving skills, develop meaningful relationships and bolster self-esteem.
The newly created Federal Mental Health Commission is considering initiatives that will mandate the education of young people about mental health issues. TTYL could become an example of youth leading the way in this area.
4. What were TTYL’s goals for 2008-2009?
Establish a Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) of 5-10 part-time, paid youth to serve as advisors for the project. The YAP will help develop and implement TTYL projects and services.
Hire and train a Youth Engagement Coordinator.
Work with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) to develop and deliver a pilot program at Sir Oliver Mowat C.I and Albert Campbell C.I in Scarborough. This will include an on-going presence by TTYL youth staff in the schools to serve as a resource for students and staff. TTYL staff will also develop and implement a creative project with students such as a short film, a talent show or other projects.
Connect with the Toronto Catholic District School Board to offer a pilot program within their secondary school system.
Develop and deliver educational outreach opportunities in other youth-related settings (may include schools besides the pilot schools or other community events).
Research and liaise with related youth mental health programs in Scarborough and other areas.
Develop and implement a youth outreach strategy through focus groups, attending and/or hosting youth-related events.
Establish an emergency training plan for youth who are engaged in TTYL outreach and who may encounter a youth in crisis or otherwise in need of additional supports. This will include formal support arrangements with youth mental health agencies in Scarborough.
Develop youth mental health awareness materials to be presented at schools or other community forums. These may include (but are not limited to): a website or other on-line resources, print and/or audio-video materials, creative arts outreach such as a theatrical production, music or art show.
Train peer support workers to work with the students in the pilot schools, under the guidance of the Youth Engagement Coordinator and the TTYL Director. These peer support workers may be co-op students and/or student leaders from the pilot schools.
Develop research tools to evaluate TTYL projects.
