The Talk to Youth Lately (TTYL) Mental Health Social Circus and Theatre Program is a group of young people ages 16-30 who have experienced mental health issues or are close friends and family members. TTYL uses a youth engagement approach so all performances are written by young people, together with TTYL professional staff. Since the program began in 2008, TTYL has educated more than 3500 young people and community stakeholders about mental health recovery, anti-discrimination and other relevant ideas both in high schools and at other public forums.
TTYL’s current cabaret-style show is called Minds Matter. This performance focuses on recovery-based messages of hope, and the idea that mental health and illnesses occur on a continuum, which are all “human” experiences. TTYL is thrilled to be performing Minds Matter to approximately 4000 students at the Toronto District School Board in the 2011-2012 school year! The show includes skits about:
• every-day stress
• what it is like to experience depression
• what it is like to experience psychosis and related myths
• how to support a friend
• the main causes of mental health issues
• concerns about stigma and discrimination
• a mini history lesson/fashion show that highlights the differences between past and current practices of the mental health system
• and more!
The entire show is approximately 40-45 minutes and we usually facilitate a q & a afterwards, including a discussion about where students can go to get help. The show is intended to fill one classroom period with time for student arrival and dismissal.
Here is a promo video that can be viewed on Youtube:
For more information or to book a performance, please contact:
Emily Collette
Director of TTYL
Family Outreach and Response (FOR)
647-899-7852
TTYL is proudly sponsored by the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport-Healthy Communities Fund, the Christina Mary Hendrie Foundation
and the Charles Norcliffe and Thelma Scott Baker Foundation
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