“Talk to Youth Lately” (TTYL) is a group of young people ages 16-30 who have lived experience with mental health issues and/or are close friends and family members. TTYL uses a youth engagement approach so all performances are written by young people, together with TTYL staff. Since the program began in 2008, TTYL has educated more than 2000 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 public performances include:
• May 2009, Hosting a Talent Show at the Scarborough Civic Centre
• Dec. 2009, Is There Hope for Recovery? Forum
• Mar.2010, Ontario Working Group in Early Psychosis Conference
• May 2010, Meeting of the Minds Fundraiser at Second City (hosts)
• May 2010, Ontario 10 Year Mental Health Strategy Committee
• Sep. 2010, Families Conference at North York Civic Centre
TTYL is proud to report that in October 2010 we were awarded a Toronto Arts Council grant in conjunction with Lookup Theatre to begin incorporating some “Social Circus” training for group members. We are looking forward to including new theatrical elements in our upcoming shows. TTYL is open to writing new material to suit new audiences, and we have a sliding scale for community bookings.
