StrengthIn.Youth was developed during 3.5+ years of community-based participatory research. Through ongoing youth consultation, we learned that young people seek adult guidance and collaboration, but they need frameworks for navigating these sometimes complex situations effectively and safely.
We also learned that when young people face mental health challenges, they turn to their peers first, rather than adults or mental health professionals. Well intentioned adult supporters often encourage young people to support one another, but sometimes forget to prepare them on how to navigate these supportive conversations. This session will address a critical gap: youth (especially those from BIPOC and 2SLBTQ+ communities) are serving as the first response to their peers’ mental health and/or life challenges, sometimes without the basic skills to do so.
This interactive session will begin by exploring how participants are currently supporting youth, creating opportunities for shared learning and connection. By bridging the gap between youth wisdom and adult support, attendees will learn strategies for upskilling and empowering young people to have safe, effective and hope-based supportive conversations with their peers. We will share our framework which addresses how to: -Start a supportive conversations -Set boundaries and practice self care -Identify and connect with trusted adult supporters and resources.
Attendees will leave with implementation ready resources including a youth guide, and strategies to support everyday peer to peer interactions.
