The Canada Service Corps (CSC), funded by the Government of Canada, provides youth the opportunity to be engaged and involved in their communities in a variety of ways. National youth organizations are working with young people on innovative and inspiring projects. Learn more about mindyourmind‘s Design Labs at youthexperts.ca.
What?
The mindyourmind team went to Squamish, BC to work with local youth through the Canada Service Corps initiative. The goal of the project was to co-create a mental health resource specific to the needs of the Squamish community, as identified by the youth. Once the resource is complete they will promote it in their school and community to ensure it reaches the appropriate audience.
This has been a great experience. This project will help Squamish because it will bring people together. Right now people in Squamish stay in their own groups but this project will make us a community. ~ Ryelin
Who?
mindyourmind, staff from Sea To Sky Community Services and 10 youth from Squamish: Brielle, Katelyn, Lauren, Maria, McKinley, Ryelin, Sienna, Sophia, Talisa and William.
How?
mindyourmind worked with Sea to Sky Community Services to recruit youth who are passionate about mental health and being involved in their community. We had a two and a half day Design Studio followed by 10 webinars. Over the course of the Design Studio and the subsequent webinars we were able to identify the top issues facing youth in Squamish. Following this the group decided they wanted to create a website with interactive e-modules as well as a game. They are also hoping to host a launch event in the fall to promote this resource.
I like working with mindyourmind, it’s fun and very educational. The leaders are very welcoming, and the other teenagers I worked with have some very good ideas and we got along well. I learned a lot about the importance of language. For example, depression is more than just a bad day. I look forward to developing the game we are creating, I think it will be very helpful and beneficial for people and their mental health. ~ Brielle
Why?
We recognize that mental health programs are not “one size fits all”. We wanted to provide youth with the opportunity to create a mental health resource that is specifically suited to the Squamish area. When resources are co-created and targeted they are more effective. Additionally this process provided the youth valuable skills and transferable experience they can utilize in the future.
This project has allowed me to collaborate with others in my community I wouldn’t have ever talked to otherwise. I joined to have a fun time and learn about mental health and this project has allowed me to do both of these things. I have heard many different opinions on the youth in my town and it has really opened my eyes to different perspectives. Although there are many different people involved, and we all have many different things to say, I’ve learned that there are many similarities between us as well. mindyourmind has been a great experience for me! ~ Sienna
Tools
MIND Game the Squamish youth team decided they wanted to do a trivia style game. They guided the content and visual design of the game. Available in English, French and Punjabi.
MIND eLearning is available in English and French.
