Who are we?
Modelled off of youth engagement best practices and aligned with the quality standards for youth engagement, the Youth Engagement Advisory (YEA) is a group of youth (aged 13 to 25) who work alongside Wellkin’s two youth engagement facilitators to:
- Organize and facilitate regionally specific projects focused on raising mental health awareness, decreasing stigma and promoting mental wellness in the community;
- Advise Wellkin on how to create youth-friendly services as well as the planning, delivery, and evaluation of Wellkin’s policy, programs and initiatives; and
- Advocate and promote Wellkin and the importance of youth engagement within the broader community.
The New Mentality
Wellkin’s Youth Engagement Advisory belongs to a larger provincial network, called The New Mentality. Each year The New Mentality hosts an annual retreat for young youth leaders and their adult allies. To find a New Mentality group near you, please visit thenewmentality.ca/tnm-group-list
Children’s Mental Health Week
Every May we celebrate Mental Health Week. By embracing honesty and vulnerability, we open the door to deeper conversations. In doing so, we create a ripple effect of courage, while reducing the stigma of mental health. Wellkin’s Youth Engagement Advisory hosts various events during Mental Health Week. These events create hope, encourage a sense of belonging, and foster connection.
Community Events
Throughout the year, Wellkin’s Youth Engagement Advisory hosts and participates in community events. YEA members enjoy educating the community on Wellkin’s services and promoting mental wellness. If you are interested in having the Youth Engagement Team at your event, please reach out to info@wellkin.ca
Pride Events
Each year, members of Wellkin’s Youth Engagement Advisory host and participate in various pride events in both Elgin and Oxford Counties. Youth members and their ally’s sit at various planning tables, to bring Pride events to our communities. Oxford County Pride Family Day, Elgin County Pride in the Park and Queer Prom in St. Thomas, are just a few of the many events co-developed with youth.
Current Members
Sydney
Wren
Peyton
Casey
Nathan
Youth Engagement Facilitators
Anna
Contact
Contact Anna at engagement@wellkin.ca to join the YEA. Can’t wait to hear from you!