Across sectors and at every level, the engagement of young people and families with lived/living experiences of the mental health system is being sought for system-driven initiatives, from local service improvements to research projects to government policy. We are a peer-led, online community for young people and families to connect to share, celebrate, reflect on and learn from their engagement and co-design experiences.
Young people and families can and do experience harm in these settings, often compounded by issues related to structural oppression, social determinants of health and intersectionality. Our group is interested in creating a space for young people and families with lived/living experiences that will provide ongoing connection, mentorship, mutual support and ways to meet other engagement needs they identify. Please see the contact information below if you want to join the CoI.
Goals
Our goals are to:
- Co-design a self-directed, accessible, inclusive, and supportive online community for young people and families to connect with one another.
- Create opportunities for young people and families of diverse regions, communities, backgrounds, identities and experiences to talk about their unique perspectives, insights, and needs for engaging or co-designing with organizations and systems more fully, safely and meaningfully.
- Provide opportunities for engagement-related peer support and mentoring to validate experiences and nurture individual, family and community well-being and resilience.
CoI Leads
- Sandra Moll, Associate Professor, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Co-Design VP Hub Co-Lead
- Louise Murray-Leung, Family Peer Support Leader, PCMH - Hamilton Chapter (CMHO’s family support program)
Contact
For more information about this CoI, please get in touch with michelle.chin@camh.ca and murrayll@mcmaster.ca.
Check out the rest of EENet's CoIs/CoPs here: https://kmb.camh.ca/eenet/communities.