Working Together for Stigma Reduction

Building Capacity & Sharing Knowledge in Child and Youth Mental Health and Beyond Research is not enough…Getting the right knowledge to the right users in the right format at the right time to make change happen…. Building the knowledge base through research and synthesis Responding to knowledge gaps with customized and reliable products Funding training, development and knowledge exchange initiatives Bringing people together to exchange knowledge Engaging youth as agents of knowledge exchange Making the most of knowledge through partnerships

“labelling or discriminating against an individual or group of individuals on the basis of observed or presumed mental health difficulties.” The experience of stigma can take many forms and can come from a number of sources such as individuals, groups or institutions. Stigma

Stigma Reduction at the Centre of Excellence Systematic Review –Stigma reduction workshop Grants & Awards Partnerships Youth Engagement Stigma Learning Module

Effects of school-based interventions on mental health stigmatization 40 international studies reviewed Many methodological shortcomings Major recommendations Develop curriculum Focus on empathy development for the younger students Focus on face to face direct contact with older students Evaluate using methodologically sound approaches Build in knowledge exchange Systematic Review

Inclusive International researchers Educators Youth Child and youth mental health leaders Present and build on the stigma review Don’t re-invent the wheel Many good initiatives but research needs to catch up Roots of Empathy shows promise Stigma reduction workshop (April 2007)

Grants and Awards Research Grants –Youth Net Hamiltion RCT of school-based awareness and stigma reduction program Community Mobilization Awards –South East community Stigma and service utilization

Partnerships Mental Health Commission of Canada –National anti-discrimination anti-stigma program –Child and Youth Advisory Committee National Infant Child and Youth Mental Health Consortium Developing a common (cross-sectoral) language and common understanding around CYMH Children’s Mental Health Ontario –Youth Engagement

Youth Engagement is About… Creating meaningful opportunities Youth making decisions on programs and services that impact them directly Recognizing that youth engagement is more than just a program; it’s a method of operating Youth engagement promotes health and reduces risk behaviours

The New Mentality Consumer & Advocates Network – Dare to Dream Program Youth Art Mural Project Project Postcard Youth Engagement and Stigma Reduction

The New Mentality In partnership with Children’s Mental Health Ontario and others to develop a network of youth across the province that will…. Give youth the opportunity to play a meaningful, ongoing, and sustainable role in promoting mental health and advocating for a system that best meets their mental health needs.

The New Mentality … is a provincial network of youth who promote public awareness of mental health issues and advocate for a system that best meets their mental health needs

by Nancy Pereira Knowledge Transfer and Evaluation Lead The New Mentality

Centre of Excellence Youth Members of Advisory Groups Consumers and Advocates Network Advisory Council

The Provincial Centre of Excellence: Dare to Dream Program 8 awarded in 2005 Next Deadline : March 30, 2007

Dare to Dream Program Successful Projects Community Mural Survey of high school students about knowledge of mental health Plays focusing on mental health A relaxing ‘chill’ room at school Youth talent show Conflict Resolution Comic Magazine Self-esteem program for girls Youth Coordinators and Review Team

Youth and Stigma

2006 Mural Project

Project Postcard Art and mental health awareness initiative for students in grades 6-8. (Denise Lacroix & Julie Fisher) Community Foundation of Ottawa grant ($8200) Process: –Presentations about Mental Health –Develop and share messages through the creation of postcards

... A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.... Margaret Mead

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