 411Youth Net is a “by youth, for youth” mental health promotion and
early intervention program for youth aged 12 to 20 years. Youth Net
aims to
- Increase awareness and communication about mental health and mental
illness
- Decrease stigma of mental illness
- Facilitate early identification for mental illness
- Link youth with a safety net of youth-friendly professionals
- Empower youth to help themselves and others
Stigma and an inability to recognize the signs of a mental health
problem are the two barriers to people seeking help. With most
problems and illnesses better managed as soon as possible, a serious
mental illness is also best intervened early for the best chance of
recovery. As part of Youth Net’s services, we try to close the gap in
the time between problems arising and getting help.
The onset of serious mental illnesses occurs in early life: late teens
and early twenties. It is imperative that youth, their family,
educators, and co-workers recognize the signs of a mental health
problem and get help or encourage the person to seek help.
Educating youth on the prevalence of mental illness, reducing or
eliminating stigma, and connecting youth with help when they need it
is half the equation. Youth Net also uses the data collected about
youth to educate organizations working with youth about their
perspective and experiences so that they become more welcoming to
youth. The outcome: youth seek help and get the help they need and
value.
The research behind Mental Health Promotion, Early Intervention, and
the Developmental Assets are drivers for Youth Net, as well as a 1993
Canadian study that revealed youth go first to other youth for help.
Please read more about
health promotion,
early intervention, and
developmental assets.
Click here to read Youth Net’s
Case for Support. For additional appendices, please contact the
Director, Mental Health Promotion.
Contact Information:
Jennifer Sorensen, Program Coordinator
Alison Pryce, Staff Facilitator
Suzanne Robinson, Director, Mental Health Promotion
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