Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) is proud to announce a new mental health initiative targeted to young adults – a National Youth Advisory Council (NYAC). The NYAC’s goal is to create a network of young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, from colleges and universities across the country who will provide feedback and recommendations on MDSC initiatives, programs, resources and supports for youth from the perspective of those with lived experience.
Two years in the making, this Council will give youth a powerful voice to identify the diverse issues surrounding mental health in their own age demographic. As the future leaders of society, MDSC seeks to hear from young adults themselves, to identify where there are potential gaps in supports for young adults and to assist them in acquiring the resources they need. Member activities will include policy discussion, promoting peer-based mental health resources and programs, as well as engagement in MDSC fundraising events. Currently, MDSC is engaging in recruitment activities to enlist student ambassadors to sit on the council from schools across the country and is seeking individuals that are enthusiastic about mental health and wish to make a difference amongst their peers.
“MDSC is very proud to launch this new national initiative to support youth mental health. We know that close to 1 million youth are affected by mental illness and only one in five will get the help they need. Research shows roughly 70 per cent of mental illness begins during childhood or adolescence and this is a crucial time to support their needs. As a national mental health organization representing persons with lived experience of mental illness, MDSC knows the needs are growing and we want to help provide programs and supports for tomorrow’s leaders.”
– Dave Gallson, National Executive Director, MDSC
To learn more about this initiative and to submit an application, please visit the NYAC Page.
For more information:
Dave Gallson
National Executive Director
613-921-5565
info@mdsc.ca
