The Value of Youth Engagement Insights from DOTS NB
Youth engagement is more than just buzzwords—it’s an essential element in fostering mental health awareness and advocacy, especially in the context of today’s rapidly changing challenges. Through DOTS NB, youth engagement is at the heart of every initiative. By empowering young people to take charge of their mental wellness, DOTS NB has created a platform for youth to share their experiences, perspectives, and ideas, contributing meaningfully to the broader conversation on mental health.
When young people are invited to participate in shaping their mental health journeys, they are more likely to feel empowered and motivated to advocate for their needs. Involving youth in this dialogue ensures that mental health initiatives are relevant and relatable. Youth voices bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a deeper understanding of the challenges they face today. DOTS NB’s commitment to youth engagement ensures that young people are at the forefront of mental health advocacy, both as participants and as leaders.
Breaking the Stigma: Youth-Led Mental Health Initiatives Through DOTS NB
DOTS NB was born out of the urgent need to address the mental health challenges facing New Brunswick’s youth. In 2008, the report Connecting the Dots, led by Provincial Child and Youth Advocate Bernard Richard, shed light on the significant gaps in mental health services for youth. It became clear that youth were underserved, and their mental health needs were not adequately being addressed. Responding to this call to action, Maureen Bilerman sparked a grassroots movement that placed youth mental health at the forefront.
Moved under the PFY umbrella over 10 years ago, DOTS NB has worked tirelessly to bring together youth, families, and communities to create awareness, challenge stigma, and build a better understanding of mental health issues that impact young people. Campaigns such as Ring-a-Bell and Dots for Youth have been instrumental in raising awareness about mental health, particularly within schools. These initiatives not only raise awareness but encourage youth to lead the conversation, allowing them to advocate for themselves and their peers.
The Ring-a-Bell campaign, for example, has brought mental health education into schools across New Brunswick. Through engaging students in discussions, activities, and learning modules, the campaign fosters open dialogue on mental health issues that are often stigmatised or misunderstood. It connects students, educators, and policymakers, creating an environment where youth feel empowered to speak openly about mental health challenges and solutions.
Empowering Youth to Lead Mental Health Advocacy
In 2015, when DOTS NB came under the Partners for Youth Inc. umbrella, a collaboration was formed that significantly expanded its reach and amplified its impact. This partnership has allowed DOTS NB to access more resources, strengthen its impact, and further its mission of empowering youth to lead the charge in mental health advocacy. One of the most powerful outcomes has been the launch of Youth in Action for Mental Health (YAMH).
YAMH is a peer-led initiative that embodies the core values of youth empowerment and leadership. Through this program, students explore various mental health topics, develop actionable plans, and execute projects aimed at raising mental health awareness in their schools and communities. This hands-on approach gives youth ownership over their mental health advocacy, allowing them to feel a sense of agency and responsibility.
Rather than being passive recipients of mental health services, the youth involved in YAMH are active participants and leaders. They engage with their peers, families, and communities to challenge stigmas and promote mental health literacy. The program not only equips them with the tools to navigate their own mental wellness but also instils leadership skills that can be applied in various aspects of their lives. By fostering an environment where youth can take charge, PFY is helping to build a future where mental health advocacy is driven by young people who understand the issues firsthand.
The Lasting Impact of Youth Leadership in Mental Health Awareness
As the impact of DOTS NB continues to grow and evolve, its core mission remains unchanged: to empower youth, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness across New Brunswick and beyond. Through programs like YAMH and campaigns such as Ring-a-Bell, DOTS NB is fostering a generation of youth who are not only advocates for mental health but also leaders in shaping the future of mental health awareness.
The value of youth engagement cannot be overstated. By centering youth in mental health initiatives, PFY is creating lasting change—not only for those involved but for the broader community. Youth engagement is the foundation upon which sustainable mental health advocacy is built, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to lead the charge toward a future where mental health is understood, supported, and prioritized.