mindyourmind began in 2001 as the Youth Discovery Program, an non-profit outreach program in London, Ontario, Canada. The program grew from a small financial grant and out of the vision of two therapists with an urgent desire to make a difference in the lives of youth struggling with mental health problems, particularly, youth at risk for suicide. The outreach program quickly grew beyond its resources.
In 2004 nine Youth Ambassadors for Mental Health began developing content for the launch of mindyourmind, the website. Since that time, amazing creative and technical contributions from hundreds of youth volunteers have reached hundreds of thousands of online and in-person youth and professionals who work with youth. The reach been not only local, but national and international.
mindyourmind is a not-for-profit youth mental health promotion program. mindyourmind works with youth, emerging adults and the professionals who serve them, to develop resources and communication platforms. These resources are designed to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and increase access and use of community support, both professional and peer-based. Through the use of active engagement processes and technology mindyourmind inspires youth to reach out, get help and give help.
mindyourmind has won multiple awards in categories of Canadian social marketing, international health information technology and provincial excellence for non-profit agencies.
In 2006 nine Youth Advisors collaborated with the mindyourmind team and professional advisors to create a place on the website just for professionals. The ProPortal inspired youth service providers, health care workers and educators to use online tools and media to augment and enhance their relationships with young people.
“I want to be treated like a person, not a diagnosis.”
mindyourmind Youth Advisors said “THINK OUTSIDE THE TALK!” and shared their stories about reaching out for help.
Today we talk with and listen to many youth in many ways about the barriers to seeking help for mental health or life problems.
How can we reach youth who are reluctant to reach out for help?
mindyourmindpro provides health care professionals, service providers and educators working with youth innovative web-based and social media tools to enhance their practice and engage youth in a meaningful way.