CMHO's Youth Action Committee

The Youth Action Committee (The 'YAC') is Children's Mental Health Ontario's (CMHO) New Mentality Committee. The New Mentality is a program that engages youth to improve mental health services for children and youth.

Currently, the YAC consists of 9 youth from across the province; the Committee is chaired by Bronwyn Loucks. Erin Boudreau is the adult and CMHO staff ally; Sharlene Weitzman, M.S.W., R.S.W., C.P.T.S. (Gowthorpe-Weitzman Clinical Consultants) also provides support and advice to the Committee as needed.

Each year, the YAC develops and assists in implementing a plan of action that reflects the interests and priorities of youth as they relate to the mission and activities of CMHO. The YAC will in part respond to recommendations that are developed and presented by the youth who attend CMHO's conferences and events and create an action plan that includes strategies and mechanisms for implementing those recommendations (where applicable). The YAC will also work on a stigma-reducing project to raise child and youth mental health awareness.

The YAC aims to act as an advisory group to CMHO's board of directors providing a youth perspective where appropriate. It helps ensure that CMHO's policies are 'youth-friendly'.

As its main project this year, the YAC has further developed a toolkit that was created in its inaugural year to inspire youth to start talking about mental health and reduce stigma. To download the Toolkit, click here (PDF, 17 pages). 

If you wish to distribute the toolkit in your community or get involved with the YAC, please contact Bronwyn Loucks (7byl AT queensu DOT ca).

Meet the 2010-11 YAC

Bronwyn, Chair
Erin, Adult Ally
Paige, Co-Facilitator
Brittany, Co-Faciliator
Olivia, Secretary
Carrington, Timekeeper
Danielle
Mohini
Caitlin
Jessica

YAC Speeches

Each year, the YAC has the opportunity to present at CMHO's Annual Conference and each time, they steal the show! 

In 2009, the YAC addressed - to an audience of key decision makers, executive directors, government officials and fellow youth - the 3 pillars of system reform: Leadership, Empowerment and Awareness.  At CMHO's Annual Conference in 2010, they shared their ideas for improving Access to Services, System Integration and Coordination, and for increasing Suicide Awareness and Prevention... truly taking a stand for child and youth mental health. 

Click on the speeches below to read the YAC's inspiring, powerful words and innovative ideas to improve child and youth mental health.

Brittany’s speech 

The YAC in Action!

The YAC hard at work on its Toolkit in 2009.

YAC Chair, Bronwyn, introduces the YAC at CMHO’s Annual Conference in November 2009.  The YAC spoke about "Leadership, Empowerment and Awareness".

YAC members at CMHO's Annual Conference in 2009; from left to right: Erin (Adult Ally), Bronwyn (Chair), Tyla, Caitlin, Paige, and Brittany.

YAC Chair, Bronwyn, introduces the Committee at the Child and Youth Wellness Centre of Leeds and Grenville’s AGM in June 2009.

YAC members at the Child and Youth Wellness Centre of Leeds and Grenville’s AGM in June 2009; from left to right: Tyla, Brittany, Paige, and Bronwyn.

YAC member, Brittany (far left) as a judge at CMHO’s Change the View event at the Masonic Temple in Toronto in May 2010.

Left Picture: Change the View celebrity judges (left to right) Zack Werner (Canadian Idol), Ashley Greco (Z103.5), Bronwyn Loucks, and the Hon. Laurel Broten, Minister of Children & Youth Services, announcing the winning video: Carrying the Load. May 6, 2011 - The Masonic Temple, Toronto.

Right Picture: Grand Prize winners accepting their award ($2000 cash, free tour of The Masonic Temple & chance to watch an MTV taping, & framed Change the View poster) from Minister Broten and Bronwyn Loucks.  Youth co-hosts Brittany and Carrington (far left to right) look on.

Left Picture: The First Runner-Up and creator of Response-ability accepts his award (prize pack donated by Matix, Dragon Optics, Arts and Crafts, and Idol Summer Camp). 

Right Picture: Second Runners-Up and creators of Handful of Secrets accept their awards (prize pack donated by Matix, Dragon Optics, Arts and Crafts, and Z103.5).