by Milan Santos | Feb 3, 2021 | Uncategorized
Last week I shared that I would be visiting our New Mentality groups across the province… virtually!
Well I haven’t stopped, yesterday I visited our New Mentality group in Toronto who are with our partner agency Lumenus Community Services!
It was so great getting to meet the youth facilitators, one of whom is also a part of our Youth Action Committee! It was so nice to hear about how the youth facilitators actually began as volunteers for the group.
This group has consistently been doing amazing work in their community, and actually launched two resources last summer to help students with the transition to high school, and the transition out of high school.
We were so incredibly proud to see resources created by youth for youth!
Click here to read – The Transition to High School
Click here to read – The Transition out of High School
We began our call talking about TV shows we’re watching, specifically The Office which I needed to get everyone’s opinion on before I really get invested.. I know I’m about 16 years or so late.
During the group visit, it was so nice to hear from youth why they joined the New Mentality. Youth shared that they wanted a space to be themselves, to get involved and be a part of a positive space. As someone who was a part of the network in the past as a youth facilitator, it was nice to hear that many of our experiences of starting in the network were similar. For myself, when I was joining the New Mentality it was important for me to see people that looked like, and see better representation in our network which is primarily reflective of the mental health sector.
We took time during the meeting to brainstorm ideas on recruitment and project ideas for the group as they begin the early stages of their anti-stigma project for the year. With everything going virtual, the possibilities are endless for projects, outreach and recruitment!
I could tell how eager the youth were to get started, and I can’t wait to see what the group does as they work to better the Child and Youth Mental Health system. Thank you to the adult allies and youth for such a warm welcome, and I cannot wait for the day when I can visit your group in person.
I Look forward to continuing to meet the changemakers that make up this incredible network, and seeing all the amazing work you’re doing across the province!
Ps. In between my group visit and writing this blog I visited another New Mentality group, which I’ll be sharing about next week…. can you guess where I visited?
See you all soon on zoom,
Fizza Abbas, Network Coordinator
by Milan Santos | Jan 29, 2021 | Uncategorized
Hello everyone!
I know I haven’t done this in a while! It has definitely been quite some time since I last visited one of our New Mentality groups across the province. As the Network Coordinator for the New Mentality, I love all the work I get to do in my role but what I love the most, and what has to be my absolute favourite part is getting to meet all of YOU! The incredible changemakers that make up this network.
With everything that is happening all around the world, I haven’t been able to visit all of you and I’ve been thinking to myself, hmm what could I do to make that happen?
So, I’ve decided I’m going to be travelling all across Ontario…..VIRTUALLY! In the next few months, I will be visiting all of you through Zoom. I know, who would’ve thought last year, Zoom?
My first stop of my virtual group visit was a couple days ago to Kapuskasing, who are with our partner agency North Eastern Ontario Family and Children’s Services (NEOFACS). It’s always so nice to see our different groups and all the incredible change they bring to their communities!
This was their first group meeting of the year happening virtually on Zoom. Since they’re up North they’ve had to experience different forms of pandemic restrictions that differ from where I live in Southern Ontario. It was nice to see some familiar faces and some new folks joining the New Mentality! Adult allies shared about what the New Mentality is, our Theory of Change model, and asked youth to share their ideas for what they would like to do this year to reduce the stigma of mental health in their community.
My favourite part of meeting the group was definitely when we played a game of Would You Rather, and all unanimously decided we would rather brush our teeth with soap than drink sour milk. Also a collective decision was made that we would much rather be wizards than superheroes any day. #TeamHarryPotter
What I found most unique and special about the group, is that adult allies offer group meetings in both English and French which I really appreciated…so of course with my 6+ years of extended French education it was a great opportunity to practice a bit of my French!
During the meeting we shared why the New Mentality was important to us, and why it is important to advocate for all youth voices, especially racialized youth across Ontario who don’t have the same access as their peers do.
To end off the meeting there was a draw for youth to receive pizza from a favourite Kapuskasing restaurant & Pizzeria called Chez Lizette, which I can’t wait to try now!
Thank you and Merci to the incredible adult allies and youth for welcoming me into your virtual space! I cannot wait to fly out to Kapuskasing and get to meet you all in person, when it’s safe to do so. Meeting all of you, excites me for the future and how you all will change the child and youth mental health system to make it work for all.
I Look forward to continuing to meet all of you and seeing the magic our network is making all across the province!
See you all soon on zoom,
Fizza Abbas, Network Coordinator
by Milan Santos | Dec 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
In the New Mentality (TNM), we aim to create radically inclusive spaces that allow youth to be their authentic selves. Naturally, many of our TNM groups become a safe haven for our youth leaders to express themselves and open up about their own mental health challenges.
We believe that finding meaning in hardship is an important part of healing. With the right supports, the exploration of one’s lived experience with mental illness holds the potential to be an experience of learning and growth and can be transformative on an individual level. If harnessed and valued at an organizational and system level, it can also be transformative for organizations and the broader mental health sector.
In partnership with the Centre of Innovation for Peer Support, 20 youth/alumni in The New Mentality network will receive a full scholarship to participate in a 40-hour peer support training. This partnership will allow us to build a safe environment where youth can share and support each other in a healthy manner while working on their projects.
About the Centre for Innovation in Peer Support
Support House’s Centre for Innovation in Peer Support provides wellness based, peer-led self-help and social connections programming to community members; and support to organizations who have peer staff, through training in peer-support program implementation, capacity-building, evaluation, research, knowledge brokerage, and quality improvement. The Centre promotes meaningful engagement of lived experience and family/caregivers; and effective peer support regionally, provincially, nationally, and internationally.
Description of the training:
The Centre for Innovation in Peer Support is pleased to offer a comprehensive, Best Practice 40 hour Peer Support Core Competencies training. This training aligns to key Peer Support documents created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), Peer Support Canada’s Knowledge Matrix, Health Canada Drug Treatment Funding Program and Addictions Mental Health Ontario’s (AMHO) Best Practice in Peer Support guidelines. Additionally it provides insights into the principles of Trauma informed support and related components of the MHCC National Standards for Psychological Health & Safety.
This training is delivered in 20, two hour interactive virtual training modules. Over the course of this 40 hours training some of the key concepts that individuals will be introduced to include;
- The Foundations of Recovery & Wellness
- Peer Support Fundamentals
- Advocacy & Self Determination
- Supportive communication
- How to share lived/living experience
- Navigating Boundaries & Dual Relationships
- Conflict Resolution
- Building Hope & Resiliency
This training will take place on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30pm from January 27th to June 16th, with a break during March Break.
Deadline to apply is January 18th. Please get in touch with your adult ally or or email info@thenewmentality.ca
by Milan Santos | Sep 15, 2020 | Uncategorized
The start of a new school year can normally bring on a mix of different emotions – excitement, joy, and happiness, but also nervousness, discomfort, and stress. The pandemic drastically changed how the school year ended in the spring, and the return to school has been uncertain for the most part over the summer months. As we enter the last few days of summer before school starts, we invited youth to share their thoughts on going back to school during this time.
Safety
Despite safety measures such as physical distancing and masking, students are still worried about the risk of spread between students and teachers, and to their family members. In addition to becoming ill, those who catch COVID-19 may pass it on to others, must self-isolate, and would miss out on school/work. The consequences are wide-ranging.
“Something that is definitely on my mind is the safety of everyone returning, especially older teachers. I hope that teachers and administrators are given the most support possible because they see hundreds of students daily.”
Transition to Online Learning
Although schools have turned to online learning to allow students to continue learning at home, youth are worried about the effectiveness of online learning. Online learning doesn’t work for everyone, and may not be appropriate for all subjects. This can be challenging in different ways for all students, and even more so for those who need to achieve certain grades in order to apply for universities and colleges.
“I’m most worried about the transition to an online format, and how it might impact my ability to learn or access resources in my community.”
Accessibility to Online Supports and Resources
Although students have different preferences for in-person vs. online learning, many youth say it is important for schools and community child and youth centres to have online supports and resources. In order for youth to know about the resources available to them, schools and community child and youth centres need to promote their resources and provide information about the types of supports available, how to access them, and if and how they have been modified.
Accessibility to online supports and resources is equally important to the availability of these resources. For those who do not have access to digital devices or Internet connection at home, youth may have to rely on schools to provide laptops and Wi-Fi at school or in other public areas. If online supports cannot be made available or accessible to all students, youth suggest that community child and youth centres could go to schools to reach more students.
“Providing online support is the best way to help those who might not be able to or be hesitant to reach out in person.”
Socialization with Peers
For a lot of students, extracurricular groups are a way to meet new friends, socialize with peers, and destress from busy times during the school year. While many of them can “meet” online, it feels less intimate than in-person gatherings. For some, they may not feel safe meeting with their groups online at home.
“I get really overwhelmed during busy times of the school year and dread going to class because of a fear of getting even more behind, so most of the time, the only reason I can get out of bed and drag myself to school is because I’m looking forward to a club I have during lunch or after school.”
TIPS AND ADVICE FROM YOUTH FOR YOUTH
As a new school year approaches, we asked youth what advice they would give themselves and their peers to overcome the challenges of a new school year during a pandemic. During this stressful and uncertain time, it is important to remember to check in and take care of yourself, and reach out to friends and other support networks if you need.
“Stay safe and take care of yourself.”
There are many different and polarizing opinions about COVID-19 and this can feel overwhelming. It is important to take a pause and think about what is best for you but also safe for you and those around you. If staying active helps you destress, go outside for a walk while practicing safety measures like physical distancing and masking.
“It’s okay to take a break!”
With more time at home, it can feel like we need to be doing as much as possible, trying as many new things as possible. But you don’t always have to be productive – it is just as important to rest and take a break.
“Share how you feel with other people because not talking about it can sometimes make it worse.”
Staying connected with friends or your other support networks can make it easier to deal with the challenges and uncertainties during this time. While it may feel limiting or intimidating to meet in person, there are many ways to stay connected using group call platforms and online games. To switch it up, you can create “care packages” with notes, games, small gifts, or other things that your friend likes, and do a gift exchange while practicing physical distancing.
Thank you to our youth for sharing their thoughts, tips, and advice on returning back to school. We wish you all a safe and healthy school year ahead!
by Milan Santos | Aug 20, 2020 | Uncategorized
Men’s mental health, whoosh okay let’s get real for a minute here. Mental health as a whole has been on a huge journey to be taken seriously, and to break through the stigma. Although we have come a long way we still have a long way to go. In regards to men’s mental health it’s even more of a journey. This group has been swept under the rug. However, I do know that the world has been run and dominated by the ideations of men, which I also agree needs to have a huge change. Mental health is the one place where they lack substance and space, but probably where they need it most.
Men and boys have grown up being instilled with the notions that men shouldn’t/don’t show their emotions. That they need to be cold and tough like stone. That crying would make them less of a man. Not to mention the common taboo of mental health throughout different cultures. These scripts are so toxic, and dangerous. These bottled up, unprocessed emotions then form into mental health issues, mental illness, and constant struggles with processing emotion throughout their lives. These scripts then get passed down to new generations. Because after hearing all of that what man wants to talk about their feelings, or the trauma that they have experienced in their life? Talking about these topics needs to be normalized with men, because we have lost so many young men to substance abuse, self harm, and to suicide. It needs to stop. Change needs to happen. They are hurting and we have to do something.
Personally speaking, it took me a long time to talk about my own mental health issues. Even while I was an advocate, I have invalidated my issues time and time again. I felt I needed to be that rock for other people, but I never truly realized that I had so much that I needed to be honest about. When I did start sharing my story to others it was almost like I wasn’t present in what I was talking about. Because although I shared my struggles I never actually worked through them. I still had that sense that I was okay, and that these things happen so I can get over it. But that isn’t true. It’s exhausting to have to bottle up your feelings. It’s also exhausting and scary to be open and vulnerable when seeking support, but it’s so worth it.
But our resources still aren’t good enough yet. It’s nearly impossible to find mental health support specific to male needs, especially in small towns. The earlier we start these conversations the better. But that’s not enough, we need to offer space that is equipped to the needs of male individuals and that offers a healthy environment for men to interact with one another that encourages growth and support. Our men need to be lifted up, and given a shoulder to cry on when they need it. Things need to be flipped upside down and rearranged for sure.
As for right now, I want to celebrate the amazing, resilient, strong, brave, honest male-identifying agents of change out there. You are incredible, you are loved and you are so important in this fight. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey and allowing men to have a voice and to feel emotions freely. Stay wild kings.
Thank you to Zibby our Youth Media Ambassador for sharing his thoughts on the importance of men’s mental health!
by Milan Santos | Aug 12, 2020 | Uncategorized
What happens next? To all the work you’ve put in, to the peers you’ve made, to the support you had. I’ve thought about what happens to all of it when the road I’ve been walking on finally comes to an end. Crossing that bridge into becoming an alumni within your new mentality groups and seeing everything else left behind on the other side. Reaching back for one more meeting, one more DTL, one more project.
It almost seems we forget to have a conversation about what that next step is going to look like. Or we don’t think it’s going to come as quickly as it does. Experiencing two transitions at once; becoming an New Mentality alumni, all while entering a new life path. Whether that be entering post secondary, working full time, or moving away for any handful of reasons. Whatever the case may be, and I know I can’t speak for everyone but there’s this emptiness. There’s this need. Because if we look at good ol’Maslow, we need a sense of love, belonging and my group gave me that. I had a purpose, I was making a difference. I had built a family of sorts for myself.
I’m going to talk more about what my experience with this looked like. What I was feeling and things I did to ease that transition. Being a part of the amazing New Horizons New Mentality group at Huron Perth Centre helped me so much during my time as a high school student. I learned so much about how to help others, and about myself along the way. Having to transition out and leave was something I never really thought I would have to do. Because how do you leave something so personal and so entwined with your own being?
During my transition into post secondary I did in fact look into other mental health groups within the college. To my surprise there was something, a group called Let’s Face It. It was everything I was looking for but I felt guilty. I already had a group, and these amazing friends. How would I be able to join something else? I’m going to tell you it wasn’t easy and it’s not going to be easy. But, it was one of the best choices I’ve made. Granted I didn’t join right away it took me about a month to really sort through these feelings, where at first I wasn’t going to join at all. Yes, it felt like I was making this whole big betrayal, but I have come to realize that all these advocacy groups are ultimately on the same side. We’re all here as agents of change. Looking to make a difference, to bridge the gaps within the many systems we come in contact with.
When leaving our New Mentality groups we have to hold faith in our successors. Some advice I want to give future alumnus and those who are now, taking that step, although we have to pass on our torches we still continue to take our fire with us. Use it, get involved in new groups even. You still have so much light to give.
To the adult allies, have those conversations. It’s going to be hard for both of you, but it’s important to identify the needs of the youth who are transitioning. What do they need? How can they stay connected? Your youth are leaving a big part of themselves. Something they used to socialize themselves, a support system, an outlet. Help them see that they still have so much purpose. Connect with those who have been alumni for a couple years even, and acknowledge their feelings. Identify what could have helped that process and what could be done differently now. Growing is scary and uncomfortable, but we are all resilient past, present and future.
Thank you to Zibby our Youth Media Ambassador for sharing his journey of becoming a New Mentality alumni!
