Consultation on Canadian Youth Mental Health Fund

The Government of Canada is working to implement a new fund that aims to break down barriers that stop youth from asking for help or receiving mental health care. They are consulting with people 16 years of age and older to gather perspectives on priority areas to improve youth mental health. Your feedback will help guide the focus of the new Youth Mental Health Fund, including decisions on the types of activities that could be funded.

How to participate: share your ideas through the online questionnaire before July 31, 2024; all responses are anonymous.

This online consultation is open to:

• youth 16 years of age and older and families
• health professionals and other mental health service providers
• Indigenous partners
• non-profit organizations supporting youth mental health
• community organizations supporting the mental health needs of equity-deserving groups
• academics and researchers
• members of the public with an interest in youth mental health

The Youth Mental Health Fund will:

• help community health organizations provide more care for young people in Canada;
• better equip these organizations to refer youth to other mental health services within their networks; and
• give future generations the access they need for mental health supports, ensuring a healthy start to adulthood to help them reach their full potential.

They are seeking input on the types of activities that could be funded through the Youth Mental Health Fund, such as:

• building capacity and accessibility in youth mental health services across Canada
• supporting the creation of more access points for services and supports, particularly for underserved populations, including newcomers, racialized youth, Indigenous youth, 2SLGBTQI+ youth, and rural and remote youth
• helping youth and their families navigate and seek care
• supporting human resource training for mental health, including peer support and allied health workers who deliver youth-tailored psychotherapy services
• increasing youth suicide prevention supports and services
• building evidence and conducting knowledge mobilization

Click on the Learn More link to access the questionnaire and more information.