Safeway Grant Supports Youth Mental Health Program
Posted on June 27, 2024 by
Thanks to Safeway's Community Action Fund, SHARE's Youth Mental Wellness Group will enjoy healthy and nutritious food during their weekly meetings.
The Youth Mental Health Group was established in 2022 for neurodivergent youth to address the gap in services. The group combines effective foundational skills and mental wellness strategies, with developmental & behavioural approaches. Improving outcomes by providing tailored services to youth and their parents/caregivers in an inclusive environment so that youth can find understanding, acceptance and resources to manage their mental health challenges effectively.
Funding from the Safeway Community Action Fund enables SHARE to continue to provide this service to our community’s youth and their families, providing them with a meal and refreshments during each session.
Throughout the year-long program, students evaluate how they work, observe their experiences, and refer to the inner dialogue to help make sense of the world. Psychoeducation surrounding the basics of brain functioning, evolution and anxiety is incorporated to normalize our challenging thoughts & responses.
The curriculum was designed based on an approach to working with youth called DNA-V (discoverer, noticer, advisor, view). The approach is based on contextual behavioural science, operant principles, relational frame theory, acceptance and commitment therapy, and positive psychology. The model takes into account developmental theory to promote psychological flexibility in youth, so can build vitality and valued action in their lives. The DNA-V model works to have youth identify their values so that they can live with joy and vitality.
Upon completion, the teens will have learned tools and strategies for their resiliency and well-being.
SHARE is grateful to Safeway for providing the funding that contributes to the health and well-being of the teens and their families that attend this program.
