Destigmatizing Child and Adolescent Mental Health through Group Chat: A Workshop to Support the Emotional and Social Needs of Youth

The purpose of this project was to raise awareness surrounding child and adolescent mental health in an effort to reduce preconceived stigmas in relation to this specialized field. This project presented a literature review of the current state of child and adolescent mental health in Canada today, including the prevalence and several treatment options for young people confronting mental health challenges. Consideration of the powerful role of the education system upon youth with mental health issues became evident, specifically regarding early identification and prevention. A needs assessment was conducted to gather feedback from the clinical practitioners of a Section 23 classroom within a Southern Ontario hospital. This assessment was used to develop an informational and pedagogical workshop resource to extend practitioner understanding of this pertinent issue and support the social and emotional needs of young people confronting mental heath challenges. Results of the assessment indicated the significant need for such a workshop resource, and these responses were used to guide the development of Group Chat: A Workshop to Support the Emotional and Social Needs of Youth. The latter was subsequently presented to participants, whereby evaluative questionnaires indicated the efficacy and usefulness of this workshop resource to both practitioners and students alike.

Photograph - Group photo with two small children

A group standing by a lake or pond. There are three men, one with a cane, and one woman and two small children that appear to be around 1-2 years old.

Photograph - Group Standing together with a small dog

A group of young adults standing together in front of a stone house. There are three young men and two young women and a small dog posing together.

Photograph - Group of Children Outdoors

A photograph of a large group of children (7) with one adult male. The children are all dressed in winter attire and the man is dressed in a fur winter coat and hat.

Photograph - Man and group of Children

A photograph of a man in a suit with a group of four children in winter coats and hats. There appears to be snow on the ground around them.

Photograph - Group of Children Outdoors #2

A photograph of eight children outdoors, dressed in winter attire.

Photograph - Group Return from Hunting

A photograph of a male holding a rifle by his side, with four females (varying ages) and another male is standing in the background. They are holding a long stick which is carrying their game.

Photograph - Group Photo

A photograph of eight individuals, including Percy Band. There are four men and four women standing and kneeling together.

Photograph - Group Photo at the Lake

A group photo of five individuals, including Percy Band. There are three women and two men. Both men are hiking up their pant legs for the picture.

Photograph - Group Sitting Outdoors

A photograph of a group of men and women and a child sitting outdoors. There are three women and three men sitting among the trees and a small child behind one of the chairs.

Photograph - Group Photo on Rock Steps

A photograph of a large group/family photo on the rock steps of an outdoors location. There are nine individuals and one dog in the photograph.

Photograph - Group Sitting Outdoors #2

A photograph of a group sitting outdoors. There are three women, three men (including Percy Band), and one child.

Photograph - Hunting Group with Percy Band

A group of men with rifles and hunting dogs. The photograph is dark and cloudy making it difficult to see details. Percy Band is sitting in front.

Photograph - Group Photo with Robert Band as Child

A photograph of Robert Band with another older boy and woman and man standing behind him. They are outside, standing in front of a fence and small garden. Another house can be seen behind the fence.

Photograph - Group of Women

A photograph of a group of five women standing together with arms around eachother. They are outdoors and one of the women is wearing a hat.