Improving Youth Mental Wellbeing in Northern BC

Northern Health is seeking youth to participate as a member of a NH working group to design and co-create a Northern BC youth mental wellbeing campaign.

NH welcomes youth from diverse backgrounds, communities, and life experiences. We particularly encourage Indigenous youth, visible minority youth, LGBTQ2s+ and youth with disability to apply. 

Parental consent is required for youth under the age of 18.

Purpose of this assignment

Northern Health (NH) is creating a youth mental wellness social media campaign for launch in the spring/summer 2023 with the goal of reaching northern BC youth about key mental well-being health messages and supports. The social media campaign will include a prize/incentive to encourage social media engagement.

 

We want this campaign to connect and resonate with youth; this volunteer opportunity will allow for youth consultation and collaboration throughout the formation and implementation of the campaign. The role of the youth volunteer partners will be to help us understand how to increase awareness about messages and resources found online at Wellbeing.gov.bc.ca  and Foundrybc.ca and to reach Northern BC youth. This campaign will be further supported by our regional public health program leaders, NH Communications team and other health promotion partners.

 

Youth aged 16 - 24 representing the Northwest, Northern Interior, and Northeast areas of Northern BC will are invited to apply for this opportunity.

 

Volunteer Duties and Responsibilities

·    Inform, consult, and collaborate (see the spectrum of engagement iap2.org for more information)

• Participate virtually, on a small Youth Advisory team, in a consultative partnership to help inform, design and provide feedback on a NH social media campaign for youth about youth mental wellbeing, health and wellness.
• Need a computer, tablet, or smart phone and access to the internet to join meetings.
• Be invited to test draft campaign messages with friends, family, and social circles.
• Be a campaign ambassador by sharing and boosting the final campaign to peers (optional).
• Be invited to contribute northern BC video content in support of the campaign.

 

Benefits

• Make connections with like-minded youth across Northern BC.
• Be part of an exciting health promotion campaign to support youth to improve their mental well-being.
• Increase awareness of tools, supports and resources to help youth to develop balance in their lives.
• Gain volunteer hours.
• Work with NH employees and gain experience in media and communications in a professional environment.

 

Required skills and abilities

• Youth 16 – 24 living in Northern BC are invited to apply.
• Solid understanding of social media trends and functionality.
• Fluent with major platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
• Positive personal social media presence.
• Articulate and confident.
• Interest in creating short, memorable videos.
• Access to appropriate equipment for virtual meetings, such as a computer, phone, or Smartphone.

 

Location

Virtual meetings through Microsoft Teams. If anyone needs support to access this, we will work with you to ensure you are able to participate

 

Time Commitment

The project is expected to begin April 2023 and last about 3-6 months, with a one-hour meeting every two weeks.

 

Volunteers are expected to provide ideas and feedback, and do reading and/or other project work outside of meeting times.

 

Guidelines working with Northern Health

• We follow the guidelines of NH’s social media policy. These will be reviewed during your orientation.
• Provide prompt notice to your staff partners if you are unable to attend a meeting or complete an assignment.
• Be a positive social media ambassador for NH.
• Report any difficulties, concerns, or uncomfortable online interactions related to this campaign to your staff partners immediately.