Youth Mental Health Advisory Council

• Youth between the ages of 17-24.
• You have experienced care at the BCHS Mental Health and Addictions Program and/or other community mental health services.
• Access to reliable internet to participate (as meetings will start virtually).
• Committed, reliable and trustworthy and believe that their investment will help make a difference for other youth.
• Willing to share insights and information about care experiences in order for others to reflect on improvements.
• Able to see beyond their own personal experiences and show concern for more than one issue or agenda.
• Active listener who will respect other person’s perspectives.
• Comfortable speaking in a group and interacting well with others.
• Able to work in partnerships with others.
• Be committed to improving care for youth.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of patient and organizational information.

Time commitment – Members are required to be available up to 4 hours a month after school hours for the core Youth Advisory Council meetings as well as any after school hours for additional counsel projects. Hours acquired in this role can be applied to the high school volunteer hour requirement.

• Attend General Hospital Orientation arranged by Volunteer Services.
• Attend Departmental Orientation to the Mental Health and Addictions Program.

• Mental Health Program Youth Peer Support Specialists will support the Councils activities and oversee Youth Advisory Council Meetings.
• Mental Health Outpatient Manager will provide support for Council activities/meetings when required and act as a resource to the Youth Advisory Council.
• Regular reporting on the work of the Youth Advisory Council will be provided to the BCHS Patient and Family Advisory Council.

• We welcome applications from culturally diverse communities including the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+.
• Volunteers who do not adhere to the policies and guidelines of the volunteer program are subject to a progressive discipline procedure including:
  1. Discussion of concern.
  2. Opportunities to correct.
  3. Evaluation.
  4. Dismissal if necessary.

Note: This procedure will include the volunteer and Department Manager or designate.