Jack Talks
Destigmatizing mental health
one conversation at a time
Jack Talks are mental health presentations by youth, for youth. Talks give young people the space to learn mental health essentials, including signs of struggle, the role of the social determinants of mental health, self-care strategies, and where to seek support if they or someone they know is struggling.
Young people are more receptive to messages they get from a peer, which is why all Talks are delivered by youth Speakers who are trained to speak to their peers about mental health in a way that normalizes conversation and encourages connection and support.
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jack talks offerings
Mental health isn't one size fits all. Neither are Jack Talks. Explore what's right for you
Jack Talk
A mental health presentation facilitated by two experienced youth speakers that cover one or more mental health topics through personal stories, health promotion education, and audience engagement. Available in English and French.
Audience
Youth audience (14-24) seeking an introduction OR a more advanced discussion of mental health.
Recommended for smaller audiences (<30)
Delivery method
Virtual livestream or in-person
Duration
45 min or 90 min
Content Methods
Live, incorporating a slide deck, videos, engagement activities, and an audience worksheet
Organizer Involvement
A 30-minute phone call and some coordination with Jack.org staff via email. Organizer (or org representative) must be present during the Talk.
Pre-Recorded Talk
A mental health presentation facilitated by two youth speakers that covers the foundations of mental health through personal stories and audience engagement, in pre-recorded interactive video format. We provide access to our online learning system which has materials (videos, quizzes, and activities) to guide young people through the learning experience. Available in English and French.
Audience
Youth audience (14-24) seeking an introduction to mental health.
Delivery method
Pre-recorded
Duration
60 min
Content Methods
Pre-recorded, incorporating a slide deck, videos, engagement activities, and an audience worksheet.
Organizer Involvement
Requires little to no communication with Jack.org staff and can be requested and used on demand. Organizer (or org representative) must facilitate content.
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Jack Talk For Indigenous Youth
A two-part offering created by Indigenous youth for Indigenous youth, that includes a video explaining the social determinants of mental health from Indigenous perspectives, a video of a youth story (23+ to choose from) about navigating mental health, and is followed by a live sharing circle facilitated by an Indigenous staff or youth available in English.
Audience
Indigenous youth audience (13-29).
Delivery method
Virtual livestream or in-person.
Duration
~20 min video 60 min sharing circle.
Content Methods
Videos and a live sharing circle.
Organizer Involvement
A 30-minute phone call and some coordination with Jack.org staff via email. Organizer (or org representative) must facilitate video content and be present for the sharing circle.
meet the jack Talks Speakers
Become a Jack Talks Speaker
Speakers use the power of their personal stories to teach their peers about mental health in a relatable way. Speakers receive extensive training and mentoring from Jack.org staff on how to deliver meaningful mental health education to young people.
Youth mental health in Canada has been in decline for over a decade. More young people than ever before are living with depression, anxiety, and a sense of helplessness.
what do you gain as a jack talks speaker?
Public speaking, communication, and safe storytelling skills
Develop your public speaking skills and learn how to engage audiences that range from 10 to over 300 people. All the while, you will learn how to speak using safe storytelling practices to ensure an inclusive environment
Personalized coaching from the Jack.org Team
You will have the opportunity to develop a close relationship with one of our Program Coordinators, who will walk you through the entire training and give you personalized tips on your speaking style and the content of the talk
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The platform to spark the mental health movement and motivate an audience
Each year, Jack Talks are delivered to over 25,000 youth. You have the opportunity to connect with many of them and inspire them to take care of themselves and others while reducing the mental health stigma.
An honorarium to thank you for your time
Not only will you receive experience and skills through becoming a speaker but we also offer honorariums for all speakers for the their training and for all the talks you deliver over the course of one year.
Questions?
We've got answers
Anyone who is 18-26 can become a speaker
Jack Talks can either be 45 or 90 minutes long
Jack Talks have been created for youth aged 14-24.
Book a jack talk
Would a Jack Talk help your school or community explore mental health in the classroom?
Want to learn more?
Have any questions or want to learn more? Email us at talks@jack.org
Mental Health in Canada
Explore key statistics and the state of youth mental health today.
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Help us make a difference in the lives of young people by donating today.
Youth Hub
A dedicated space for young people to learn about mental health & how to make a difference.
