Because of your previous support, today more and more youth are talking about their mental health challenges. And when youth begin to identify, and then talk about these challenges, it can help prevent a mental health crisis from spiralling out of control.
Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth in Canada and this painful reality is the reason why Jack.org exists. As a valued supporter, know that when you give to Jack.org, you’re investing in programs and services that empower youth. You encourage them to reach out to each other, to break down the stigma around mental health, and to work towards a future where every youth in Canada has access to mental health resources. Thanks to you, we are making a difference!
Today, there are over 5 million youth between the ages of 15 and 24 in Canada and, of all age groups, Statistics Canada reports that young people are the least likely to say they have good mental health. Today’s youth face a complex array of challenges. They have growing concerns about racial injustice. They worry about facing trans and queer phobia. Climate change is an undeniable issue impacting the globe. Social media deeply impacts the self-esteem and well being of youth. And current economic uncertainty is making it harder for families to get by, adding stress to young people as they look towards the future.
Here’s where you come in
As you might suspect, young people often turn to their peers for support, far more than they turn to the adults in their lives. But many young people lack the knowledge and skills needed to navigate conversations about mental health.
Your support of Jack.org provides youth-led outreach to other youth. Imagine fellow students that youth already know, offering a safe space to ask questions and have open conversations around mental health. Imagine a young person addressing a classroom and sharing relevant experiences about anxiety, depression, and self-image. Imagine if every student learned how to talk about mental health in school so that they can support their friends in a meaningful way.
It is essential that youth who are struggling with their mental health are able to identify it, talk about it, and access resources to address it before it becomes a crisis situation. This preventative work saves thousands of lives.
You make Jack Talks possible
In classrooms and communities across Canada, over 100 youth who are trained Jack speakers deliver talks to students. In these Jack Talks, youth share personal experiences with their own mental health. Many Jack Talks are delivered virtually to maximize youth outreach. When young people hear their peers validate their own thoughts and feelings, they feel empowered to reach out.
Youth report feeling more comfortable asking for help and more confident providing support for friends after attending a Jack Talk.
You help us reach underserved youth
Your unwavering support of Jack.org has enabled us to prioritize underserved youth in our communities.
You enabled us to leverage the expertise of our Indigenous programs staff to build something extraordinary. We worked with Indigenous youth, partner organizations, Elders and Knowledge Keepers to design a Jack Talk specifically for Indigenous audiences. This talk is grounded in Indigenous Ways of Knowing, making it culturally relevant to Indigenous youth.
This year and moving forward, we are working with Black youth and partner organizations to co-design culturally relevant and meaningful programs and resources to better meet the needs of Black youth.
Your giving supports work with youth from priority populations to empower them to care for their mental health, build communities, and advocate for equitable systems that support their unique mental health needs.
Powering Jack Chapters
Jack Chapters are in-school student-led clubs where youth can talk about mental health and share insights and resources with the student body. By creating a safe space for youth to go, you ensure that no one is left to struggle alone.
Annually, over 2,300 young leaders at 161 Jack Chapters run activities and initiatives tailored to the unique needs of their communities. Jack Chapters raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, encourage help-seeking, and advocate for a better mental health landscape.
Empowered by your support, Jack.org is collaborating with Indspire to create more Indigenous-led Jack Chapters in safe spaces such as friendship centres and community facilities, as well as virtually. Jack.org is also collaborating with the Ontario Physical and Health Education Association to promote the Jack Chapters program as part of their Healthy School Certification. This prioritizes schools that are located in underserved areas and neighbourhoods.
“My views have changed toward mental health since I joined the Jack Chapter. I no longer view mental health as something to be ashamed of, but rather something to be more open about.”
Delivering Be There Certificates
Course takers learn how to support others struggling with their mental health. The program builds their ability and confidence to act in support of others
Because of you, the Be There Certificate website has over one million visits to date and more than 22,000 individuals earn their certificate annually.
Users shared that they gained knowledge and confidence from completing the certificate. In the 6-month follow up survey, 75% of those who completed their certification report having used what they learned to support themselves or their peers.
Creating the Educator Hub
The Educator Hub provides a library of free resources designed to help high school teachers bring mental health education to the classroom. It offers session plans and activities to create mental health literacy and promote student mental health discussions. Partnering with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the tools in the hub have been incorporated in the Grade 9 Health and Physical Education curriculum in all provinces and territories from coast to coast.
Your generosity to Jack.org makes a positive and tangible impact on youth mental health. Thank you for caring about young people who need your help to face their mental health obstacles.