IAYMH2025 – Workshops
The following Pre-Conference Workshops will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre on Tuesday 18th March. You can choose a Workshop during the Registration process
Workshops will only proceed if a critical max of at least 15 participants is achieved
ATELIER 1: Les services d’intervention précoce en santé mentale pour les jeunes dans la francophonie : état des lieux des besoins, défis et modèles de soins
Dans cet atelier, des présentateurs de la francophonie offriront un portrait de l’intervention précoce en santé mentale pour les jeunes de leur pays/région. Chaque présentation exposera les besoins répondus et ceux encore à combler dans des territoires de la francophonie, ainsi que les modèles de soins privilégiés et les défis à l’implantation. Les présentateurs aborderons les changements apportés par leur modèle de soins au regard des services en place précédemment. Les principales composantes de l’intervention précoce en santé mentale des jeunes (co-construction des services avec jeunes et familles, pair-aidance, outreach, utilisation des technologies, réponses rapides aux requêtes, approches adaptés aux jeunes, etc.) et les adaptations locales seront abordées. L’atelier interactif sera une occasion de réseautage et permettra aux participants d’échanger sur les différents modèles de soins, les défis d’implantation et les expériences communes, et permettra d’accélérer la réflexion commune autour des services de santé mentale dans les régions francophones du monde.
WORKSHOP 1: Early intervention mental health services for young people in the French-speaking world: needs, challenges and models of care (FRENCH LANGUAGE WORKSHOP)
In this workshop, presenters from the Francophone world will offer a portrait of early intervention mental health services for young people in their country/region. Each presentation will outline the needs met and those yet to be met in their territories, as well as preferred models of care and implementation challenges. Presenters will discuss the changes their model of care has brought to previously existing services. The main components of early intervention in youth mental health (co-construction of services with young people and families, peer support, outreach, use of technology, rapid response to requests, youth-friendly approaches, etc.) and local adaptations will be discussed. The interactive workshop will provide a networking opportunity for participants to exchange views on different models of care, implementation challenges and common experiences, and will accelerate joint thinking around mental health services in French-speaking regions of the world.
WORKSHOP 2: Cultural Competency and Inclusivity in Mental Health Care and How does Power Manifest: Cultural Backgrounds
The history of mental health care has derived from research that has overwhelmingly been developed in Anglo/European cultural contexts. As a consequence, many approaches in mental health do not consider cultural elements to mental health presentations, or cultural needs in care. This workshop will explore how services can address their cultural blind spots and create a safer and more inclusive approach to the provision of mental health care.
WORKSHOP 3: Indigenous Workshop
Despite the resilience and strength shown in First Nations communities around the world, young First Nations people experience high levels of wellbeing challenges. Historically, mental health services have not considered the specific needs or approaches that are needed when working with young people from First Nations backgrounds. Drawing on knowledge from community, and an increased focus on working in partnership, there have been developments in understanding and reforms in service approaches to working with young First Nations people. This workshop will bring people together in a circle to talk about current practices that support Indigenous Wellness for young people.
WORKSHOP 4: Global Improvements: How to Adapt Global Policies to Local Communities
There are a plethora of international and national policy documents pertaining to the mental health of young people all around the world. But how are these high level documents translated into meaningful programs on the ground? And how can you work in your community to effect such translation? This workshop will offer perspectives on integrating mental health care into primary health care systems, crucial for low and middle-income countries.
WORKSHOP 5: Substance Use
This This workshop will focus on youth substance use from a global perspective, with a focus on foregrounding youth voices, perspectives, and experiences in research, practice, and policy making. We will begin with a high-level discussion of the historical, social structural, and environmental contexts that shape youth substance use patterns globally. We will then critically appraise traditional approaches to youth mental health and substance use research, practice, and policy-making, discussing key challenges and opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in these endeavours across diverse settings. We will provide some examples of youth-driven and youth-centered research and advocacy to impact practice and policy. Small group and Slido activities will be used to encourage active participation from workshop members.
WORKSHOP 6: Social Media
Social media is the root of all the problems young people face today. Or so you might think reading some of the media around the issue of youth mental health and social media right now. But what is really going on? Billions of young people use social media which is a relatively new technology, and in many places there has been a simultaneous rise in youth mental health problems. But is the relationship so simple? And does it run only in one direction? In this workshop participants will hear from young people, industry leaders, researchers and others and will work together to produce a better understanding of the risks, benefits and healthy ways to use social media.
WORKSHOP 6: Innovation in Mental Health – BOOKED OUT
This workshop will offer a deep dive into innovative approaches and novel solutions to youth mental health. Workshop participants will listen to experts who brought about new mental health models and innovative solutions to mental health services across diverse contexts. Participants will also get the chance to engage in discussions about new ways of tackling stigma, improve services and services access, and raise awareness of mental health across different sectors and countries.
WORKSHOP 7: Climate Change and Mental Health
This workshop will explore the intersection of climate change and mental health, focusing on how environmental changes impact psychological well-being and resilience. Participants will engage with discussions on the mental health effects of climate anxiety, stress, and trauma caused by climate-related events. The session will provide insights into strategies for building mental resilience and adaptive capacities in the face of a changing climate
WORKSHOP 8: Peer Support and Lived Experience
This workshop will explore the vital contributions of lived experience in shaping mental health care and broader support systems. Attendees will examine how firsthand experiences with mental health struggles, service navigation, and advocacy can drive meaningful change across policy, practice, research, and service design. The session will cover different ways lived experience informs and enhances support systems, including the role of peer support, as well as the opportunities and challenges of integrating lived experience perspectives into research and services. Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, participants will gain insights into the transformative potential of lived experience leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and systemic change efforts.