NorthBEAT was a strategic systems collaborative that worked to make it easier for youth with psychosis to get the help they need, when and where they need it. The Collaborative was made up of service providers from a variety of sectors, including but not limited to: mental health, health care, police and first-responders, education, child and youth services, social and community services. Since the Collaborative’s primary focus was on the youth of Northwestern Ontario, it was vital that a Youth Advisory Group be a part of the Collaborative.
The best way to understand and realize what youth need is for us to hear it from the youth. Youth played a key role in identifying and bringing awareness to current issues and barriers regarding mental health within the community. Youth Advisory Group members helped offer suggestions and insights on ways to improve access to mental health services in Northwestern Ontario.