By Effie Pow
Going through a major life change can be a tumultuous time, especially without adequate support. In partnership with TRRUST (Transition in Resources, Relationships, and Understanding Support Together), the Crisis Centre of BC is building capacity to offer our Real Talks youth program to a new audience. Real Talks for Youth Aging Out of Care is an initiative to strengthen mental health and well-being of youth aging out of government care, creating an essential space for dialogue led by peer-led facilitators.
Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects on health outcomes, leading to behavioural issues, cognitive difficulties, self-esteem problems, and substance use. Youth aging out of care have the same economic and social pressures as other young adults but without the same support systems that others take for granted.
Aging out of care can significantly increase the risks to youth well-being and safety. “This risk means that providing opportunities for support and care from peers who understand to those navigating this experience is crucial,” said Lu Ripley, Director of Community Learning and Engagement.
Thanks to the support of the Civil Forfeitures Office, the Faigen Family Fund through the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Vancouver, and the Vancouver Port Authority, the Centre will train peer facilitators and offer five programs to support youth aging out of care. The training covers skillful responses to distress and suicide alertness, contributing to the skills development and meaningful youth engagement. The format typically consists of four 90-minute weekly sessions and will be adapted for the target audience and youth-in-care groups based on feedback from peer youth facilitators.
Partnerships are crucial in delivering much-needed programs to those who need them. The Centre can focus on youth mental health well-being with the support of community grants and dedicated partners. “We are honoured to work with youth with lived experience and our partner TRRUST to contribute to a more inclusive and supportive society for all,” said Ripley.
TRRUST (Transition in Resources, Relationships, and Understanding Support Together) is a collective impact initiative of over 60 organizations, including young people with lived experience in care. “We are pleased to support a project that will engage young adults who have experience with the government care system to become peer leaders in the Real Talks project, which provides a safe space for youth in care to share their experiences and concerns,” said Erica Mark, TRRUST Project Manager
The project has recruited four peer youth facilitators with lived experience in the care system. Together with the Centre facilitators and program coordinators, they participated in training sessions this summer and learned interactive facilitation skills, completing the safeTALK and Skillfully Responding to Distress trainings. Through strong relationships, dedicated peer facilitators, and a commitment to empowering those who have experienced the care system firsthand, the Centre and our partners continue working to create a more inclusive and supportive society for all youth.
Real Talks peer youth facilitators pose for photo together with the Crisis Centre’s facilitators and program coordinators.
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Visit our website to learn more about our Youth Programs.
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The Crisis Centre of BC is committed to supporting people during times of crisis. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out:
- Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 (no area code required)
- Anywhere in BC 1800SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433