Wellbeing Action For Youth
1. Introduction
This document provides an overview of the impact achieved by Wellbeing Action for Youth (WAY), a youth-centered initiative committed to supporting mental wellbeing through early intervention, peer connection, and the development of emotional resilience. The program emphasizes co-creation with young people and engages both youth and adult allies in building a culture of mental health awareness and support.
2. Organizational Mission
Wellbeing Action for Youth exists to foster emotional wellbeing in young people by creating safe, inclusive, and empowering environments where they can explore their inner worlds, build resilience, and develop the tools to thrive.
3. Program Objectives
To increase access to preventative, evidence-informed mental wellbeing education.
To co-create programs with youth that reflect their voices, needs, and lived experiences.
To promote emotional literacy, self-awareness, and social connection.
To support adults in becoming effective, trauma-informed allies to young people.
To influence systems-level change in schools, communities, and youth-serving organizations.
4. Program Overview
WAY delivers its mission through a combination of:
Youth Co-Designed Workshops: Interactive sessions that center youth voice and lived experience.
Peer Support Training: Equipping young people with tools to support themselves and their peers.
School-Based Programs: Embedding wellbeing practices into educational environments.
Adult Allyship Training: Supporting educators, caregivers, and youth workers to respond effectively and empathetically to youth mental health needs.
Community Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations to reach youth across diverse settings and backgrounds.
5. Impact Summary (2023–2025)
Youth Engagement & Participation
Over 5,000 youth reached through workshops, school programs, and digital initiatives.
Programs delivered across 30+ schools and youth-focused organizations.
100+ facilitated sessions focused on wellbeing, emotional literacy, and trauma-informed practice.
Participant Outcomes
87% of participants reported an increased understanding of their emotions.
78% expressed confidence in supporting a friend experiencing distress.
High levels of participant satisfaction reported across all programs.
Youth Voice & Leadership
Youth actively involved in program design and facilitation.
Development of a Youth Advisory Council to guide strategic direction.
Launch of peer-led initiatives within partner schools and communities.
Adult Engagement
Over 300 educators, caregivers, and professionals trained in youth mental health support.
Increased demand for adult programming indicates strong alignment with community needs.
Systems Impact
Contributions to local and regional youth mental health policy consultations.
Integration of wellbeing curriculum components in partner school systems.
Partnerships established with public health and education stakeholders.
6. Participant Feedback
"WAY made me feel like I was seen and heard. I didn’t know how much I needed that." — 17-year-old program participant
"This program gave our students a language for what they’re feeling. It’s been transformative." — School Principal
"WAY helped me realize I’m not broken—I just never had the tools before." — 15-year-old workshop attendee
7. Looking Ahead
WAY is committed to deepening its impact through:
Scaling programs to reach underserved youth populations.
Enhancing data collection and evaluation processes to track long-term outcomes.
Strengthening youth leadership and advisory structures.
Expanding partnerships with schools, community organizations, and funders.
Launching a digital wellbeing platform for youth-designed content and support.
Last updated