International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience
Open Access

Abstract

Spaces and Places (S&P) is a participatory study that explores how communities can build better civic and cultural engagement with youth as a means of supporting improved mental health outcomes. This study makes use image-based approaches and elicitation interviews, where youth participants are involved in data analysis and arts-based dissemination projects designed to return findings back to local and broader communities. The study has taken place in three Aboriginal communities of Atlantic Canada. Findings highlight the importance of relationships that instill connection to cultural practices and facilitate strong personal attributes (such as self-esteem) in supporting positive mental health outcomes. Findings also highlight the key role of holistic education that extends beyond academic curriculum for mental health outcomes. While the school setting provides more formal and curriculum based approaches to supporting cultural engagement, connections to culture and community are also fostered through sports activities, recreational resources and community activities. Youth believe that the cultural and geographic landscape of the community is a key to doing well and aligns with the educational aspects of young people�s resilience resources. They further feel that these aspects work together to support young people be happy, healthy and contributing members of their community. These underscore the critical importance of mental health service provision for youth that is grounded in community development. This presentation will review findings and related implications for service provision and policy.

Biography

Email: linda.liebenberg@dal.ca