The Aspire for Higher (A4H) Youth Mental Wellness program, through physical activity and a mental wellness curriculum that uses an anti-Black racism lens, aims to provide a safe space for youth to identify, develop, and strengthen coping mechanisms, thereby supporting youth mental and physical health. With funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, the program was delivered and evaluated between January 2022 and May 2023.
Youth Mental Health Wellness Program
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Results
With the support of Youth Research and Evaluation eXchange (YouthREX), a mixed-methods
evaluation was conducted to learn from stakeholders about the program and its impacts, and included program documentation, surveys, focus groups, and interviews:
• 121 youth completed a survey after they participated in the program
• 4 focus group discussions were held with 35 youth participants
• 9 interviews were conducted with program stakeholders
• 14 parents completed surveys
Key Takeaways
- 96% of youth participants reported on the post program survey being satisfied with the program and would recommend the program to others.
- 86% of youth participants reported on the post program survey that they were more knowledgeable about mental wellness after they participated in the program.
- 84% of youth participants reported on the post-survey their mental health had improved as a result of participating in the program.
- 100% all parents who completed the survey reported the program improved their children’s physical fitness and mental wellness.
- 93% of parents reported being satisfied with the program and would recommend it to others.
Funder
Public Health Agency of Canada