This session brought to life findings shared in a written summary of emerging knowledge from Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF) projects during Phase 1. Two rounds of breakout room discussions led by project team members focused on a selection of topics. The first round of discussions was organized by main themes from Phase 1 project experiences, and the second round focused on populations of interest.
| Round 1 breakout room themes | Round 2 breakout room themes |
| Research and evaluation adaptations and innovations | Francophone |
| Hybrid programming | Newcomers, immigrants, refugees |
| Scaling considerations and processes | LGBTQ2S+ |
| Partnership development | Indigenous |
| Virtual engagement strategies | Early years |
| Unexpected benefits | School-aged children |
| Youth and young adults |
Key messages
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- As they adapted to the pandemic context, most project teams faced challenges with online or hybrid (in-person and online) program delivery. Challenges included limitations in participants’ tech literacy and access, and creating safe virtual spaces. Project teams found innovative solutions to address these challenges, such as providing participants with microphones and/or headphones to enhance privacy.
- Needs assessments and evaluation methods helped project teams understand the changing needs of their target demographics and guided project adaptations and adjustments.
- The pandemic and the Annual Symposium reinforced the need for equity and cultural considerations in program delivery (e.g., having diverse representation amongst facilitators).
MHP-IF project team breakout room facilitators
Julie Lane, Danyka Theriault (Programme HORS-PISTE, Université de Sherbrooke); Emily Jenkins, Liza McGuinness (Agenda Gap, University of British Columbia); Brooke Gillis, Ebyan Warsame (Enhanced Wellness of Refugee Children, Youth, and Families, NEEDS); Mai Berger, Jordie Lynn (Nation of Wellness, Matsqui-Abbotsford Impact Society; Jenny Gillis, Jessie-Lee McIsaac (Positive Solutions for Families, Mount Saint Vincent University); Meagan Dellavilla (Mind Your Food, Community Food Centres Canada); Dave Shanks (Authentic Social Identity and Mental Health Project, Students Commission of Canada); Jordan Zaitzow (Families in TRANSition, Central Toronto Youth Services); Sylvie Gravelle (Cultivons l’avenir, Association francophone à l’éducation des services à l’enfance de l’Ontario); Redab Al-Janaideh (Nurturing Child Development and Well Being in Refugee Children and Families, University of Toronto), Fowzia Huda (Do You Mind? Community-Based Research Centre); Lisa Gamblin (The Cedar Path, The Pas Family Resource Centre); Breanna Pottie, Evan Davis (Parents Empowering Kids – The Early Years, Strongest Families Institute); Gina Kayssi, Claire Crooks (STRONG, Western Centre for School Mental Health); Marlene Moretti, Lin Bao (Connect: Supporting Kinship & Foster Parents, Simon Fraser University)
Resources related to this session
February 18, 2022