About
The New Mentality is a not-for-profit network of youth advocates and adult allies working together to Disable the Label of mental health and mental illness.
We strive to amplify youth voice to create change within the mental health system and beyond. We believe that youth with mental illness must contribute to building and improving the mental health system in order for it to work effectively.
Our network is comprised of youth advocates aged 13-25 and adult allies from children and youth mental health agencies across Ontario. Together we are a community of mental health advocates across the province.
We are a program of Children’s Mental Health Ontario.
What We
Believe
Meaningful Relationships
Radical Inclusion
We believe that all voices must be included. Our work is stronger because of the people and diversity included in our decision-making processes.
Partnerships
Meaning-making
Our action plan
All TNM programming and projects are designed to create a platform for youth to advocate for themselves. We aim to create positive volunteer experiences for all youth advocates.
Our network comprises youth-led TNM groups from across Ontario who work with partner children and youth mental health agencies in their communities to raise awareness of mental illness, eliminate stigma, and improve local mental health services. Each group has dedicated youth and adult allies who work together on projects throughout the year to promote meaningful engagement by empowering young people to concentrate on the work they are most passionate about.
Once a year, each group sends youth representatives accompanied by their adult allies to meet with other groups from our network to share projects, build skills, and make meaningful connections at a 4-day leadership retreat that we call Disable the Label.
Through our provincial Youth Action Committee, we work to identify major issues facing youth in Ontario who are experiencing mental illness or mental health challenges and engage our network and the public to find out how we can solve these complex issues. Following provincewide youth consultations, the YAC works together to report on its findings and generate youth-led policy recommendations to stakeholders responsible for change.
Our Team
JAY BAKER
PROGRAM MANAGER
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Hi I’m Jay! I am new to The New Mentality team, but I have been working in the youth and development sector for a long time. My very first job was as a summer camp counsellor. I was 16 and I absolutely loved it. Working with kids brought me so much joy; they were hilarious, curious, creative and courageous. I always felt like I had so much to learn.
It’s been over a decade since that first job, but I haven’t stopped working with young people. In fact, I’ve had the pleasure of working with thousands of youth from all over the world. I’ve worked as a Project Manager on a CSR program with Adobe – providing opportunities for young creatives to showcase their work and grow their artrepreneurship passions. I’ve co-created education programs with Indigenous youth in northern Canada and I’ve worked on mental health programming in communities impacted by violence. One thing is always the same; youth are powerhouses, all they need is the right support.
Prior to my work with The New Mentality, I was supporting organizations across Canada in designing youth programs that emphasize the importance of equity, inclusion and wellness. All of this work has been incredibly important to me and I am excited to bring these experiences to The New Mentality Network!
FIZZA ABBAS
NETWORK COORDINATOR
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My journey in the mental health field began when I did my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from the University of Toronto, and then further pursued my postgraduate in Addictions and Mental Health. Prior to this role, I worked as a Recreation Specialist at a psycho-social rehabilitation program and created fun and engaging wellness-based programming, as well as provided supportive counselling to individuals experiencing mental health distress, and social isolation. Apart from my role with The New Mentality, I am committed to continuous learning and advise on educational planning for students entering the addictions and mental health sector, and ensuring that it meets the needs of clients.
As the Network Coordinator, It has always been of utmost importance to me to uplift and advocate the voices of all, but especially those who have been made to be marginalized. I’m dedicated to creating spaces that are focused on inclusivity, equity and community mobilization. I’m grateful to have the amazing opportunity to support changemakers from across the province, assist our Youth Action Committee and help plan our provincial gathering – Disable the Label. My hope is to inspire youth all across the province to recognize and unleash their superpowers!
Advisors
Our Team
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OUR HEADQUARTERS
2305 - 180 Dundas Street West
Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 1Z8