Youth Champs 4 Mental Health

Background
Learn More About Youth Champs 4 Mental Health

Youth Champs 4 Mental Health was founded in 2008 out of the consultation on the formulation of Fiji’s first suicide prevention policy

At a Glance...
  • Founded in 2008.
  • Committed to advocating for mental health – the reduction of the stigma associated with it and suicide prevention in Fiji.
  • Peer support and counselling.
  • L​ong term vision for Fiji is zero youth suicides.
  • Challenges around the mobilization of resources (funding for overhead costs, logistics for programs and income for human resources) are potential barriers to growth.
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Mission, Vision & Values
The 'Why' Behind Youth Champs 4 Mental Health

We are an assembly of young people who are dynamic, passionate, diverse in ethnicity, gender, culture, religious beliefs, education and socio economic status, who are committed to advocating for mental health – the reduction of the stigma associated with it and suicide prevention in Fiji.

Our mission is to create communities of care and acceptance by building resilience in youths using youth friendly positive, empathetic and hope based approaches.

• Peer support and counseling​
• Facilitation of suicide prevention and mental health training​
• Facilitate expressive arts sessions​
• Assist government ministries by implementing youth programs​
• Collaborate on the formulation of national policies​
• Facilitate mediation and peace building sessions​
• Create awareness in schools on suicide prevention​
• Administer psychological first aid during natural disasters (first responders)

Our vision is “young people and communities with positive mental attitudes using creative strategies to deal mental social, physical and economic aspects of life’’. Our mission “Creating communities of care and acceptance by building resilience in youths using youth friendly positive, empathetic and hope based approaches”

What are your long term aims and vision for your organization, ministry or business? 

  • Our long term vision is to establish our organization, develop strong support networks across the Pacific and achieve zero youth suicides through capacity building, free and accessible counselling and support, develop strategic partnerships to collaborate on sustainable, innovative and creative advocacy programs.

What are your long term aims and vision for Fiji?

  • Our long term vision for Fiji is zero youth suicides. Our vision is also to be recognized by the government as the leading youth mental health and suicide prevention organization that is supported by the national budget, active referral pathways between government and our organization and more resilient population.

 

Barriers To Growth
What Are Your Greatest Challenges?

Our greatest challenge is the mobilization of resources (funding for overhead costs, logistics for programs and income for human resources). This identified challenge affects retention of volunteers, program delivery and sustainability. We also require expertise in research, finance management and program development (building on existing skills set).

An Interview We Recorded For You
Learn More From The Youth Champs 4 Mental Health Team

Further Reading & Resources

Videos