By Kelly Davis, MS, Vice President of Peer and Youth Advocacy, Mental Health America
Youth support is growing: MHA’s Youth Policy Accelerator has the answers
After completing our first Youth Policy Accelerator (YPA), we are thrilled to share Mental Health America’s new report, Trailblazing the Future of Youth Peer Support: A Youth-driven Policy Guide. This report represents the work of an outstanding group of young leaders who have spent the past year meeting with policymakers, launching a new national youth peer support coalition, and more.
Why this article is important
In response to the widespread rise in mental health issues among young people, youth leaders have stepped up to support their peers and drive policy change. Peer support is a key priority to promote young people’s mental health and wellbeing. This report highlights the perspectives of young leaders and how we can drive change at a national level.
What you will find inside
- Survey results from over 350 youth peer support leaders: We asked youth leaders and peer support workers from across the country to share their policy needs and priorities.
- Advances in federal policy: We’ve been observing and advocating for policy changes – check out our progress on payments, research and youth engagement.
- Federal Policy Recommendations: Driven by the expertise of YPA, young leaders, policy momentum, and survey results, we share specific, practical recommendations that policymakers can use to create change.
Download your copy now!
Also, stay tuned for more information and to join the youth peer support movement.
In the coming months, we will share insights from YPA leaders and partners to dive deeper into the findings and how we can build a world where all young people can access culturally responsive peer support wherever and whenever they want it.
