For our Spotlight section on Youth Voices, Healing Magazine appreciates the assistance of two groups devoted to giving youth a voice in the mental health issues faced by themselves and their peers:
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Aevidum (www.aevidum.org)
Aevidum is a non-profit that empowers youth to shatter the silence surrounding depression, suicide, and other issues facing teens. The word Aevidum, which means “I’ve got your back,” was created by students after a classmate died by suicide. Aevidum inspires schools and communities to adopt cultures of care and advocacy, encouraging all members to have their friends’ backs.
Aevidum exists in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools, and colleges, and provides the following services for youth:
- Training in the Aevidum model to empower students to build healthy communities, decrease stigma, provide appropriate peer support, and promote help-seeking.
- Ideas and materials for schools to complete mental health awareness and suicide prevention campaigns within their buildings.
- Ideas and materials for schools to create positive school culture campaigns that bolster protective factors like connection, a sense of purpose, and belonging
- A free social-emotional curriculum for elementary students.
- A free mental health and suicide prevention curriculum for middle and high school students that has been downloaded by over 2,000 individuals.
- An annual conference that unites, empowers, and equips student leaders and adult advisors with knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm to be strong advocates.
- A peer support training that equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to support a friend who may be struggling emotionally.
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Bring Change 2 Mind (www.bringchange2mind.org)
Bring Change to Mind (BC2M) is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness. Our mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy, particularly among young people.
Through our student-led High School Program, we empower youth to become leaders in the movement to end mental health stigma. Our program offers weekly meetings, support from BC2M program staff, and school-wide events and presentations, fostering awareness and education within school communities.
We invite individuals passionate about mental health advocacy to join our cause by starting a BC2M high school club in their region. By becoming a part of our network, you can make a difference in your community and contribute to the vital conversation about mental health.
To learn more about starting a high school club, please visit our website or email us at highschool@bringchange2mind.org.
