Model and Strategy
LETS BC2M is erasing the stigma of mental illness on high school campuses, and beyond. By addressing the issue with youth & teens, this program changes perceptions early on and demystifies a topic that affects so many young individuals – either directly through their own experience or indirectly through a family members or friends’ experience. LETS BC2M is starting hallway conversations that produce change & transform schools into a place where kids feel supported instead of bullied. The clubs encourage youth to change the perception of mental health in their schools & communities by increasing education and awareness, fostering student empowerment, & building mentoring opportunities. This work, which starts in club meetings, is rippling out across school campuses, into homes, & throughout communities. Today's teenagers are tomorrow's leaders, and LETS BC2M is equipping them with the tools necessary to be thoughtful, empathetic, stigma-free allies for themselves & those around them.
Impact
The stigma of mental illness often isolates youth from their families & peers, which is why the LETS BC2M clubs are such important spaces for overcoming this isolation to strengthening one another. This peer support replaces shame with a strong sense of self, and a sense of belonging often grows. The youth find solidarity in their shared goal of motivating change, and together they create a welcoming culture where everyone can talk about things that matter to them. LETS BC2M is empowering young people to talk about mental illness on their own, to lead projects outside of classrooms, assemblies, & clinical environments, to preemptively address stigma and help prevent it in the long run, and to network with resources, mentorships & communities. BC2M believes that students engaging in club meetings to normalize the conversation and eliminate stigma within their communities will have a much needed influence and ripple effect throughout their schools, communities, and beyond. This could include improved school protocols for student mental wellness, community discussions, increased help-seeking behavior from students, and more. Each conversation creates empathy & the space to seek help.
Leadership
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Leanne Loughran
Program Manager
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Pamela Harrington
Executive Director