Are you a newcomer youth to Canada (aged 16-25) living in Ontario and/or have supported newcomer youth with their mental health? Have you navigated mental health challenges while settling in a new country? Would you like to help create a culturally responsive toolkit to support other newcomer youth in their mental health journeys?
If you answered “yes” to the questions above, we invite you to apply to be a Lived Experience Advisor for the development of a multilingual mental health toolkit for newcomer youth in Ontario. Led by the Provincial Council for Maternal and Child Health (PCMCH) and supported by the Centre d’Établissement, de Soutien et d’Orientation Communautaire (CÉSOC), this project aims to reduce barriers to mental health services, promote early intervention, and empower youth with tools for self-advocacy and resilience.
Background
Newcomer youth in Ontario often experience stress, anxiety and trauma as a result of migration, discrimination, language barriers and the loss of community supports. Unfortunately, these youth are less likely to access mental health services due to stigma, lack of awareness and unfamiliarity with the healthcare system.
To address this, PCMCH is developing a youth-friendly, culturally responsive toolkit co-designed with input from newcomer youth themselves. The toolkit will include self-help resources, early intervention strategies, communication tips and guides to accessing care. As a Lived Experience Advisor, your voice will be essential to ensuring this resource is relevant, accessible and meaningful.
Eligibility
We are looking for four to six Lived Experience Advisors across Ontario who:
- Are newcomer youth between the ages of 16 and 25, or have supported a newcomer youth with their mental health (as a parent, caregiver or peer);
- Identify as newcomers, immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, international students or first-generation Canadians who have been in Canada for five years or less;
- Have lived experience with mental health or navigating mental health systems in Ontario;
- Are comfortable sharing their perspectives and collaborating with others; and
- Are passionate about supporting other youth in similar situations.
Help shape a mental health resource that reflects your voice and supports your community!
Role and Expectations
As a Lived Experience Advisor, you will:
- Participate in three to four virtual co-design sessions between September 2025 and March 2026;
- Share insights to help shape the toolkit; and
- Review draft materials and provide feedback.
Please note that this is a volunteer role with an honorarium to acknowledge your lived expertise, time and contributions.
How to Apply
If you are interested in applying, kindly complete the following brief application form by September 19, 2025: Newcomer Youth Mental Health Toolkit Advisory Table: Lived Experience Advisors Application Form
For any questions or further assistance, please contact Sinaa Dabbagh, Program Manager, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, at sinaa.dabbagh@pcmch.on.ca
PCMCH is committed to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion in Ontario’s maternal and child health system. We strongly encourage applications from lived experience advisors who reflect the diverse backgrounds of the newcomer communities across the province.
About PCMCH
Established in 2008, PCMCH is a provincial organization that provides evidence-based and strategic leadership for perinatal, newborn, child and youth health services in Ontario. PCMCH is funded by the Government of Ontario.