Youth Partnership
"Advocates Against Mental Health Stigmas"
What is Youth Partnership?
Youth Partnership: Youth Partnership of Hudson County is a peer support and advocacy group for youth ages 13-21 within Family Support Organizations. We are an officially recognized chapter of Youth MOVE National, a youth led national organization devoted to improving services and systems that support positive growth and development by uniting the voices of individuals who have lived experience in various systems
including mental health, juvenile justice, education and child welfare.
Youth Partnership Mission Statement:
"We are the voice! We strive to break the silence and stigmas that are enclosed with mental health. How do we do it? By offering a subordinate, instructional, safe environment; we support,educate and advocate for ourselves and our peers. To become one step closer to preventing bullying or and occurrence of suicide. We understand that we are the future and that change starts with us!"
Est. 2015
What do we Focus on?
Youth Partnership focuses on building youth life skills through various activities, discussions, and workshops such as:
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Understanding mental health and it's effects
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Developing leadership skills
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Developing academic skills
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Establishing strong family bonds
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Promoting youth advocacy
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Discussions related to youth topics such as bullying, relationships, and school
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Activities that engage with the community through local events such as city cleaning, food and clothing drives
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Promoting Wellness within Mental Health
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Youth Partnership?
Youth Partnerships are adults and youth working together for a cause. Youth Partnership groups are youth driven and provide opportunities for
youth to engage in positive leadership roles.
Is Youth Partnership a therapeutic group?
No. YP is not a therapeutic group. No medication is administered. We do however, offer youth peer support and informal counseling as
needed. Resources for other services and agencies are often also available for youth and parents in need.
Is Youth Partnership a social group?
Yes and No. The YP is not a recreational club or teen hang-out but there are opportunities to socialize make friends and have fun. We also
provide workshops, and other activities to promote positive life skills.
What does Youth Partnership do?
Every 4th Monday of each month, we provide a fun and interactive Mental Health Awareness Workshop for our peers in the community
discussing topics such as stigmas, peer pressure, bullying, dating, mental health disorders etc. Youth Partnership members collaborate with
professionals, fellow peers and Youth Partnerships in other counties to come up with creative workshops using mental health curriculum,
music, art, poetry etc. We often attend trips, recreational and community service activities as well.
When does Youth Partnership meet?
Our group meets every first and third Thursday of every month at 5:30pm-7:30pm and occasionally on other days if necessary for special events.
Who is right for this Youth Partnership group?
Youth who have a desire to be leaders in their community and have their voices heard regarding issues important to them
Youth who are either facing a mental, emotional or behavioral challenge or has a sibling or friend who does have a mental health challenge and
needs support Youth who may not be facing mental health challenges but have an interest in advocating for this population
Youth in need of community service hours for school or just want to be part of something positive
How can youth get involved with Youth Partnership: Advocates Against Mental Health Stigmas?
Any youth interested should come with their parent or guardian at 5:30pm sharp to our next Thursday meeting. The Youth Coach has packets of
information and documents that must be completed first by a parent or guardian before any youth can participate in our meetings and
activities.
If the parent or guardian is unavailable during that time, youth are allowed to pick up the information packet at 5pm to take home and have
their parent fill out the documents. An alternate time can be arranged parents to meet with the youth coach.
