Black Youth Empowerment and Social Inclusion for Mental Well-being (B'YES Program)
The B’YES Program, led by ACPNet and funded by Public Health Agency of Canada, through the Mental health of Black Canadian Stream with the aims to address the unique mental health challenges faced by Black youth aged 15-24 in BC’s Lower Mainland, including newly arrived immigrants, refugees, and youth affected by or living with HIV.
What We Do
1.
Identify and understand the mental health barriers faced by Black youth.
2.
Build capacity and resilience: We offer culturally tailored mentorship and skill-building workshops on computer literacy, job search strategies, language learning, resume writing, and soft skills to enhance resilience and employability among Black youth.
3.
Create safe spaces: Our storytelling, conversation circles, and drama workshops foster safe spaces for Black youth to share experiences, challenge stigma, and build meaningful community connections.
Why It Matters
Black youth in BC face significant mental health barriers due to systemic racism, stigma, social exclusion, and employment challenges. Traditional mental health resources often lack cultural relevance, leaving critical needs unmet.
The B’YES Program fills these gaps by providing culturally sensitive support, empowering youth with essential life skills, and fostering strong community networks.
Who Benefits
