When
August 2022, date TBD
Where
Charlottetown, PEI
Social
#ASI2022
ASI 2021 Policy Forum
The ASI 2021 Forum was held online from August 23-25 in Charlottetown, PEI, streaming from the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Materials in French and simultaneous interpretation were available for many presentations. A Youth Leadership Program was also be offered. ASI 2021 aimed to increase understanding of the importance of infant, child and youth mental health for the whole of society, and foster policy actions to influence upstream investment in support of mental health. After a successful ASI 2021 Forum, we are looking ahead with excitement to ASI 2022. Stay tuned for more information about next summer’s event!
ASI Call to Action
Raising healthy children is a responsibility of all Canadians. Supporting and promoting child and youth mental health is central to enabling them to become life-long, positive contributors to their communities and society. Strengthening policies and programs that support positive mental health for children and youth is vital to creating a sustainable and inclusive Atlantic Canada.
The goal of the ASI Call to Action is to build on existing efforts to create a more sustainable approach to promoting child and youth mental health in Atlantic Canada.
The objectives of the Call to Action are to:
- Catalyze concrete, cross-sectoral responses for mental health promotion.
- Influence decision making in Atlantic Canada and across the country.
ASI Youth Leadership Program
ASI 2021 supported five youth from each Atlantic province to participate in this year’s online forum. the The Youth Leadership Program provided a space for youth to come together virtually and have a voice in shaping the future agenda for children and youth in Atlantic Canada. ASI has learned from previous events how important it is to foster intergenerational learning; therefore, there was time for youth to both participate in the full ASI 2021 program and convene separately to develop long-lasting connections.
“To create mentally healthy communities/societies, “there are in essence two key approaches: First, creating supportive environments that protect people from known risk factors and provide a positive, mentally healthy situation. Second, providing resources and programs that enable people — especially children — to become resilient, with the skills they need to manage life’s ups and downs. In practice, these two approaches interact and need to complement each other.”
About the ASI
We bring together people who are making Atlantic Canada’s communities healthier and safer. The Summer Institute really engages participants, providing them with an opportunity to develop skills, learn and share knowledge and work together on programs, policies and services.
Call to Action
The Call to Action outlines clear actions for a sustainable approach to promoting youth mental health. Strengthening policies and programs that support positive mental health for children and youth is vital to creating a sustainable and inclusive Atlantic Canada.
Sponsors and Supporters
ASI has had strong participation from community groups and government agencies, which is critical to the continued success and impact of our programming. Your investment in the ASI will ignite community leadership on child and youth mental health in Atlantic Canada.