THE LINK OBJECTIVES To increase grades 6 to 12 youth’s awareness of community resources and support services. To enhance youth problem solving and coping capacities. To prevent escalation of issues or concerns. To contribute to the development of mental fitness and resilience in youth. To contribute to the development of a culture of wellness in schools.
HISTORY Created in Grand Falls region in 1999 following the suicide of three youths. Implemented by mental health professionals, school and community reps, and the local Suicide Prevention Committee. Province wide since 2006 Provincial wellness strategy: Mental fitness and resilience
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS Included in “Keeping Children and Youth Safe from Harm in New Brunswick”. Included in the “Action plan for mental health in NB”
THE LINK SYMBOL Rounded shapes - collaboration and flexibility. Grey - trust, green - hope, yellow - prevention , burgundy - caution. Links symbolize the connection between members of the community. Also represents the “Helping tree”.
14 regional LINK committees ORGANIZATIONAL CHART Executive committee 14 regional LINK committees Provincial Coordinator Provincial Commitee Executive Committee Regional Committee Presidents
REGIONAL LINK COMMITTEES
Key elements Helping Tree Link Companions Link Resource Card Posters, Stickers and Banners
LINK brochure
HELPING TREE
HELPING TREE – LISTING OF POTENTIAL ISSUES Physical, emotional or sexual abuse, negligence and/or family violence. Bullying, relationship violence, harassment, threats. Legal issues Social isolation Physical health & nutrition Spirituality - religion Grief
HELPING TREE–LISTING OF POTENTIAL ISSUES (continued) School-related issues (academic, motivation, socialisation). Financial, housing , or employment issues Addictions (drugs, alcohol, gambling, tobacco, etc…). Support to teenage parents Social rehabilitation
HELPING TREE –LISTING OF POTENTIAL ISSUES (continued) Suicidal thoughts, mental health issues Anger management, assertiveness Eating disorders Relationships, heartbreak, peer pressure, sick parents or friends, parents separation or divorce. Sexual health and pregnancy Sexual orientation and gender identity
THE LINK COMPANION A non-specialist who provides assistance in the helping relationship. Listens emphatically, uses basic active listening techniques. Using the helping tree, provides support in clarifying issue and, if necessary, identifying support services.
COMPANION STICKERS Stickers are used to identify the « LINK companions ». Placed in strategic places so that students can easily know where to find them.
LINK RESOURCE CARD Each student is given a resource card and asked to sign it. Can be used as a communication tool between the student and the “Link Companion”. It means “ I need your assistance” The card also includes numbers for support services and emergencies.
LINK POSTERs and banners In schools where the program is active, a giant banner and posters are strategically placed throughout the school.
LINK banner
LINK POSTER
LINK POSTER
Implementation Steps 1 - Create a Regional Link Committee 2 - Adapt and print Link materials (resources cards & helping tree). 3 - Develop an implementation plan 4 - Develop partnerships with school administrators 5 - Recruit school coordinators
Web site www.programmelemaillon.com www.thelinkprogram.com * The Helping Tree (interactive version) is also accessible on smart phones via a QR code.
Questions?