Led by a group of young people ages 16 to 28, the No Stigma No Barriers (NSNB) collaborative aims to improve mental health outcomes for transition age youth (“TAY”) and their families. Just beginning its second year, the collaborative is led by youth advocates from the California Youth Connection (CYC), PEERS, Young Minds Advocacy, and Youth In Mind.
In November 2017, the NSNB Youth Board gathered for an all-day planning retreat. There, youth advocates discussed strategies to execute the collaborative’s second year of advocacy, trainings, and outreach. Youth Board members also expressed their personal goals in joining No Stigma No Barriers:
- Jennifer Trujillo, 18 (CYC, Kings County): “I want a mental health system where therapists can successfully communicate with youth. We can accomplish this through youth-led trainings that let young people share ideas on how we can improve services in their county.”
- Gabby Davis, 20 (PEERS, Alameda County): “Stigma keeps people from being free. I got involved in the youth board to help young people talk about their mental health needs.”
Over the next year, NSNB youth will lead efforts to improve the effectiveness of mental health services and supports, reduce stigma, and increase equity through:
- Community engagement and education campaigns
- Training for TAY and other community stakeholders
- Local and statewide advocacy
The Youth Board needs your help to create meaningful change! Here’s how you can support this statewide mental health movement:
- Sign up for news on upcoming events and trainings at www.nostigmanobarriers.org.
- What is TAY mental health? Read our 2016-2017 State of the Community Report and learn more.
- Check out photos and highlights from the Year Two retreat, as well as other No Stigma No Barriers events, on the NSNB Facebook page.
- Contact info@nostigmanobarriers.org with questions!
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