FAQs
- A project coordinator to lead capacity building and community engagement for Planet Youth (1 year term)
- Planet Youth training
- Host community engagement sessions to share about Planet Youth and prepare for implementing this approach in their community
- What does community readiness for Planet Youth in northern BC look like?
- What adaptations are required to support wider implementation of the model in northern BC, with specific attention to health equity and cultural safety?
- What are the resource requirements to implement this approach?
What is the Planet Youth Icelandic Prevention Model?
Planet Youth, also known as the Icelandic Prevention Model (IPM), is an evidence-based model of substance use prevention used in 17 countries and over 500 communities around the world. Planet Youth began as an idea in Iceland over twenty years ago when people wanted to improve life for young people in the country. They realized that the only way they could do this properly was by listening to the views of the young people themselves!
This model uses a collaborative approach to listen to youth voices, share this information with parents, caregivers, and other supportive adults, and empowers communities to create healthier environments for youth. The information shared by youth is used as a community to make change in the broader social surroundings affecting youth such as the home, school, peer, and recreation environments. This might look like more opportunities for social engagement, sports and group hobbies, and quality time with their families. The success of the model around the world has been possible because young people wanted change and wanted to be heard.
What will this project look like in Northern Health?
The Northern Health Child Youth Service Network along with partners in Public Health will support one pilot community in the Northern Health region to build capacity for Planet Youth and host community engagement. Northern Health aims to learn from our experience working with a pilot community to understand what adaptations are required in northern BC to inform possible expansion of this model in our region. Our learning will also be shared with regional and provincial partners who are providing advisory support for this project.
Who is the selected community?
Robson Valley has been selected to be the pilot community for this project. The Robson valley includes the towns of Valemount and McBride as well as residents living rurally outside of these two smaller towns.
What support will the pilot community receive?
Will other communities in northern BC have the opportunity for support in implementing Planet Youth?
Our hope is that this is just the beginning for supporting Planet Youth in Northern BC! We know that many communities in northern BC are interested in this model and we will be evaluating the process with the pilot community to learn if this model works well in our region and working on answering questions like:
If you are a community member who is interested in learning more about Planet Youth please email ChildYouthHealth@northernhealth.ca to be added to our mailing list where we will provide updates and information on future opportunities to be involved.