Students across Canada are taking action to eliminate mental health stigma in their schools with Stigma-Free Mental Health Society’s Stigma-Free Clubs. Through these clubs, youth work together to create safe, supportive environments that improve mental health and stigma awareness. If you’re a school staff member, initiating a club is an excellent way to bring positive change to your school community while encouraging skill development. Starting one at your school is completely free, and we provide you with a framework for success!
What Are Stigma-Free Clubs?
Stigma-Free Clubs are student-led groups that aim to combat stigma and promote mental health awareness within school communities. They offer youth an opportunity to provide and receive peer support, become mental health advocates, and develop their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. Clubs are supported by a Club Champion (school staff member) and a variety of no-cost resources from Stigma-Free Mental Health Society.
Our Stigma-Free Framework is available upon request to help guide students and Club Champions through the process of starting a club at school. While the framework helps to easily establish and maintain a club, we encourage Club Champions to tailor the club to reflect the unique needs of their students. Each club is different, but they all share a common goal: to bring together youth who are passionate about mental health advocacy, and to create a culture of acceptance and understanding at school.
Why Do They Work?
Research suggests that youth-led mental health clubs are highly effective in improving mental health awareness. Here’s why:
They reduce stigma and increase support.
Studies show that students involved in mental health advocacy clubs are less likely to have stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness after participating. This mindset shift not only encourages empathy for their peers but also increases the chances that students will seek help when they need it.
They help create a positive school culture.
The clubs normalize conversations about mental health and create supportive environments where students feel comfortable sharing their challenges. Schools that have initiatives for youth-driven mental health advocacy report a noticeable positive change, and their students are more likely to take action to reduce stigma.
They teach students new coping skills.
High school clubs focused on reducing mental health stigma have been shown to improve members’ knowledge about mental health and healthy coping mechanisms. Students involved in Stigma-Free Clubs gain tools to care for their own mental health, a skillset that will continue to serve them in adulthood.
Make a Lasting Difference in Students’ Lives
Through the activities of Stigma-Free Clubs, students build self-confidence and develop empathy for their peers. The club provides a non-judgemental space for youth to support one another and become comfortable discussing mental health. Many students today are facing mental health challenges alone or without adequate help and creating spaces for peer support is more important than ever.
Stigma-Free Clubs help students feel more accepted and connected to their school community, while also allowing them to develop their leadership skills. Students become part of a collective effort to make an impact, reinforcing the message that their voices matter, and they have the power to make a difference. Additionally, as Club Champions provide guidance and support to student club members, they can strengthen relationships and create bonds between educators and students.
See a Stigma-Free Club in Action: Watch the video on our Stigma-Free Clubs page to learn about Queen Margaret School’s club in Duncan, BC. Listen to students share their experiences as club members and how they have come together to create an inclusive, positive school environment. We are proud to say that Queen Margaret School’s club is still active to this day!
Ready to Start a Stigma-Free Club at Your School?
There’s no better time to make a difference. Start a Stigma-Free Club and create a ripple effect of positive change in your school community. Access our free framework for guidance on recruiting members, promoting your club, planning activities, and more!
Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is ready to help you implement our Stigma-Free Clubs and no-cost Stigma-Free School Program!
References
Ahmad, S. I., Leventhal, B. L., Nielsen, B. N., & Hinshaw, S. P. (2019). Reducing mental illness stigma via high school clubs: A matched-pair, cluster-randomized trial. Stigma and Health, 5(2), 230–239.
Fein, E. H., Agbangnin, G., Murillo-León, J., Parsons, M., Sakai-Bismark, R., Martinez, A., Gomez, P. F., Chung, B., Chung, P., Dudovitz, R., Inkelas, M., & Kataoka, S. (2022). Encouraging “Positive Views” of Mental Illness in High Schools: An evaluation of Bring Change 2 Mind Youth Engagement Clubs. Health Promotion Practice, 24(5), 873–885.
Murman, N. M., Buckingham, K. C. E., Fontilea, P., Villanueva, R., Leventhal, B., & Hinshaw, S. P. (2014). Let’s Erase the Stigma (LETS): A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Adolescent-Led School Groups Intended to Reduce Mental Illness Stigma. Child & Youth Care Forum, 43(5), 621–637.
Author: Monique Zizzo
