The Youth Wellness Champions (YWC) program is a student-led wellness initiative that empowers students to identify well-being priorities within their school communities and take meaningful action to address them.
Supported by a Program Facilitator (such as a Public Health Nurse, Mental Health Lead, or other community partner) and an Adult Champion within the school, Student Champions work together to promote mental health, strengthen school connectedness, reduce stigma, and support positive school environments.
How the Program Works
While each school implements YWC differently, most projects follow a common six-step process that transforms student voice into student action.
| Program Facilitator | Adult Champion | Student Champions |
|---|---|---|
| Supports implementation | Supports students | Leads the action |
↓ Student Voice
↓ Action Planning
↓ Student-Led Activities
↓ Reflection & Celebration
- STEP 1: Build the Team 🤝
-
Every YWC initiative begins with a team.
A Program Facilitator works alongside an Adult Champion or School Ally to recruit and support Student Champions.
The goal is to engage students who are interested in making a positive difference within their school community.
Typical roles include:
Program Facilitator
- Provides training, resources, and guidance
- Supports planning and evaluation
- Helps connect schools to community resources
Adult Champion / School Ally
- Supports students throughout the school year
- Helps organize meetings and activities
- Encourages student leadership
Student Champions
- Bring student voice to the process
- Identify priorities and concerns
- Plan and lead activities for their peers
Example: A school recruits students from different grades and backgrounds to form a Student Champion team that meets regularly throughout the year.
- STEP 2: Learn & Explore 📚
-
Student Champions participate in training and discussions to build their knowledge and leadership skills.
Topics may include:
- Mental health and well-being
- Resilience and coping strategies
- Substance use prevention
- School connectedness and belonging
- Leadership and facilitation skills
- Stigma reduction
This step helps students develop the confidence and skills needed to lead activities within their school.
Example: Student Champions participate in workshops exploring stress management and healthy coping strategies.
- STEP 3: Identify Priorities 🔍
-
Student Champions gather information about what matters most to students within their school.
This may include:
- Informal conversations with peers
- Surveys or questionnaires
- Brainstorming activities
- Discussions with staff and community partners
Student voice guides the process.
Key questions may include:
- What challenges are students experiencing?
- What strengths already exist within the school?
- What would help students feel more connected, supported, and successful?
Example: Students identify academic stress and exam pressure as key concerns among their peers.
- STEP 4: Create an Action Plan 📝
-
Once priorities have been identified, Student Champions work together to develop a plan.
Action plans often include:
- Goals and objectives
- Planned activities
- Roles and responsibilities
- Timelines
- Required resources
- Evaluation methods
This ensures that initiatives are organized, realistic, and student-driven.
Example: A group develops a plan to host Lunch and Learn sessions focused on stress management during exam periods.
- STEP 5: Take Action 🚀
-
Student Champions put their plans into action through school-based wellness initiatives.
Activities may include:
- Wellness fairs
- Lunch and Learn sessions
- Mental health awareness campaigns
- Kindness and gratitude initiatives
- Exam support activities
- Healthy Schools activities
- Peer engagement events
- School-wide wellness campaigns
No two schools look exactly alike. Student voice determines which activities are most relevant and meaningful.
Example: Students organize a Wellness Fair featuring interactive stations focused on coping strategies, social connection, creativity, and healthy lifestyles.
- STEP 6: Reflect, Celebrate & Grow 🎉
-
Evaluation and celebration are important parts of the YWC process.
Student Champions reflect on:
- What worked well
- What challenges were encountered
- What students learned
- What impact was achieved
Recognizing accomplishments helps build confidence and sustain future initiatives.
Activities may include:
- Feedback surveys
- Group reflections
- Celebration events
- Certificates and recognition
- Sharing successes with the broader school community
Example: Student Champions complete an evaluation, celebrate their achievements, and identify ideas for the following school year.
What Makes YWC Unique?
The YWC program is grounded in youth engagement principles.
Students are not simply participants; they are partners and leaders throughout the process.
By combining student voice, supportive adults, and community partnerships, YWC helps create school environments that are:
The result is a flexible model that can be adapted to elementary schools, secondary schools, French-language schools, rural schools, and urban school communities.
Student Voice to Student Action
At its core, Youth Wellness Champions is about empowering students to identify what matters to them and lead positive change within their school communities.
With support from Adult Champions, Program Facilitators, and community partners, students develop leadership skills while helping create healthier, more connected school environments for everyone.
Interested in Bringing YWC to Your School?
YWC can be adapted to elementary schools, secondary schools, English-language schools, French-language schools, urban schools, and rural communities. TBDHU staff can support schools through training, planning, implementation, and evaluation activities.
Email schools@tbdhu.com for more information or to get started.
Contact Us
Children, Youth and Families
Thunder Bay District Health Unit
(807) 625-5900 or 1-888-294-6630
schools@tbdhu.com
www.tbdhu.com/school-health