Getting Youth Voices on the Agenda
Agenda Gap is a dynamic research and intervention initiative. The core
aim of Agenda Gap is to empower youth with the knowledge and skills
needed to advocate for policies that foster mental health and equity for
youth and their communities.
Our Reach
*Data current as of October 2025
15
cohorts to date
167
youth participants
44
facilitators trained
61+
adult allies engaged
Interested in partnering? Get in touch.
Click to view group accomplishments:
Alberta
2022
Identifying best practices for meaningfully engaging youth in policy processes.
British Columbia
2023
Improving youth access to community information about basic needs.
2024
Informing the Renewal of the School District’s Enhancement Agreement for Indigenous Students – 2025-2030.
2024
Enhancing political representation by extending the voting age.
2020
Strengthening school-based anti-racism policies.
2024
Relieving academic stress using community-based approaches to peer support, green space access and mental health literacy.
2021
Strengthening school-based anti-racism policies.
2023
Improving school district substance use response policies
2024
Strengthening youth-teacher relationships by integrating collaboration and trauma-informed approaches.
Nova Scotia
2024
Fostering school engagement through trauma-informed staff training.
2023
Ensuring transparency and consistency in school accommodation policies.
2024
Improving service access experiences for youth.
Ontario
2022
Creating supportive spaces in schools by promoting a positive understanding of mental health.
2023
Fostering community pathways for youth employment (including job-ready skills).
2024
Expanding youth peer support to address isolation and peer pressure.
Related Publications
Assessing the impacts and outcomes of youth driven mental health promotion: A mixed-methods assessment of the social networking action for resilience study
Mental health challenges are the leading health issue facing youth globally. To better respond to this health challenge, experts advocate for a population health approach inclusive of mental health promotion; yet this area remains underdeveloped.
Journal of Adolescence
2018
Tags: YouthMethods: Mixed-methodsEquipping youth for meaningful policy engagement: An environmental scan
To better address the mental health and substance use crises facing youth globally, a comprehensive approach, inclusive of mental health promotion is needed. A key component of mental health promotion is policy intervention to address the social and structural determinants of health.
International Journal of Health Promotion
2020
Tags: YouthMethods: ReviewAdvancing socioecological mental health promotion intervention: A mixed methods exploration of Phase 1 Agenda Gap findings
Protecting and promoting the mental health of youth under 30 years of age is a priority, globally.
Frontiers in Public Health
2023
Tags: YouthMethods: Mixed-methodsIdentifying mechanisms of youth mental health promotion: A realist evaluation of the Agenda Gap programme.
Agenda Gap as a Third Place / Third Space.
PLoS Mental Health
2024
Tags: Evaluation, YouthMethods: Qualitative
