Volunteer with the BC Crisis Centre! Be a part of a dynamic team making a difference in the lives of hundreds of youth in the Lower Mainland. 

Youth Educator Volunteers facilitate a 70 to 90-minute workshop for youth in grades 6 to 12 called Self-Care for Mental Health. Sessions may be presented in-person at elementary or high schools and youth-serving agencies in Vancouver, Burnaby, and North Vancouver, or virtually for schools outside of these areas. Youth wellness workshops provide valuable resources for youth, encourage peer support, and help to reduce stigma relating to mental health and suicide by creating awareness and teaching mindful tools. 

Volunteer commitment: 2 half-days per month for 1.5 years (3 school semesters) OR a minimum of 45 delivered workshops. 

Volunteer Requirements: 

•  Strong desire to work with youth 
• Interest in / personal connection to the topic of mental health and suicide prevention 
• Availability for all four live training sessions 10am-4pm on the following dates: May 4, May 25, June 1 and September 8 (at the Crisis Centre, 763 East Broadway, Vancouver). 
• 4-6 hours of independent learning (online and self-paced) 
• Completion of two half-days workshops: safeTALK & Skillfully Responding to Distress (flexible dates) 
• Daytime availability for workshop delivery (school hours) two outings per month required
• Willingness to travel throughout Vancouver, Burnaby and the North Shore 
• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (upon acceptance of the role) 
• Comfort with public speaking and group facilitation is an asset 

 What’s in it for You? 

•  Comprehensive training and on-going support 
• Opportunity to work interactively with youth in an educational capacity 
• Real-world experience to enrich your public speaking and group facilitation skills 
• Join the community of compassionate Crisis Centre’s volunteers 
• Make a difference: build hope and resiliency among youth 
• Reference letters (subject to completion of basic commitment) 
• Free access to our Wellness Webinars, and a discounted registration for the 2-day ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). 

 TO APPLY: Follow the steps on our website here: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/volunteer/volunteer-youth-educator/ 

 The Volunteer Youth Educator training fee is $150, which cover the cost of providing current and effective information, training and service to volunteers (including safeTALK, and Skillfully Responding to Distress. (The training fee is on sliding scale and can be discussed during your interview.) 

 ***Questions? -- Contact Lana at youthworkshops@crisiscentre.bc.ca