The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is made up of current and former IWK patients and siblings, ages 13-18 years old, residing in the Maritimes. YAC meets hybrid on the third Thursday of each month (except in the Summer) for office hours in the Teen Lounge at the IWK or on Zoom from 4:30p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
YAC works on different projects and initiatives around the health centre like:
- IWK website consult
- Transition to adult care consult
- Grand Rounds presentations
- Communication videos (see us on YouTube!)
- Inpatient initiatives and activities
- IWK Prom
Our purpose is:
- to ensure that the youth voice is heard at all levels and in all areas of the IWK
- to be essential to the IWK structure and fabric
- to realize that we have the power and influence to create positive change at the IWK to benefit youth and their supporters
- to promote a culture of working together
- to build community amongst individuals with lived healthcare experiences
Our principles:
- Dream big, set goals and persevere!
- Be respectful and honest
- Have an open minded positive attitude
- Take on only what you can do and follow it through
- Ask for help when you need it
- Be innovative and learn from your mistakes
- Have fun with purpose
Interested in joining YAC? Fill out the application on the right side of this page.
Adult supporters
This role is to help connect YAC to the IWK, keep things running smoothly and help YACers accomplish their goals. To learn more, please contact Child Life at childlife@iwk.nshealth.ca
or
902-470-8426
Circle of Support
These are staff and other youth supporters who have had experience working with youth and bringing in youth voices. They help out whenever we need project assistance, extra support and guidance, connections, a ride, you name it!
Funding
A huge thanks to the IWK Auxiliary for their incredible financial support for YAC each and every year. We could not have made it to where we are without them!
The Youth Advisory Council is a project of Child Life Services