Empowering. Caring. Fun. Impactful. Healing. Flexible. Rewarding. Creative. Inspiring. Hopeful. Collaborative. Transformative. — National Youth Council members on their experiences at Kids Help Phone
The National Youth Council (NYC) at Kids Help Phone is a group of youth ages 14–24 from across Canada who are passionate about mental health and well-being. The NYC works as a whole to help integrate a youth voice into numerous areas of Kids Help Phone and to help influence decision-making, strategy and delivery of activities organization-wide.
Serving on the NYC has unlocked an ever-growing community of change makers. This support has fostered life-long friendships, and the confidence to advocate for youth mental health!
— Laetitia (she / her), 2024 NYC Member
The council meets monthly (virtually) to share ideas and communicates regularly to collaborate on projects that affect Kids Help Phone’s organizational activities. Through committees and with support from staff at Kids Help Phone, council members play a key role in raising awareness of e-mental health support options for young people and helping to develop Kids Help Phone’s programs and services.
Your voice matters — young people in Canada can apply today to join this group of energetic, courageous and innovative youth who are working to help transform the e-mental health landscape across Canada.
We’re committed to providing an inclusive space for youth. No previous experience on a council is required to apply to the NYC at Kids Help Phone.
The NYC opened doors to so many unique opportunities; I’m so thankful for the council!
— Ida (she / her), 2024 NYC member
NYC project highlights from 2024
- created social media content and contributed to website content
- demonstrated leadership skills at numerous internal and external events, including speaking engagements, panels and presentations for youth, donors and more
- participated in and supported fundraising campaigns, including Kids Help Phone’s historic Feel Out Loud movement and the annual BMO Walk So Kids Can Talk
- provided feedback on project development and service initiatives, including innovation and design workshops and brand and content development
- participated in a donor thank-a-thon to express gratitude to Kids Help Phone donors and supporters
- supported the launch of the Resources Around Me
- offered ongoing support for various initiatives on the Peer-to-Peer Community at Kids Help Phone
The NYC provides so many diverse opportunities! I’ve had the chance to represent KHP at the Walk so Kids Can Talk, create social media content, and give feedback to ongoing KHP initiatives. On top of the variety, everything is flexible to our schedules!
— Josh (he / him), 2024 NYC member
NYC member role description
Commitment
- participation from January 2025 until December 2025 (council members are eligible to serve for a two-year term)
- participation in one virtual council meeting (two hours) every month
- participation in two to six additional hours a month for project work and virtual collaboration, including active participation in one or more committees (there are three committees in the council)
Typical roles and responsibilities
- participate in monthly virtual NYC meetings (with optional summer activities as determined by the council from June 2025 to August 2025)
- support the development of youth-facing content and other innovations for young people
- work collaboratively with other NYC members and staff at Kids Help Phone to brainstorm, develop and lead organizational projects
- participate in at least one committee to develop and complete specific projects (one or two main projects per term)
- provide insight and recommendations on opportunities for youth engagement, as well as emerging trends affecting young people
- encourage and support other council members, foster the mutual exchange of ideas and positively contribute to a team environment
- communicate openly with the staff lead(s) at Kids Help Phone on availability, project progress and overall experience
Qualifications
- residing in Canada for the duration of the term
- legally eligible to participate in volunteer opportunities in Canada
- ideally be 14–24 years old during the term
- passionate about youth mental health and well-being
- committed to collaborative teamwork with a willingness to take initiative
- strong communication skills, particularly in a virtual environment
- must represent and live Kids Help Phone’s values (courageous, collaborative, innovative, resilient and trustworthy)
Potential benefits
- work with a highly motivated team
- make a difference in your community by helping to support youth across Canada
- gain leadership experience
- explore training, mentorship and skill-development opportunities with staff at Kids Help Phone
- earn volunteer hours
- share your ideas and help bring them to fruition
- connect with / learn from other youth to help reduce stigma around mental health and well-being
The National Youth Council has been an intentional accelerator for my growth. As you join, growth is certain; the mystery lies in how it will manifest for you!
— Might, 2024 NYC member
