Joining the National Youth Council (NYC) at Kids Help Phone is a chance to use your voice, meet other young people who care about mental health and help shape meaningful work across Canada. If you’re 14–24 and want to learn, lead and make a difference, this experience can help you grow while contributing to something bigger.
As an NYC member, you’ll connect online each month with youth from across the country to share ideas, collaborate on projects and explore new ways to support mental health and well-being. Along the way, you’ll build relationships, gain hands-on non profit experience and see how your ideas can help inform real initiatives at Kids Help Phone.
Being on the NYC has given me so many opportunities to advocate for what I’m passionate about. I never imagined I would participate in workshops with youth across Canada, collaborate with staff on projects, and give keynote speeches at fundraisers
— Josh, 2026 NYC Member
The NYC is an opportunity to build confidence, practice leadership, strengthen communication skills, contribute to youth-focused content and take part in projects that reach young people from coast to coast to coast.
You don’t need previous council experience to apply. What matters most is your curiosity, your interest in mental health and your willingness to bring your perspective to a supportive, inclusive space.
The NYC gives you an opportunity to take initiative in whatever area you’re passionate about. The leadership experience I have gained has been beneficial in other areas of my life.
Opportunities you can gain through NYC
- Share your perspective in national conversations about youth mental health
- Gain creative experience by contributing to social media, website and youth-facing content
- Practice public speaking through panels, presentations and community opportunities
- Get involved in campaigns and events that raise awareness and support for youth mental health
- Bring forward ideas that can help shape projects, services, workshops, branding and youth-focused resources
- Connect with Kids Help Phone supporters and share why youth-led work matters
- Explore research and storytelling opportunities that turn ideas and lived experience into meaningful learning
- Build practical skills, confidence and experience you can carry into school, work and community leadership
Being on NYC has given me opportunities that can’t be found anywhere else. I have the flexibility of being involved in media while also leading my own projects.
— Andi, 2026 NYC Co-chair
NYC member role description
Commitment (4-8 hours per month)
- participation from January 2027 until December 2027 (council members are eligible to serve for a one-year term and can reapply each year)
- 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 2027 to August 2027)
- 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)
What you’ll gain from the experience
- A welcoming community of youth who care about mental health, well-being and making a difference
- A meaningful way to support young people across Canada
- Leadership experience in a collaborative and supportive environment
- Training, mentorship and skill-building support from Kids Help Phone staff
- Volunteer hours while contributing to projects that feel meaningful and relevant
- The chance to share your ideas and watch them grow into real initiatives
- Connections with other young people who want to reduce stigma and help create change around mental health
Interested? You can apply through this link. Applications will close Monday, November 16th.
