Event Report: Youth Consultation – “Let’s Talk Well-Being: A Space for Us, By Us”

Coordination RAFIO

6 days ago

2 min read

Activity Report

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026

Location: RAFIO Office – 233 Montréal Road, Suite 204, Ottawa, Ontario

Theme: Youth consultation on psychological well-being and mental health among Black Francophone youth

Activity Overview

On Friday, July 3, 2026, RAFIO youth, in partnership with Family Services and Counselling Ottawa (SFC), participated in a consultation activity marking the launch of a new psychological well-being promotion program for Black Francophone youth aged 14 to 25.

The purpose of this first meeting was to introduce the program to the youth, gather their ideas and identify their needs, while directly involving them in the development of a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space.

The activity took place in a warm, open, and participatory atmosphere. The youth demonstrated a high level of interest, openness, and engagement throughout the discussions.

Activities

Several interactive and consultation activities were organized during the meeting, including:

A presentation of the new program “Let’s Talk Well-Being: A Space for Us, By Us”;
Group discussions about the realities and concerns experienced by young people;
Conversations about mental health, emotions, and psychological well-being;
Discussions about stress and different strategies for coping with it;
Conversations about relationships, self-esteem, and sense of belonging;
Discussions about challenges related to immigration, racism, as well as social and family pressures;
Discussions about the importance of seeking help and supporting others;
A vote allowing youth to choose the topics they would like to explore during future workshops.

These activities provided youth with an opportunity to make their voices heard and directly contribute to the development of a program adapted to their realities, concerns, and needs.

Participation and Feedback

The youth actively participated in the discussions, interactive activities, and consultation process. The exchanges were rich, open, and constructive.

Participants appreciated having the opportunity to express themselves freely about topics that affect their daily lives and to contribute to the creation of a space that reflects their experiences and needs.

Youth participation also helped provide a better understanding of their expectations for future workshops and the topics they consider priorities when it comes to mental health and well-being.

Closing of the Activity

The activity concluded in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. The youth expressed their interest in continuing to participate in upcoming activities organized as part of the program.

The organizers emphasized the importance of placing youth at the centre of the program's development to ensure that the activities offered genuinely respond to their needs and realities.

Conclusion

This consultation activity represented an important step in the development of the “Let’s Talk Well-Being: A Space for Us, By Us” program.

It provided Black Francophone youth aged 14 to 25 with an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns, and ideas while actively participating in the creation of a safe and inclusive space focused on psychological well-being.

The engagement and participation of the youth demonstrate the importance of continuing initiatives that promote self-expression, participation, mental health, inclusion, and a sense of belonging among young people.

The collaboration between RAFIO and Family Services and Counselling Ottawa represents an important opportunity to develop activities that are responsive to the realities and needs of Black Francophone youth in the community.