If you are interested in the YAM program and would like to learn more about how to bring YAM to your area, please read through the points below to see if YAM would be a good fit for you.
Individuals and organisations
If you are an individual who would like to be trained to lead YAM in your local schools and you live in a region where there is already a YAM site established, please reach out to international@mentalhealthinmind.com or sweden@mentalhealthinmind.com to see how you can be trained. Currently, we have YAM sites across Sweden and in Norway, Germany, the UK (London and Durham), Australia (New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory), India (Gujarat), Spain, USA (Texas and Montana).
If you live elsewhere, you will need a larger network and co-Instructors to collaborate with. We recommend that you try to garner interest among other local individuals and organisations to create a team that would be interested in implementing YAM and becoming a YAM site.
If you are part of an organisation that might have the capacity to become a YAM site, please find some information below, and then be in touch with us for more information.
Here’s what it means to become a YAM site
Establishing a YAM site requires multiple components, including creating a YAM team, building relationships with local schools and community resources, and in some cases, translating and adapting the YAM materials. In general, it takes around one year of setting up a site before YAM can be done in schools in your area.
Building the YAM team
YAM requires a team of enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about working with youth and open to learning about YAM. The YAM team should include YAM coordinators and a number of certified YAM Instructors.
The coordinator(s) will be responsible for leading the implementation and should preferably be someone who plans on working on YAM for a long period. Recruitment of the best candidates to form a YAM team is crucial for the success of the implementation.
Recruiting YAM Instructors
When identifying YAM Instructors it is important to find candidates who have experience and are comfortable working with diverse groups of youth and absolutely will not discriminate against or diminish the experiences of any youth participating in the program. YAM Instructors should have prior experience working with youth in groups (e.g., youth workers, teachers, social workers, counsellors or school psychologists) and be open to challenging discussions. Previous experience with mental health is recommended but not essential. More importantly, YAM Instructors should have no pre-existing relationship with the youth participating (i.e. already work in that school). Instructors are certified to do YAM after successfully completing a five-day in person YAM Instructor Course.
Connecting with schools
Schools are the preferred setting for implementing YAM. A strong connection with the school system is critical. It is important to begin to establish relationships with the school system at least a year before a YAM implementation begins. These early conversations can help you determine if there is interest and support for YAM in the local community.
Establishing community resources
A local list of community and healthcare resources is to be created and included in the YAM youth materials. The successful outcome of the YAM program is dependent on effective planning with different sources of support in the community; therefore the YAM team should connect with each resource to ensure it is operational, and the list should be revised regularly to maintain accuracy.
Translation and cultural adaptation
YAM currently exists in English (UK, US, and Australian versions), Gujarati, Swedish, and Norwegian. If your site would require translation into a different language, this is done with a specific procedure that should be conducted in consultation with MHiM. MHiM believes that adapting the YAM materials and content so they are sensitive and appropriate to the local context is of utmost importance. The first time YAM is implemented in a country or new cultural context, the program needs to undergo an adaptation process. Cultural adaptation is a sensitive process that needs to be carefully planned.
Funding
An adequate amount of funding should be available to implement YAM. The amount will vary depending on the size of the implementation and labour costs. Fees for training and royalties are not the only costs for implementing YAM. Labour costs related to all persons that will form the YAM team at your site should be taken into account. It is strongly advised that a budget is drafted for YAM in the very beginning to verify the financial feasibility of the implementation plan.
Does that all sound good to you? Here’s what’s next!
If you have read all of the sections above and would like to connect with MHiM to discuss becoming a YAM site, we will be happy to hear from you! Please contact international@mentalhealthinmind.com if you are outside of Sweden, or sweden@mentalhealthinmind.com if you are in Sweden.