Case Study: A Mental Health Engagement Framework Pilot Project

Pilot Study Year 1

Presented by

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Jason Oliver, Director, Stakeholder Relations, MHCC

Alya Al Shibli, Program Manager, Stakeholder Relations, MHCC

An Overview of the Mental Health Commission of Canada

• Leading innovation in mental health programs for Canadians.
• Supported by the Government of Canada to shape public policy.
• Engages stakeholders, influences policy, and encourages collective action.
• Focus on sectors like justice, healthcare, workplace, housing, etc.
• Prioritizes consultation with people with lived and living experience.

MHCC’s Advisory Councils

Hallway Group

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• Individuals aged 30+ with diverse lived and lived experience from across Canada.
• Individuals have the knowledge, experience, and leadership from the grassroots or community level to provide feedback on tackling stigma in communities.
• Provide strategic advice on specific initiatives, projects, and key priority areas.

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Youth Council

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• Individuals aged 18-29 with diverse lived and lived experience from across Canada bringing a youth perspective on mental health and recovery.
• Informs the strategic direction and operational activities of MHCC’s programs, projects, and policies.

British Columbia

Alberta

Saskatchewan

Manitoba

Ontario

Quebec

Nova Scotia

Newfoundland and Labrador

IAP2 Pilot Study: Enhancing Engagement with the Hallway Group and Youth Council

Objective: Implement engagement framework as a pilot study to meaningfully enhance the way the Commission engages the Hallway Group and Youth Council.

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Goal: To track engagement opportunities and identifying the level of involvement of Persons with Lived and Living Experience (PWLLE) in Commission projects and initiatives

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Result: This has enabled us to leverage advice, expertise and interest of our Councils by including them in decision-making processes at various stages of project life cycles and on topics that mean the most to them.  

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Approach to Enhancing Engagement

• The pilot program was co-designed by Commission staff and PWLLE.

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• Engagement package was created highlighting the following objectives:

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• Data Collection: Track engagement opportunities for one fiscal year.
• Engagement Tracking: Determine engagement levels using agreed-upon pillars.
• Alignment: Ensure opportunities match member interests, capacities, and accessibility.
• Transparency & Communication: Clearly outline engagement requirements from people with lived and living experience perspectives. Encourage open and honest communication about limitations.
• Engagement Toolkit: Toolkit was co-created with Council members and shared widely through a series of presentations introducing the Engagement Package to teams across the Commission.

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Key Findings and Insights (2022)

Overall Key Findings:

• Heightened trust and credibility
• Increased understanding of engagement expectations
• Boosted confidence in engagement participation
• Enhanced communication
• Empowering council members

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Hallway Group Insights:

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• 7 Hallway Group members were engaged projects and initiatives
• Total of 26 MHCC engagements and 1 external engagement
• Increase in level of engagement in the context of involve, collaborate and empower

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Youth Council Insights:

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• 9 Youth Council members were engaged in projects and initiatives
• Total of 44 MHCC engagements and 3 external engagements
• Increase in level of engagement in the context of involve, collaborate and empower

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Testimonials

Phase 2 (April 1 – March 31, 2024)

Pilot Study Year 2- What to Expect

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• Tracking Engagements: April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024
• Year 1 vs. Year 2 Results Comparison

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Key Objectives for Year 2

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• Early Council Engagement: Involve council members in project inception.
• Amplify Lived Experience Voces: Ensure PWLLE perspectives are integrated into our work.
• Engagement Framework Guidance: Teams encouraged to use the engagement framework for effective PWLLE engagement.
• Promotion: To promote this work amongst the mental health and substance use sector including other health organizations that are working patient engagement initiatives.

Acknowledgements and Further Information

We would like to thank the Mental Health Commission of Canada for agreeing to share this case study and insights to advance engagement practice. This case study was authored/co-authored by Alya Al-Shibli and Dalya Kablawi.

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For more information about the Mental Health Commission of Canada, see:

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www.mentalhealthcommission.ca

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If you have any questions or would like to learn more, contact the Stakeholder Relations team

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Alya Al-Shibli, Program Manager, Mental Health Commission of Canada

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aalshibli@mentalhealthcommission.ca