Documenting the Reach and Perceptions of Youth Towards a Community-based Mental Health Initiative Implemented in a Rural and Minority Language Setting

Youth in rural and minority language settings often face barriers to accessing mental health care. Community-based programs are crucial for overcoming these barriers and improving service delivery. The Accès Santé Jeunesse Péninsule Acadienne (ASJPA) is a community-based mental health initiative launched in 2021 to serve youth in the Acadian Peninsula, a rural, Francophone region in New Brunswick, Canada. This study aimed to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of youth accessing the program and to present preliminary data on mental health and perceptions towards the program. A multimethod approach was used, incorporating both quantitative (mental health, psychological distress, sleep, social support and resilience) and qualitative data (N = 34) collected at two-time points (between March and October 2022) with youth. The sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics showed that the program is reaching a diverse group of youth presenting with varied psychosocial needs, as reflected in self-reported mental health, psychological distress, sleep quality, social support, and resilience. Qualitative findings further suggest that participants experienced meaningful personal growth, developed new friendships, gained practical tools and support to improve their mental health, and engaged in novel experience through the ASJPA program. Youth also expressed high levels of satisfaction, appropriateness, and acceptability towards the program. This study highlights positive qualitative perceptions of the ASJPA program among participating youth. These findings suggests that community-based mental health initiatives of this nature may address key needs of young people living in rural settings, particularly those with limited access to specialized mental health services. Further research is needed to assess the long-term effects of the program on youth outcomes.