At Foundry, we know it’s critical to engage youth and families/caregivers and hear their voices in all aspects of Foundry, including research.
Foundry has a dedicated research team to help build a health system that works better for young people. The Foundry Research team works closely with young people and our partners by conducting person-centred research that is informed, co-designed and endorsed by young people and families/caregivers. We know it’s critical to engage youth and families/caregivers and hear their voices in all aspects of Foundry, including research.
To learn more about the impact of youth co-design and engagement, read the Youth Research Advisory Panel (Y-RAP) blog posts below.
- Facilitating Safer Spaces for IBPOC Folks
- Accessibility of Research
- In My Shoes: What I Look for When Providing Feedback for Research Grant Proposals
- YRAP Interview with Dr. Munro
- YRAP Interview with Dr. Marchand
About the writers
Gurvaan Mann
Youth researcher Gurvaan Mann
Youth researcherGurvaan holds a BA in psychology and minor in Asian area studies. She has been involved in various research positions at Foundry and UBC. She has been a member of youth research advisory panels, directly engaging with researchers and other youth, along with conducting research alongside a team. As a youth research assistant, Gurvaan has able to facilitate greater engagement of marginalized youth, with lived experience of mental health struggles and substance use, by establishing greater safety and accessibility for them. She is incredibly passionate about using intersectionality to increase the safety of marginalized communities in research and in her support roles.
Jeanna Pillainayagam
Youth researcher Jeanna Pillainayagam
Youth researcherJeanna Pillainayagam is currently a member of the Foundry Provincial Youth Advisory Committee, and was a member of the Youth Research Advisory Panel (YRAP). She also has volunteer experience with mental health organizations including CMHA-BC and Jack.org, and has previously worked on mental health projects with groups such as Anxiety Canada, the University of Northern British Columbia, and the BC School Counsellors Association. She is passionate about promoting mental health education and destigmatizing mental illness.
Jeanna believes the YRAP was an excellent opportunity for young people to advocate for the needs of youth in terms of creating accessible, adequate, and appropriate health/wellness services. She hopes to see more programs like the YRAP in the future.