by Falak Somani, post-secondary student
Reflecting on my journey from participant to facilitator of the Healthy Relationships Plus (HRP) Program via Erin Mills Connects, I take pride in my involvement in this transformative learning opportunity. Not only have I witnessed my own growth, but I’ve also seen the positive impact it has had on other youth participants firsthand.
As an advocate for education-based mental health programs, I am continuously gratified by how this workshop empowers young individuals to make informed decisions and cultivate positive well-being. In November 2022, I was a participant in this program; I sat within a circle of grade 11 and 12 students listening as my own thoughts and lived experiences regarding gender dynamics, unhealthy relationships, boundary setting and mental health were addressed out loud.
Facilitating HRPP compelled me to learn how to address sensitive topics with effectiveness and maturity. It also reaffirmed my commitment to youth empowerment within my future career.
Falak Somani
Fast forward to this past July. I had the privilege of facilitating the 14-hour healthy relationships session for the second time. Interestingly, doing so after completing my first year at university provided me with a new perspective. The value of HRP was unquestionable; this realization deepened my commitment to such conversations and my dedication to empowering young people to navigate the complexities of relationships and well-being.
HRP is a small group program coming out of Western University’s Centre for School Mental Health in London, Ontario. It focuses on equipping students with foundational skills to maintain healthy relationships. It acts as a comprehensive toolkit, preparing youth for their transition from adolescence to adulthood by bringing sensitive yet vital topics to light. Each session is thoughtfully structured—starting with a warm-up activity, then engaging, discussion-based and interactive activities and a cool-down exit statement, where each student can share their reflections.
The program creates a safe environment that encourages open dialogue regarding:
- media literacy,
- dating violence,
- the impacts of substance use,
- mental health and well-being,
- help-seeking strategies,
- suicide prevention
- and more.
Young individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to deal with shared human experiences, including heartbreak, apologies, peer pressure, decision-making, and the end of friendships. Furthermore, participants develop a heightened awareness of their stressors, define their personal boundaries and acquire tools to support themselves and their loved ones.
A call to action for schools and community organizations
The author Falak Somani says facilitating HRP, “contributed to her personal and professional growth: ‘I call upon middle, secondary, and community organizations to make this workshop available and accessible to more students.'”
To learn more about hosting a Healthy Relationships Plus Program, contact info@erinmillsconnects.org
KIDS' WELLNESS 