RSN mentors are adults with lived experience who provide support and resources for adolescents experiencing challenges related to substance use, mental health, and/or justice involvement. RSN mentors receive training in the following youth-focused areas:
- Motivational Interviewing skills
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
- Trauma Informed Care
- Cultural Competency
The RSN Mentor acts as a support and resource for underestimated youth and emerging adults who are experiencing challenges related to substance use, mental health, and/or justice involvement. The Mentor acts as a key member of the RSN support team providing participants with a sense of belonging and the skills and capacities for self-advocacy, healthy relationships and positive engagement in the community. The Mentor engages in promoting trust and self-acceptance by advocating for and with participants, coordinating with existing service providers, and linking participants with community resources, thereby increasing a participant’s overall wellbeing. The Mentor works with participants one on one, supporting them in setting and achieving goals through shared activities, goal setting, support, and encouragement.
