Progress

Implementation of the KAP in the six colleges

The work groups from each college scheduled the six three-hour meetings, while taking into account each institution's context and current situation. The research coordinator will host the meetings and take notes with the help of an assistant (co-researcher or project partner), as well as monitor the work group leaders between meetings. Throughout the process, the work groups are encouraged to identify which aspects they would like to work on in order to end the process with an action plan.

The action model is presented at the JASP

Action model to promote mental health in post-secondary institutions. Poster presented during the Annual public health days from November 28-29, 2011.

Research and orientation committee meetings

The research committee met for an update on the project's progress and to explore different avenues that could result from it. The orientation committee, comprised of partners and people from colleges who support the project, also met to lay the groundwork for the committee's overall operation (objectives, how often to meet, events, etc.), and to explore the next steps.

Planning of initial meetings in the six colleges

Individuals from the six colleges who supported the project were contacted and asked to form the work group in their respective institution, and appoint a group leader.

Preparation of project-related tools

This period begins with Florence Déplanche's internship project for her Master's degree in community health: developing the college environment evaluation tool. After being tested in two colleges with various stakeholders, the tool became functional as of fall 2011. Subsequently, the research team developed content for each of the six meetings focusing on the KAP and the action model.

Partnerships

Partnerships were established with academic and health organizations. Funding was sought.

Start of project

Researchers with possible interest in a research project on mental health of youth transitioning to adulthood were contacted for the first time. A committee was formed to develop the project's outline, and a thorough literature review was performed.