Youth Wellness Lab recognized for its excellence in community-based research

Posted on June 17, 2024
Categories: Awards & Recognition, Bryn King, Faculty, Research, Stephanie Begun

Youth Wellness Lab researchers in a zoom meeting, smiling

The Youth Wellness Lab (YWL), a research collaborative led by Associate Professors Stephanie Begun and Bryn King, was recognized with an honourable mention for Excellence in Community-Campus Research Partnership at the CRBCanada Awards.

Community Based Research Canada (CBRCanada) is a national organization that champions and facilitates excellence in community-based research, which brings together individuals, communities and institutions as collaborators in research that addresses challenging societal problems.

Housed at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, YWL exemplifies this approach, by engaging youth and community partners as researchers in its work. YWL’s mission, written by founding youth members, is to “create a safe space for sustainable empowerment and expression through research and collaborative conversations for youth, by youth.”

Recent projects by YWL have included work to strengthen access to abortion services for youth and understanding the structural oppressions that impact youth experiencing homelessness.

“Working with the Youth Wellness Lab has shown me the power of youth-led research in driving change and responding to community needs,” says YWL Youth Researcher Hajar Seiyad. “The CRBC award spotlights the importance of ensuring research is a collaborative effort, with youth voices and lived experiences at the center. I’m proud to be part of this team, and being recognized for our work is an honour.”

The CBRCanada Award winners were celebrated at a virtual awards gala on May 21. A total of 40 groups from across Canada were nominated.

Follow the Youth Wellness Lab on Instagram @youthwellnesslab

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