TYPS Network

TYPS (Toronto Youth Peer Support) Network is a project under the ACT YES program initiative of DreBu, a non profit organization based in South Parkdale. The project’s vision is to create a network for youth between the ages of 15-30, a space where they can seek support and guidance from peer supporters in a safe environment. By matching the needs of youth, specifically those dealing with various barriers (income, language, status, etc.) with the right resources and help, we believe we can unlock the potential that every young person has to succeed in Canada.

WHY TYPS Network Project?
The TYPS project was created in response to the results of the surveys completed by over 250 at-risk youth across Toronto in 2014 and 2015 (over 80% of those who filled out the survey were from the Parkdale neighbourhood). One of the main takeaways of the survey indicated that the majority of the youth felt confused, hopeless or stressed due to lack of network support, leading to a cycle of poverty, violence and isolation. In the many evaluations filled out by participants, they opted for an opportunity that would allow them to connect with peers in resolving issues or supporting one another. To help the youth who are facing these serious concerns, the TYPS network was created to enable youth to easily connect with peer supporters in established fields who can guide them through the problems they are facing.

OUR FIRST NETWORK – TYPS HIMALAYAN
Toronto Youth Peer Support (TYPS)- Himalayan Network addresses the need for building a sustainable youth-led and youth-focused support group for Canadian youth of Himalayan heritage living in the GTA. This network will  lay the foundation for TYPS Network Program by first building an effective and sustainable model. Three main actions of the project are: information resource and discussion focused social media sites; an annual TYPS networking conference; and a user interfaced website for direct access to receiving or providing peer support via all available mediums. TYPS Himalayan network is made possible with generous support from Laidlaw Foundation’s Youth-led Community Change Grant.