Youth data in action: Updates from McCreary Centre Society

McCreary Centre Society is a charity committed to improving the health of BC youth through research, evaluation, and youth engagement projects. For more information, email mccreary@mcs.bc.ca.

We are excited to share the following updates on McCreary reports, projects, and youth engagement opportunities:

2025 Youth-led survey on vaping and nicotine pouches

McCreary’s BC Health and Wellness Youth Advisory Council (BC YAC) is collecting survey about vaping and nicotine pouches from youth ages 12–19 in BC. The youth-developed survey asks questions about what participants think, know, and do about vaping and nicotine pouches, and how to improve vaping supports in school and other areas. The results will be analyzed and shared in a report to inform youth vaping resources in BC. The survey is open until June 10th, and youth who complete it will be entered in to a draw for a $50 gift card.

The BC YAC is seeking your support to share the survey at your school. A poster and link to the survey is available at mcs.bc.ca/bc_yac, or scan the QR code to access the survey directly.

Youth Transitioning Out of Care (YTOC) Study

McCreary’s Youth Research Academy (YRA) is surveying youth aged 18–27 with experience of government care or alternatives to care (e.g., Youth Agreement). The survey aims to improve the experience of transitioning out of care and includes questions about mental and physical health, housing, education, and access to supports. Youth complete a first survey while still in care and additional surveys every 6 months until they turn 27. Participants receive an honorarium for each survey they complete.

For YTOC reports and to join the study, visit mcs.bc.ca/youth_transitioning_out_of_care_study.

Next Steps workshops: Engaging youth in the 2023 BC AHS findings

Looking to include youth voice in your local data? McCreary’s Next Steps supports students to learn and respond to the local 2023 BC AHS data, identify priority youth health issues in their school and community, and develop recommendations for how youth could be supported in these areas.

If you are interested in bringing a Next Steps workshop to your school or district, contact Evelyn at evelyn@mcs.bc.ca for more information.

THE LATEST REPORTS:

Just released: Blunt Talk III: Cannabis use among BC youth aged 12–18 is the first to look at youth cannabis use using BC AHS data since legalization for adults in 2018. The report can be found at mcs.bc.ca/pdf/blunt_talk_iii.pdf.

Upcoming: the following reports will be released in the coming months:

·       From loot boxes to lottery tickets: Gaming and gambling among BC youth aged 12-18

·       Raven’s Children VI: A profile of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit youth health in BC

·       Ta Saantii III: A profile of Métis youth health in BC

·       Supports in the Spotlight II: Supporting BC youth in and from government care

Want to stay updated on the latest McCreary reports and projects?

For more information about these updates and to join the Community Mailing List, email mccreary@mcs.bc.ca.

Visit the webpage here