Contra Costa County Office of Education

 

Since 2022, the Youth Mental Health Coalition (YMHC) has empowered students to become leaders and advocates for mental wellness in their schools and communities. By creating opportunities for authentic conversations, youth-led events, peer engagement, and community collaboration, YMHC helps reduce stigma, strengthen connections, and promote mental health awareness. Together students are working to build culture where mental wellness is prioritized and every young person feels supported, heard, and empowered to create positive change. 

 

The YMHC connects motivated high school students across Contra Costa County who believe mental health advocacy starts with young people leading the way. Together, students are creating change through community engagement, mental health advocacy, peer-to-peer support, and strategic partnerships. 

 

The Youth Mental Health Coalition is open to high school students across Contra Costa County who are interested in mental health advocacy, youth leadership, community engagement, and creating positive change. 

 

Open enrollment from February 2027 - March 2027. Stay connected for registration. 

 

YMHC members put leadership into action through four key areas: community engagement, mental health advocacy, strategic partnership,peer-to-peer support.

Members participate in school and community events that help create opportunities for conversations about mental health, suicide prevention, wellness, and available support. These activities help make mental health resources more visible and strengthen connections between young people and their communities. 

 

 

Students share their perspectives, experiences, and recommendations with educators, families, and community partners. By elevating youth voice, YMHC members help others better understand the mental health needs, concerns, and priorities of students. 

 

YMHC members participated in a panel discussion, sharing valuable insights with educators about what students need and want adults to understand when supporting mental health.

 

The CCCOE Youth Coalition Newsletter Team is a group of student leaders who amplify youth voice through monthly newsletters on mental health, wellness, and belonging—using student-written content to keep school communities informed, connected, and engaged.

 

Members collaborate with schools, youth-led organizations, and community based partners to exdpand opportunities for youth involvement, strengthen access to mental health information and resources, and support coordinated efforts to improve youth wellness. 

 

T.U.P.E. Courage Members and The Youth Mental Health Coalition came together for a day of fun and learning.

 

Through interactive activities and peer discussions, students shared ideas, learned from one another, and formed connections beyond their schools.

 

 

This training equips peers with practical communication skills for approaching someone in distress and connecting them with resources. 

 

Exhaling The Pressure Presentation

 

This panel featured youth perspectives alongside experts from Contra Costa Health, offering insight, resources, and practical strategies for parents and caregivers.