MINDS is Canada’s first Social Innovation Lab (SIL) dedicated to addressing complex challenges in our mental health system, especially those impacting young people in our community. Our focus is on creating and evaluating effective solutions to improve the well-being of youth.

At MINDS, we emphasize collaboration and innovative thinking. We work closely with a diverse group of stakeholders and take a user-centered approach to drive meaningful change. Currently, MINDS 1.0 is managing eight prototypes developed with input from young individuals and community partners. These initiatives have had a significant impact, reaching thousands of people in our community, including those with lived experience, families, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders.

In 2024, we are excited to introduce three new innovative programs:

• Mindful Social Innovation (MSI) Training
• Collective System Innovation (CSI)
• Nationwide-Imaginarium 

These initiatives aim to foster collaboration among leaders from diverse backgrounds, empowering them to create and launch impactful projects aimed at addressing priority areas identified through our local Collective’s sensemaking activities.

Our overarching goal is to develop and launch new initiatives that effectively tackle the complex challenges within mental health and addiction care. Through these programs, we seek to not only create innovative solutions but also to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration within our community.

These six themes form the basis of our local focus:

1. Homeless & Housing Stability
2. Lack of Resources for Substance Use and Addiction
3. Lack of Service Coordination & System Navigation
4. Being Denied Service for Being “Too Well” or “Too Ill”
5. Lack of Interim and Proactive Approaches to Care
6. Lack of Compassion & Humanity from Care Providers