The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) and the Child and Youth Refugee Research Coalition (CYRRC) are partnering to host a virtual SPARK workshop on projects that support refugee child, youth, and family settlement.

Projects may focus on refugee health (including social determinants of health such as housing, food security, socio-economic status, etc.), mental health, schooling, language acquisition, employment, and social or cultural integration. (Other topics that support refugee settlement may also be considered.)

Submit your application by September 28, 2021, for the chance to deepen your understanding of knowledge translation (KT) and put your idea into action using Innovation to Implementation framework.

This workshop is intended for CYRRC members, researchers, students, service provider organizations, community partners, ethnocultural organizations, and people with lived and living experience who support the social and economic integration, education, mental and/or physical well-being of refugee children, youth, and families in Canada.

Please note: the workshop will be conducted in English. Training materials, including the participant manual, are available in both official languages.

Dates and times

The four-week CYRRC Virtual SPARK workshop will run from November 2 to 25.

• Instructional sessions: Tuesdays (November 2-23), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET
• Mentor group meetings: Thursdays* (November 4-25), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. ET

*Adjustments will be made for Remembrance Day

Participants will also be expected to complete individual tasks each week.

Please note: space is very limited.

Technology requirements

• High-speed internet
• Ability to access and use Zoom and Microsoft Teams
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Speakers (or earphones)
• Ability to view and produce documents

Important dates

• Application deadline: September 28, 2021
• Selection of participants: Early October
• Workshop: November 2-25

Fees

Registration fee: C$75, plus applicable taxes

If the registration fee presents an extreme burden, please provide a brief explanation on the application form (in the dedicated space). Should your application be accepted, we will connect with you to discuss options for discounting or covering your fee.

Course fee: Fully subsidized by the CYRRC

The course fee includes:

• a month-long virtual training workshop delivered by KT experts and mentors
• workshop materials
• one year of mentorship and followup support related to your SPARK project

How to apply

1. Make sure your project idea focuses on refugee child, youth, and family settlement.
2. Download and review our Application guide.
3. Complete your online application by September 28, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

If you need more help in completing your application, read our blogs!

• Thinking Through Your Application to SPARK
• Finding the Purpose in a Project

Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any further questions!