Working Together For Our Youth

Planet Youth Chaleur’s goal is to help youth grow up healthy by preventing and reducing substance use like alcohol and drugs and creating positive environments.

THE MODEL

The Planet Youth model was initiated in Iceland in the late 1990s. Thanks to its impressive results, the model is now recognized internationally. More than 20 countries around the world are currently implementing and adapting it, including several Canadian communities and 5 communities in New Brunswick.

The aim of Planet Youth is to get the community thinking about the factors that may encourage or prevent young people from using substances, and to propose positive changes to the environments in which young people live. Reflection and action are fueled by data (youth surveys, research) and active community participation. Efforts focus on family, friends, leisure and school.

We know that just telling youth to “say no” to drugs, vaping and alcohol doesn’t work.

Instead, we focus on making our communities better places to grow up, because when youth have strong support and positive surroundings, they’re more likely to thrive.

Planet Youth is not a standardized program, but an approach that can be adapted to the Chaleur region. The strategies implemented by the community are designed to have a long-term impact and encourage real social change.

From Idea to Action

The Chaleur Substance Use Prevention Committee was formed in the summer of 2023 by the local Public Health team from the Vitalité Health Network. It was created in response to the need for better coordination of youth substance use prevention efforts. A community mobilization was launched to strengthen collective impact and support lasting change in the Chaleur region.

The committee chose to draw inspiration from the Icelandic Prevention Model, also known as Planet Youth, which is recognized internationally as a best practice.

In September 2024, funding was secured to begin implementing the model in the region. A service agreement with the Planet Youth organization was signed in October 2024, at which point the committee was renamed Planet Youth Chaleur (Planète Jeunesse Chaleur).

The initiative is now co-led by the Chaleur Regional Service Commission and Vitalité Health Network’s Public Health.