Amplify and Advocate: Implementing a Youth Mental Health Advocacy Project, a Collaborative Rights-Based Approach...

The Amplify and Advocate programme was designed to implement youth-led advocacy campaigns across Ireland, addressing gaps in early intervention, service accessibility and youth participation in mental health policy. Grounded in participatory, rights-based approaches, the project aimed to empower young people to influence mental health services and policies. Using the Lundy Model of Participation, World Café methodology, and COM-B and APEASE frameworks, the programme delivered co-designed advocacy training and supported young people in developing and implementing community-based campaigns. Participants engaged in local needs assessments, action planning, stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy. Eleven youth-led advocacy campaigns were launched, focusing on early intervention, equitable access, community collaboration, service integration, increased funding and amplifying youth voice. Evaluations indicated improved advocacy skills, increased engagement in policy discussions, and strengthened partnerships with service providers and policymakers. Findings demonstrate the effectiveness of participatory, youth-led advocacy in shaping mental health services and influencing policy. The project highlights the importance of structured advocacy training, stakeholder collaboration and sustainability planning to maintain long-term impact. Recommendations focus on integrating youth-led advocacy within policy frameworks and ensuring ongoing investment in participatory mental health initiatives.