New pilot program to support youth mental health
Island students in Grade 8 will gain new tools to manage stress and make healthier choices through a school‑based mental health and substance‑use prevention program.
The PreVenture program is an evidence-based prevention program that aims to promote mental health and prevent substance use among youth. It is being piloted in participating Island schools for Grade 8 students, a key developmental stage where prevention can have a meaningful impact. The program teaches students practical skills to cope with common challenges like stress, peer pressure, and interpersonal conflict.
“By the time young people reach a crisis point, the impacts are felt by families, schools, and the health system. This pilot is about stepping in earlier, helping students build skills that protect their mental health and reduce the likelihood of substance use down the road.”
—Cory Deagle, Minister of Health and Wellness
Approximately 300 Grade 8 students across the Public Schools Branch and la Commission scolaire de langue francaise will participate in the pilot. Seven existing staff who work in mental health and support student wellbeing will be trained facilitators to deliver the program through small, group‑based sessions within participating schools.
“School staff see the pressures students are facing every day. PreVenture strengthens the supports already in place by giving students simple, practical tools to manage challenges before they become barriers to learning.”
—Robin Croucher, Minister of Education and Early Years
Data from the most recent COMPASS student health survey, which tracks health behaviours among youth, shows that substance use and stress‑related behaviours remain a concern among Island students.
“It’s exciting to see Prince Edward Island bringing this evidence-based approach into schools to support student wellbeing. PreVenture is grounded in decades of research showing that early, skill-based interventions can reduce risk for substance use and mental health challenges in youth.”
—Kelly Mohan, co‑ordinator for the PreVenture Program
The pilot is now being implemented by education authorities, Student Wellbeing Teams, and health and education partners. The pilot will run for 12 months and will be evaluated to determine next steps.
For more information on youth mental health and substance‑use supports, visit, Mental Health Support and Services.
Media contact:
McKendra Deveau
Department of Health and Wellness
mckendradeveau@gov.pe.ca