FAC is made up of caregivers and family members with lived experience supporting youth in accessing mental health and/or addiction care. Since its beginning, the Family Navigation Project (FNP) has been shaped by caregivers, and those perspectives continue to guide our work today.
FNP was created by families who experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the mental health and addictions system, often not knowing where to turn or how to find the right support.
What does the FAC do?
FAC members work in partnership with the FNP team to ensure that services are grounded in real experiences and meet the needs of youth and families.
Members contribute across many areas of the organization, including:
- Join monthly meetings and short-term working groups (e.g. website, recruitment)
- Share your perspective to improve programs, services, and resources
- Identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities within the system
- Co-design tools, initiatives, and experiences for youth and families
- Help shape research and contribute to meaningful projects
- Participate in staff hiring and interview panels
- Advise on outreach, communications, and community engagement
- Take part in optional opportunities like conferences, events, and site visits
FAC is a space to share your experiences in a way that helps improve FNP services and support other youth and families navigating the system.
FAC brings together people who are kind, thoughtful, and care deeply about supporting other caregivers. While it is not a support group, many members share that they feel a strong sense of connection through their lived experiences that helps them learn from one another and contribute in meaningful ways.
We are committed to building a council that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. Your perspective matters, whatever your journey has looked like.
What does participation look like?FAC members can engage in a variety of ways depending on their interests, availability, and comfort level.
Time commitment:
- All members are expected to attend monthly 2-hour meetings from Sept through June (Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 PM).
- Up to 5 hours per month of additional acitivites including research, outreach and more!
- Members are compensated for their time
Beyond the monthly meetings, you are not expected to participate in everything. There is flexibility to engage in ways that feel meaningful and manageable for you.
How we work togetherAt FNP, the voice of lived experience remains a core element of who we are.
We aim to engage FAC members in meaningful ways, guided by principles similar to Hart’s Ladder of Participation. In practice, this means:
- At times, we may ask for input or feedback
- Often, we work together to co-design and collaborate
- Whenever possible, FAC members help shape and influence decisions
Our goal is to move beyond consultation and toward true partnership, where lived experience plays an active role in shaping FNP services and research.
All answers are kept confidential.
If you have questions regarding the FAC or this application, please contact:Bahja Ibrahim
Operations Manager, Family Navigation Project
Bahja.ibrahim@sunnybrook.ca
Click “
Next” to begin your application.
