What Helps, What Harms
What is What Helps, What Harms?
What Helps What Harms (WHWH) is a validated, peer-reviewed, evidence-based evaluation and assessment measure that ensures Youth MOVE National’s system change and policy reform work is always driven by community-led, holistic impact data. Complex in design, yet simple in theory, youth speak on what helps and harms them and their communities, we listen and strategically collect and analyze data, and ultimately – we act.
By providing concrete recommendations for positive change in youth-serving systems, agencies, and neighborhoods, WHWH assists governments, legislators, policy makers, and all those who will listen help youth have better mental health outcomes, lowering costs and services for systems, all while reducing harm in the process and being data and youth driven.
Themes
What Helps, What Harms Themes
Pillars
Pillars of What Helps, What Harms
The Original Project
What Helps, What Harms was co-developed and led by Jessica Grimm, of Youth MOVE National’s Bravehearts Chapter out of New York.
Originally released on Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, May 8, 2014, WHWH has evolved throughout its decade plus history. Through continuous quality improvement measures and analyzing key performance indicators, Youth MOVE National ensures WHWH not only stays relevant, but continues to innovate and be entirely youth led and driven.
You can view the original founding documents here:
Why It Matters
Youth today are facing unprecedented upheaval in their daily lives, contributing to a significant rise in mental health challenges. Our team, composed of individuals with lived and living experience, understands the critical need for safer, more affirming spaces where youth can openly discuss their fears, anxieties, and other issues. The What Helps, What Harms initiative is designed to address these needs by providing a structured, supportive environment for youth to explore and articulate their experiences. This program is particularly crucial within the current mental health crisis, as it sheds light on the factors behind and the effects of isolation, social anxiety, and hopelessness, especially following the pandemic. Addressing these issues directly with quality data literally saves lives, lowering suicidal ideation, and helping ensure all youth, no matter who they are or where they at, can thrive.
Reach out today to learn how your organization, community, or system can have a real, sustainable impact on the lives of youth by utilizing this community led and driven impact data assessment measurement.