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Josi Leideritz, BYTE's executive director is at a standing desk with a laptop. Behind are a chalkboard with various session titles: Leaders In Training, Skate Camp, and Battle of the bands. On the other side of her is a screen and a pop up banner, both showing the byte logo.

“Be kind. Be patient. Be you.”: How BYTE is leading with empathy

Putting ourselves in other’s shoes can be difficult. Even harder can be responding with kindness and care. That's why this year's CMHA Mental Health Week theme is Empathy, and the power it gives us to #GetReal with each other. Leading by example, Josi Leideritz and Sam Mckay from BYTE - Empowering Youth Society shared with us how empathy guides their programming in connecting, supporting, and championing Northern Youth.

Practising empathy



Having empathy for yourself and your own capacity is so important. We’ve really learned that in the past two years. We help youth find ways to show self-compassion and to understand - there is no right or wrong answer, it’s up to you. – Josi, Executive Director of BYTE

BYTE has 6 dedicated team members, committed to providing fun and safe spaces for youth to connect. Through in-person and virtual learning workshops, the team strives for the programming to be led by the youth and focus on experiential learning. From preparing for their first job to becoming advocates for the environment, through interactive activities youth can discover their strengths and be themselves. Time in the workshops are of course also combined with some fun like pizza, games, and sometimes even kick sledding to end the day.

The Byte Team in their office. They are standing in the centre, and the desks are against the walls. The office is well lit and charming - there are lots of plants in thebackground, various documents and posters on the walls, and a well stocked book shelf

The BYTE team at their office



Throughout these workshops BYTE prioritizes mental wellness and practises empathy within the groups. This is done with dedicated exercises to discuss and teach their participants how they can empower each other. The workshops teach the value of recognizing each others’ experiences and the importance of self-care when tackling tough topics from ‘Exploring Consent’ to ‘Healthy Relationships’.

‘It’s so important to create these spaces and have these conversations that youth may not be able to have elsewhere  so we can help them make the best decisions for themselves’  - Sam, Community Outreach Coordinator

Supporting mental health

We try to emphasize mental health is experienced by everyone and your personal wellness can be different every day. It’s important to  figure out what works for you. Keeping a good balance of mental well-being in your life is what’s important, and it’s very different for everyone – Sam, Community Outreach Coordinator

A young woman is leaning against a painted wall, smiling, and looking up and away. She is wearing a black jacket and is smiling.

Mental health is something we all experience, and Sam McKay promotes figuring out what works for you in balancing your wellbeing.

Can you think of 26 self-care activities from A to Z? You can give it a go in one of BYTE’s ‘Healthy Minds’ workshops. BYTE’s various workshops are led with empathy and kindness, creating spaces for youth to have mentors and connect with one another. 

BYTE further sets an example for positive mental health by practising it within their own team. 

One of our goals for BYTE is to encourage a culture where we can further support mental health in the workplace.  Creating an environment where everyone can feel open and honest about capacity, workload so that everyone receives support when they need it – Josi, Executive Director of BYTE

 

Josi Leideritz sitting at a desk in front of her laptop, smiling. In the foreground, the silhouette of a person and their hand is visible holding a pen

Josi Leideritz knows the value of a workplace culture that supports mental health.

 

BYTE in the community

BYTE has been supporting youth across communities in the Yukon and NWT for almost 25 years, bridging the gap between formal education and friends and family. They now include Atlin, B.C. and are finding ways to continue to expand to more northern communities.  You can learn more about the workshops, programming and what they can provide in your community here. 

BYTE and other mental health support networks can teach us how empathy for yourself and others all contribute towards a sense of mental wellbeing and positivity.  As Josi reminds us, “Be kind. Be patient. Be you.”

 

Stay Connected

As a proud sponsor of mental health initiatives across the North, we partner with organizations helping people facing mental health issues and are working to end the stigma. For more resources and support in your community check out the links below.   

Yukon 

•    Canadian Mental Health Association Yukon 

•    Mental Wellness Substance Use Services 

•    Strongest Families Institute



Northwest Territories 

•    NWT Help Line 

•    Strongest Families Institute



Nunavut 

•    Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Helpline 

•    Embrace Life Council

 

 

Photos taken by Archbould Photography

Tags: Community