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MindMapBC Advisory Group Terms of Reference

Terms of Reference: MindMapBC Advisory Group

Introduction

MindMapBC is an online service finder which includes accessible and affirming mental health and substance use services and supports. All of the services listed on the site accept self-referrals, many are free or low-cost, and/or are affirming of 2S/LGBTQ+ (Two-Spirit, as well as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other gender- and sexually-diverse) people.

MindMapBC is motivated by research showing high rates of mental health concerns among people accessing sexual health services. We heard from both community members and health care providers that it can be difficult to find mental health services. In addition to barriers that are commonly experienced by people of all sexual orientations and gender identities (e.g., cost, accessible location, embarrassment/shame), 2S/LGBTQ+ people may face particular barriers finding mental health services that are affirming of their sexual orientations or gender identities. The site is intended to help users locate mental health supports that are accessible and affirming.

Services included on MindMapBC meet one or more of the following criteria:

  1. Low cost (i.e., free or sliding scale)
  2. Self-referral (i.e., does not require a referral from another healthcare provider)
  3. Explicit focus on providing 2S/LGBTQ+- affirming care

Future plans to expand the geographic scope of services included on MindMapBC will be supported by an Advisory Group.

Purpose and Responsibilities

Members of the MindMapBC Advisory Group will be responsible for providing guidance and leadership regarding activities related to the maintenance and expansion of the MindMapBC database.

The Advisory Group will:

  • Develop a strategy for expanding MindMapBC to include more services across the province;
  • Establish a process and guidelines for evaluating services providing LGBQ-, Trans-, and Two-Spirit-affirming mental health support to ensure that these filters are applied consistently and transparently;
  • Identify opportunities to develop resources and support materials to strengthen and enhance 2S/LGBTQ+-affirming mental health supports;
  • Help set priorities for research and evaluation related to MindMapBC; and
  • Review and provide feedback on resources and materials developed for MindMapBC.

The Advisory Group sits at level of “collaborate” on the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation. This means that we will look to the Advisory Group for advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

Membership

The Advisory Group will be comprised of members (maximum of 10), representing diverse professional and lived experience related to 2S/LGBTQ+ mental health.

Members will be selected to ensure representation from regions throughout B.C. and from those who identify as: 

  1. Trans, gender diverse, and/or non-binary; 
  2. Two-Spirit;
  3. Black, Indigenous, and other People of Colour; and
  4. Youth.

Prospective members will be identified through existing networks and invited to participate. Participation will be voluntary and will span a 12-month period.

Meeting Schedule

The Advisory Group will meet remotely 3 times per year for 2 hours per meeting. In addition, members of the Advisory Group may be asked to review and provide feedback on relevant content (e.g., resources intended to be included on MindMapBC). The total time input expected over a 12-month period will not exceed 10 hours.

Compensation

Advisory Group Members will be provided with a $200 honorarium to recognize their time and input over a 12-month period.

The Advisory Group sits at level of “collaborate” on the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation. This means that we will look to the Advisory Group for advice and innovation in formulating solutions and incorporate recommendations into the decisions to the maximum extent possible.

Group Confidentiality

During the course of the group, members may share personal and sensitive information. All members must respect the confidentiality of these contributions and not disclose information outside the group. In particular, members should avoid sharing any information that may be individually identifiable, without explicit prior agreement. All members agree that conversational references outside of the committee, about committee matters, will be respectful and discreet. Failure to adhere to these principles may result in harmful or hurtful consequences for fellow members and may be cause for removal from the Advisory Group.