About the Project
Because healthy relationships are learned.
The Promoting Positive & Healthy Youth Relationships (PPHYR) project is a collaborative initiative designed to address the critical need for effective youth dating violence (YDV) prevention in Thunder Bay and the surrounding District. By shifting the focus from crisis response to primary prevention, the PPHYR aims to equip youth with the skills to build healthy relationships and prevent future violence.
Support Youth By Teaching Practical Skills
Deliver proven, inclusive programs that help vulnerable youth learn the tools they need to build safe, healthy relationships.
Collaboration & Leadership
The PPHYR project is a growing partnership combining research rigour, implementation expertise and meaningful youth relationships.
Research & Evaluation Lead - The Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR) at Lakehead University
Implementation Lead - The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU)
Project Partners/Delivery Sites - Youth serving organizations in Thunder Bay & District
Why it Matters: A Local Epidemic
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant local public health issue. Thunder Bay reports IPV rates 1.5 times the national average and twice the provincial rate. In November 2023, the City of Thunder Bay officially declared IPV an epidemic.
Because dating relationships emerge during adolescence, this developmental window is the most critical time for primary prevention. By intervening early, we can change the trajectory for youth before harmful patterns solidify
The stakes are high. Youth who experience violence face lifelong consequences, including:
Poorer educational outcomes and academic disengagement
Increased risks for mental health challenges and substance use
Higher likelihood of risky sexual behaviours
A significantly elevated risk of experiencing IPV in adulthood
Our Goals
Build Local Capacity
Strengthen the ability of community organizations to lead YDV prevention efforts and keep these vital resources available for the long term.
Share What Works
Turn our experiences and findings into clear lessons that other professionals can use to improve youth dating violence prevention across the region and beyond.
What We Offer
When you become a part of the PPHYR project, you are joining a community of professionals across Thunder Bay and the District, dedicated to equipping youth with the skills for healthy, positive relationships.
We understand that everyone comes to this work with different levels of familiarity with the topic, and facilitation skills. To expand this work, and support your participation, we provide:
A Community of Interest: Connect with other youth-serving professionals across the region for shared learning, problem-solving, and peer support.
Facilitator Training: Receive healthy youth relationships facilitator training as well as ongoing support to build your confidence and skills.
Capacity Building: Access all program materials, activity guides, and handouts needed to deliver the program, fully adapted for the unique contexts of vulnerable youth in our region.
Implementation Support: Get hands-on guidance with planning your delivery, navigating challenges, and debriefs to reflect on your sessions.
Partnership & Collaboration: Engage in a sustained partnership with Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, contributing to a collective effort to support youth in developing healthy relationships into the future.
