Zine Initiative
Youth Mental Health & Early Screening
Thrive Together OC’s Zine Initiative uses creative expression to engage youth and young adults ages 12–25 in conversations about mental health, stigma reduction, and the importance of early mental health screening.
About the Initiative
Through interactive, hands-on zine-making experiences, young people learn about mental health in a way that is relatable, empowering, and non-clinical. The initiative increases awareness of early screening by helping youth create zines that share messages of hope, encouragement, and support with their peers.
How the Initiative Works
Each Zine Initiative event begins with a brief, interactive presentation that introduces:
- Mental health and emotional well-being
- Common myths and stigma around mental health
- Why early screening and support matter
From there, participants transition into creating their own zines, using art, writing, collage, and storytelling to express messages of hope for others who may be struggling with their mental health.
Zine-making serves as both a creative outlet and a peer-to-peer education tool—allowing youth to process information, share lived experiences, and support one another in a meaningful way.
As part of these events, free mental health screenings are offered on-site to participants, helping reduce barriers and normalize early check-ins around mental health.
Voices Through Art
These zines were created by youth and young adults during Thrive Together OC events, sharing messages of hope, connection, and mental health awareness.
Click an image to enlarge
Partner With Us
Thrive Together OC partners with schools, community organizations, youth programs, and family-focused groups to bring the Zine Initiative directly to young people.
We can:
- Set up pop-up zine and screening events with community partners
- Join parenting workshops, youth events, and community gatherings
- Provide all materials, supplies, and creative tools
- Offer incentives to encourage participation and engagement
Our team handles planning, facilitation, materials, and youth engagement—making it easy for partners to host an impactful, creative, and supportive experience for young people.
If you’re interested in partnering with Thrive Together OC to engage youth in mental health awareness and early screening through creative expression, we’d love to collaborate.
For more information,