Editorial

Youth and MP to share struggles with mental health at annual conference Black Health Alliance to host youth-focused mental health forum

BHA_FullToronto, November 9, 2016 — On November 12 several Black youth, mental health researchers, frontline workers and MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes will share their stories about mental health, recovery and support at the Black Health Alliance’s (BHA) A Sound Mind II: Mental Health and Youth forum. The event runs 9a.m. to 5p.m. at the North York Civic Centre Council Chamber (5100 Yonge Street).

 

A Sound Mind was devised to help break the silence surrounding mental health in many Black communities. This year’s forum focuses on youth, a population at greatest risk of experiencing mental health issues. The Mental Health Association of Canada estimates 10-20% of Canadian youth are impacted by a mental illness or disorder – the single most disabling group of disorder in the world. The forum will feature youth who live with mental illness talking about the challenges they have faced to acknowledge their illness, access to services and approaches to treatment.

 

The main speakers include Asante Haughton, a Case Worker with Pathways to Education. He will discuss the present state of mental illness in Black youth. Akwatu Khenti, Director of Transformative Global Health at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, will discuss ways Black communities can protect youth mental health and well-being. Jabari Lindsay, Manager of Youth Development with the City of Toronto will focus on youth mental health and the future. A panel discussion comprised of youth and community organizations that serve Toronto Black youth will focus on sources of support.

 

MP Caesar-Chavannes will engage in a one on one chat. In September she stressed the importance of talking about mental health in her article titled “I’m An MP And I’m Among Those Who Struggle With Depression” for Frame of Mind, a Huffington Post series that focuses on teens and mental health.

 

The sold out event aims to identify and develop strategies and supports for families and peers to help Black youth living with mental illness. Join the conversation online using the hashtag #ASoundMind2016.” For more information contact the BHA at blackhealthalliance@gmail.com or 416-293-4234.

 

The Black Health Alliance is a registered Canadian charity consisting of community organizations, health and social service professionals, and community members working in partnership to advance the health and well-being of the Black population. The Forum is sponsored by the Government of Ontario, TD Bank Group and McCarthy Tétrault Foundation.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *