“Access to safe mental health support spaces is critically important to members of our community,” says President of the Canadian Afro-Caribbean Association of Newmarket
PRESS RELEASE
NEWMARKET AFRICAN CARIBBEAN CANADIAN ASSOCIATION
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In response to its five-year strategic priorities, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association seeks to further engage African, Black and Caribbean communities through accessible mental health education, programs and supports that promote validation and healing.
“In the past, we have championed innovative programs, such as our culturally appropriate mental health education and support programs. Over the next five years, we will take the next step in our development while continuing to prioritize mental health,” said Jerisha Grant-Hall, President of NACCA. “Access to safe mental health support spaces is critically important to members of our community.”
Build a community – Community survey and focus groups conducted by CQ Business Consulting Inc. on behalf of NACCA provided insight into the needs of the Newmarket community. NACCA aims to meet community needs by providing access to programs and services that positively impact Black youth, families, and seniors in Newmarket and surrounding areas.
In line with its strategic priorities – NACCA currently offers the following mental health programs free of charge to members of Black communities in York Region.
Individual therapy in mental health and well-being – our network of therapists provide culturally appropriate psychological support to Black residents of York Region. Mental Health (naccacommunity.ca)
Youth Academic Success Initiative (YSSI) – Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is a proud partner of the Youth Academic Success Initiative (YSSI), which is an ethno-specific collaboration made up of 7 agencies based in York and Toronto working together to foster the educational and holistic achievement of black people. young people from York and Toronto regions.
NACCA’s vision is to focus on positive African identity formation/rites of passage as a foundation for mental well-being and to help children and young people develop a positive sense of self. Childhood and adolescence are critical life stages for mental health. It is a time when rapid growth and development takes place in the brain. The consequences of not addressing the mental health and psychosocial development of children and adolescents extend into adulthood and limit opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.
The program begins on September 20, 2022. Click on the link to register. Visit the program page here.
Foundational Youth Mental Wellness Program
Thanks to the Government of Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association is the proud recipient of the Resilient Communities Fund – Promising Young People Fund (RCF). The fund will be used to develop a foundational Black youth mental wellness program, recognizing that mental wellness is a priority for the community of young people who have been isolated by the 2-year pandemic and who have witnessed and endured of anti-black racism on a daily basis. base. In doing so, the RCF project will look at the mission and vision of the association, as well as identifying key strategic goals and actions, setting measurable goals and realistic targets. The hiring and planning process is underway and more program details will be available soon.
Upcoming Mental Health Workshops
The Impact of Anti-Black Racism in Ontario’s Education System:
This workshop will discuss the impact of anti-Black racism in the Ontario education system and the subsequent impact/outcomes in the lives of Black children. It is a fact that anti-black racism has a direct impact on our mental, physical, emotional and cognitive well-being.
Register here – The Impact of Anti-Black Racism in Ontario Tickets’ Education System, Wed, Sep 21, 2022, 7:00 PM
Mental Health Support Team, York Regional Police – Learn about the role of the front line worker and mental health support team when caring for someone in crisis. This workshop will discuss the role of the York Regional Police Mental Health Team when responding to a crisis call in the community. There will be a discussion of cultural impact and stigma, what is allowed by police and community supports and referrals.
Register here – Mental Health Support Team – Presented by Ava Griffith York Regional Police TicketsTue, Sep 27, 2022, 7:00 PM
Visit the house (naccacommunity.ca) for more information.
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