Similar to our Physical Health, our Mental Health is a continuum, “Mental Health is not Mental Illness” ©.
Members of the Afro Caribbean and Black (ACB) communities face many challenges to mental health, and this can be particularly acute for women, who face additional challenges due to mental health impact of domestic/gender-based violence and human trafficking. The Mental Health Commission of Canada states that “Black Canadians experience significant social and economic challenges that can have negative implications for their mental health.” These challenges include a lack of access to culturally appropriate and culturally competent services; and stigma related to mental health and to accessing support services. NCAC mental health support services were developed to address the particular needs of ACB communities, with particular attention to needs of women who are victims of violence. We have made it a priority to address these issues in our community through our free Mental health workshops/ seminars/ webinars, support groups and work to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness within the ACB community including newcomers to Canada. We also provide mental health support to women experiencing Domestic violence / Gender Based Violence and Human Trafficking. Our support services are led by Lesline McEwan, RP, CAMF, MA a member of the ACB community. Please be advised that Lesline is a Registered Psychotherapist and in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) and as such is bound by it’s code of Professional ethics, confidentiality, bylaws and regulations and in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA)
