Challenge Question
How can community-driven engagement with mental health supportively align with and diverge from existing mental health programs within North York communities?
Partner: University Women's Club - North York
Project Summary
As stated by Dr. Brock Chisholm, the first Director-General of the World Health Organization, “without mental health there can be no true physical health.” Mental health is essential for the well-being of individuals and communities, yet one in five Canadians is affected by mental illness. Social, structural, and psychological resources to promote mental health must be available in order for individuals to experience positive quality of life, realize their abilities, take control of their lives, and contribute to society. This project aims to address existing mental health programs within North York communities and investigate their efficacy: Do the current programs build on the strengths of their contexts and settings? Do they empower individuals, families, and communities? The project will also explore pathways to develop community-driven comprehensive support systems and environments in which positive mental health can thrive. Team members will consider how such community-driven engagement can support and improve the work of existing mental health programs in North York. In addition to skills in communication and organization, students might have background knowledge in psychology/social work, mental health, community engagement, and social programs, and interest in issues surrounding marginalization, poverty, and health care access.
Want to learn more? Click here!Sustainable Development Goals
Partner Video
Organizational Profile
Founded in 1951, The University Women’s Club of North York is a thriving club with over 200 members who represent a wide variety of interests, disciplines, and professional achievements. The club advocates for a number of causes, including the improvement of the status of women, solutions to gender-based violence, human rights, the pursuit of knowledge and education, long-term care reform, guaranteed basic income, housing, gun control, early learning, and childcare. UWCNY raises funds for local, national, and international charities, raising over $12,000 for various causes and awarding $17,000 in women’s scholarships in the 2019-2020 fiscal year.
Partner Website
Learn more about the kind of work the project partner does by browsing their website.
Additional Resources
Key Words
- Mental Health
- Community Engagement
- North York