Black Mental Health Canada

01/28/2026

📣 Now accepting applications | ICBH Summer School 2026

From 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟏𝟗–𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH) at the University of Ottawa will host its Summer School on Advancing Black Health Equity, bringing together graduate students, scholars, and community leaders from across Canada.

This 𝐟𝐨𝐮𝐫-𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 includes:
• Three days of academic sessions at the University of Ottawa
• A community-based field visit focused on applied and experiential learning

✨ The Summer School is 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐞 and open to 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫’𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐡𝐃 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚.

Participants will:
• Engage in evidence-based and community-engaged learning
• Develop leadership and knowledge translation skills
• Connect with national scholars, practitioners, and community leaders
• Participate in a community-based field visit
• Receive a certificate of participation upon completion

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲?
• Master’s and PhD students
• From health sciences, medicine, public health, social sciences, policy, and related fields
• From universities across Canada
• With an interest in health equity, Black health, leadership, and community-engaged approaches

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐲:
• CV
• Letter of Intent
📧 Send applications to: ICBHCISN@uottawa.ca

⏰ 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞: February 28, 2026

01/27/2026

🎬✨ The Toronto Black Film Festival is back!

Join the 14th edition of the Toronto Black Film Festival, happening 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟏–𝟏𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔. This powerful festival celebrates Black stories, creativity, and perspectives while creating space for meaningful conversations around culture, identity, and the socio-economic realities impacting Black communities across Canada.

Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, Black Film Festivals across Canada continue to amplify marginalized voices and bring important stories to wider audiences.

Save the date and be part of the experience.
🔗 Learn more here: https://fabiennecolas.com/foundation-festivals/

01/23/2026

January Newsletter -

We truly appreciate you and wish you a safe, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead. As you step into this new year, make your mental health a priority check in with yourself, stay supported, and keep doing what helps you feel your best.

01/22/2026

How do we talk about mental wellness in ways that truly reflect our experiences?

REFRAMED – Real Life, Re-storied, hosted by Haze Schepmyer, is coming soon to explore exactly that. This podcast explores diverse perspectives and strategies for navigating mental wellness within the Black community, fostering resilience and empowerment. Join us for candid conversations and practical insights on prioritizing cultural safety and healing in a world of unique challenges and triumphs.

🎙 Stay tuned—REFRAMED is coming soon, and it’s a conversation you’ll want to be part of.

01/20/2026

Anxiety can show up in many ways—constant worry, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, physical tension, or feeling overwhelmed by everyday demands. For Black women, anxiety is often compounded by racial stress, cultural pressures, and the ongoing balancing of work, family, and personal well-being.

The 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝟏𝟎-𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 is a free, online support group designed specifically for Black women who are navigating anxiety and looking for meaningful support. Led by an experienced facilitator, this group provides a safe and judgment-free space to share experiences, learn practical coping strategies, and build connections with others who understand.

The group will take place on 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, from 𝟓:𝟑𝟎–𝟔:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐄𝐒𝐓. To ensure a supportive and engaging experience, participation is 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟎 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬.

🔗 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩.
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-mental-health-queens-anxiety-10-week-group-tickets-1980874522019?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The QUEENS program is in partnership with . Their commitment and support are vital in providing the essential resources needed to deliver culturally-affirming mental health care and empowerment to Black women.

Find relief with Queens’ anxiety support group for Black women, expert-led counselling, practical coping tools, and a safe space.

01/17/2026

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be a time of great joy but also significant emotional and mental challenges. Many mothers experience depression, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions during this season. If this feels familiar, you are not alone, and support is available.

The 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 & 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐬 is an 8–10 week free, online group for expectant and postpartum mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). This group offers a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and feel supported during this important stage of motherhood.

The group will run 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟒, meeting 𝟔:𝟑𝟎–𝟕:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐄𝐒𝐓.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨:
• Pregnant individuals (any trimester)
• Postpartum mothers (up to one year after birth, or as appropriate)
• Mothers experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, overwhelm, emotional exhaustion, difficulty adjusting to motherhood, feelings of guilt or shame, or sleep disturbances

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐚𝐧:
• Share your experiences with others who truly understand
• Learn more about perinatal mental health and common emotional changes
• Gain practical coping tools to manage stress, anxiety, and low mood
• Feel validated, supported, and encouraged without pressure or judgment

Registration is now open. To support meaningful connection and engagement, participation is limited to the first 30 registered participants.

🔗 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/perinatal-womens-8-10-week-group-tickets-1980417827032?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The QUEENS program is in partnership with . Their commitment and support is vital in providing the essential resources needed to deliver culturally-affirming mental health care and empowerment to Black women.

Safe, judgment-free support group for pregnant & postpartum moms: share, learn about PMADs, get coping tools, feel less alone.

01/16/2026

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. It’s about taking time for yourself in ways that support your mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

The 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝟏𝟎-𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 (𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡) is a free, online space designed to help women reconnect with themselves, build sustainable self-care habits, and find balance amid life’s demands. If you’ve been feeling drained, stressed, or in need of a reset, this group offers space to pause, reflect, and recharge—together.

The group will run 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟐, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, meeting 𝟒:𝟑𝟎–𝟓:𝟑𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐄𝐒𝐓, and will be delivered entirely 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡. To support meaningful connection and engagement, participation is 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟎 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬.

🔗 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧. 𝐒𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐮𝐩 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-mental-health-self-care-queens-10-week-group-french-tickets-1980418151001?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The QUEENS program is in partnership with . Their commitment and support are vital in providing the essential resources needed to deliver culturally-affirming mental health care and empowerment to Black women.

French Version:
Prendre soin de soi n’est pas égoïste—c’est essentiel. Il s’agit de prendre du temps pour vous, de manière à soutenir votre bien-être mental, émotionnel et physique, et cela ne doit pas ressembler à la même chose pour tout le monde.

Le groupe de 𝟏𝟎 𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐒 (𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐧ç𝐚𝐢𝐬) est un espace en ligne et gratuit conçu pour aider les femmes à se reconnecter avec elles-mêmes, à développer des habitudes d’auto-soin durables et à retrouver un équilibre face aux exigences de la vie. Si vous vous sentez épuisée, stressée ou avez besoin d’un nouveau départ, ce groupe vous offre un espace pour faire une pause, réfléchir et vous ressourcer—ensemble.

Le groupe se déroulera les 𝐝𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐝𝐮 𝟏𝐞𝐫 𝐟é𝐯𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐮 𝟐𝟐 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔, 𝐝𝐞 𝟏𝟔𝐡𝟑𝟎 à 𝟏𝟕𝐡𝟑𝟎 𝐄𝐒𝐓, et sera animé entièrement en français. Pour favoriser une connexion significative et un engagement réel, la participation est 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭é𝐞 𝐚𝐮𝐱 𝟑𝟎 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢è𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬.

🔗 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐞 :
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-mental-health-self-care-queens-10-week-group-french-tickets-1980418151001?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

Notre groupe d’autosoins de 10 semaines vous aide à découvrir ce que l’autosoins signifie pour vous, à créer des liens et à progresser.

01/16/2026

Life transitions can leave you feeling stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from the version of yourself you’re becoming. Change can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone.

The 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩: 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 is a free, online space for women who are ready to move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling grounded, capable, and prepared for what’s next. Running from 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟑𝟏 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟏, the group meets on 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟏𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐀𝐌–𝟏𝟐:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐄𝐒𝐓 and offers an 8-week experience focused on reflection, adaptability, and building positive momentum through change.

The group is facilitated by 𝐇𝐚𝐳𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐩𝐦𝐲𝐞𝐫, 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫, who will share actionable strategies to help participants feel more in control, equipped, and confident as they navigate life transitions.

Please note that this group is 𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟎 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬, as space is intentionally kept small to support meaningful connection and engagement.

Registration is now open. Click the link below to sign up:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bmhc-life-transitions-womens-support-group-tickets-1980419512072?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

The QUEENS program is in partnership with . Their commitment and support is vital in providing the essential resources needed to deliver culturally-affirming mental health care and empowerment to Black women.

8-week series for women in transition: actionable strategies to move from stuck/overwhelmed to clear, confident momentum across 7 themes.

01/16/2026

Losing a loved one can leave us feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn. At QUEENS, we believe in the healing power of sisterhood—especially during life’s most difficult moments.

Our 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 is a safe, nurturing online space created specifically for Nubian women to come together, share their stories, and move toward healing in community. You don’t have to carry your grief alone.

The group runs from 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟕 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟏𝟕, meeting 𝐓𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝟓:𝟎𝟎–𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 𝐄𝐒𝐓, and is free to attend. This 10-week group is facilitated by Kate, a Certified Canadian Counsellor and Grief Educator, whose compassionate approach creates space for comfort, reflection, and meaningful connection.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐟:
• You are navigating the emotional pain of losing a loved one
• You want to connect with women who truly understand grief
• You are seeking a supportive, nurturing space to heal and be heard

Whether your loss is recent or years old, your grief matters. Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means being supported through the journey. To ensure a safe and intimate space, participation is limited to the 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝟑𝟎 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧.

🔗 Registration is now open. Sign up today:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/grief-loss-10-week-queens-group-tickets-1980419250289?aff=oddtdtcreator

The QUEENS program is in partnership with . Their commitment and support are vital in providing the essential resources needed to deliver culturally-affirming mental health care and empowerment to Black women.

Join our supportive community for those navigating grief. Together, we’ll find hope and healing.

01/16/2026

Black Mental Health Canada is expanding our social interview initiative and is seeking volunteers 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐚, not just the GTA.

We want to hear stories from communities nationwide, from big cities to small towns. Volunteers will engage people in public spaces, ask simple mental health questions on camera, and help share perspectives that reflect the diversity of experiences across Canada.

If this role sounds like a fit for you, or if you know someone in your community who would be a great fit, share this opportunity and help us reach voices across the country.

📧 For more details, contact us at info@blackmentalhealth.ca

01/13/2026

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 — 𝐚 𝐝𝐨𝐧’𝐭-𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞!

If you know a youth or young adult, don’t wait—buy a ticket for the upcoming 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 happening on 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟔, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔.

This 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡-𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝, 𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 brings together young people, community leaders, and allies for panels, interactive workshops, and a fireside chat. Together, we’ll explore mental health, breaking harmful patterns, and building healthier futures.

You don’t want any youth or young adult to miss 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. Encourage them to attend and be part of the conversation—you never know what impact can come out of an event like this.

📍 Audley Recreation Centre, Ajax
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/reshaping-the-culture-conference-tickets-1978625676662?aff=ebdsoporgprofile

01/13/2026

𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲

Black Mental Health Canada is seeking volunteers to help us bring mental health conversations into public spaces through social media.

Volunteers in this role will engage individuals respectfully, ask simple yet powerful mental health questions on camera, and invite people to share their thoughts, experiences, and perspectives. These conversations help normalize mental health, break stigma, and remind others that their feelings are valid and shared by many.

This is an opportunity for individuals who:
• Are comfortable speaking with people in public
• Believe in the power of conversation and storytelling
• Want to contribute to mental health awareness in a meaningful way
• Care about community connection and representation

You don’t need to be a professional — just open, respectful, and willing to listen.

Reach out to learn more about becoming a BMHC volunteer.

📞 1-888-210-2510
🌐 www.blackmentalhealth.ca
📧 info@blackmentalhealth.ca