Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition

08/04/2026

Mental health support should be more than available it should feel safe, culturally grounded, and built on understanding. 🖤

For many Black residents in Ottawa, finding the right support can mean finding spaces where they don’t have to explain or translate their experiences just to be understood.

The Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition brings together Black community members, professionals, organizations, and partners to strengthen dialogue, improve access to culturally responsive care, and connect people with meaningful supports.

Because we are stronger together and this work is happening right here in Ottawa.

Learn more at OBMHC.ca.

07/29/2026

Partnerships like these remind us of what community can accomplish.
We were proud to sponsor the 2026 Black Males in Excellence (BME) Conference an inspiring gathering that brought together more than 60 Black men and boys to explore leadership, mental health, identity, emotional well being, personal growth, and community building.

It was an honour to witness the care, intention, and leadership that went into creating a meaningful space where Black men and boys could show up authentically, build connections, and feel supported.

A heartfelt thank you to The Brotherhood Coalition for your vision and dedication to creating spaces where important conversations can happen, relationships can grow, and the next generation of leaders can thrive.

We are grateful to have stood alongside so many organizations and community members who believe in the importance of representation, connection, and collective care.

Congratulations on another successful conference. We are proud to have been part of this important initiative and look forward to continuing this work together for years to come.

07/29/2026

Expanded Support at SWCHC’s Tuesday Walk-In Counselling Clinic
We’re pleased to share that, as of July 7, 2026, Ottawa Victim Services (OVS) has joined SWCHC’s in-person Walk-In Counselling Clinic, expanding the range of free and accessible supports available to community members.
The clinic continues to offer free, immediate, single-session counselling, including counselling in Mandarin, with no referral and no waitlist. OVS is now available on-site to support individuals impacted by crime, violence, trauma, or abuse.
📍 Location: 55 Eccles Street, 2nd Floor – PHC Reception
📅 Every Tuesday
🕛 12:00–6:30 p.m.
⏰ Last appointment at 5:00 p.m.
📌 Services are first come, first served
Support is available in:
• English – SWCHC and OVS staff
• Mandarin – SWCHC staff
OVS provides free and confidential support, including emotional support, trauma-informed counselling, safety planning, practical assistance, referrals to community resources, and guidance navigating healthcare, police, and the criminal justice system.
You do not need a police report to access OVS services.
Please share this information with anyone who may benefit from these supports.

07/23/2026

🏀 Free Youth Basketball Program!

The National Capital Blues Foundation is offering a FREE 6-week Junior Blues Basketball Program for youth and young adults ages 12–24, starting July 25, 2026!

Participants will receive:
🏀 Basketball skills training & scrimmages
🤝 Mentorship & leadership development
💙 Confidence, teamwork & resilience building
👕 A free Junior Blues T-shirt
🏅 An end of program certificate

📍 1463 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa
📅 July 25, Saturdays in August, and Friday, August 28
✅ No basketball experience required!

🔗 Register here: [https://forms.zohopublic.ca/coordinatorncbluesf1/form/SportsRegistrationForm/formperma/QLnGh7y2KFEc1t7rnccJQ2is_1vsK7eUypnwY1VFU1Y](https://forms.zohopublic.ca/coordinatorncbluesf1/form/SportsRegistrationForm/formperma/QLnGh7y2KFEc1t7rnccJQ2is_1vsK7eUypnwY1VFU1Y)

Please share this opportunity with youth and families in your community spaces are limited!

07/20/2026

Resources to Explore: Privilege, Stigma & Racism in Health Care
Understanding how privilege, stigma, and systemic racism impact health care is an important step toward creating more equitable and inclusive communities.
We encourage you to explore these valuable resources:
• Understanding the Role of Privilege in Relation to Public Health Ethics and Practice
• Flipping the Pyramid
• Racism in Healthcare | Share Your Story Project
Together, we can continue learning, reflecting, and working toward more equitable health care for all.

07/20/2026

The Future of Mental Health Funding: A Call to Action
💙 The Future of Mental Health Funding Depends on All of Us
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) National has launched The Future of Mental Health Funding: A Call to Action to encourage organizations and individuals across Canada to help protect essential mental health services.
Resources available include:
✔️ A new action website where you can learn more and take action
✔️ A template advocacy letter for community organizations
✔️ Presentation materials to help raise awareness
Every voice matters. Together, we can advocate for sustainable mental health funding and ensure people continue to receive the support they need.
🔗 Learn more and take action: https://actformentalhealth.ca/

Act for Mental Health is an advocacy campaign led by the Canadian Mental Health Association that rallies Canadians to press our leaders for universal mental health care.

07/20/2026

CMHA National Webinar

📢 Mental Health Funding Is at Risk Learn What's at Stake

Mental health services across Canada are facing an uncertain future as federal funding is set to expire in March 2027.

Join the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) National webinar on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET to better understand:
What's happening with mental health funding
Why it matters
How individuals and organizations can take action to help protect essential mental health services.
Together, we can advocate for accessible, equitable mental health care for everyone.

07/20/2026

You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Connect with other parents and caregivers who truly understand, share experiences, and find support in a safe, welcoming community. Join us on Thursday, July 30 at 6:30 PM for our free virtual peer support group. You’re always welcome. 💬

07/20/2026

Participants Needed: Black Youth Mental Health Study

Are you a Black youth living in Canada? Your experiences can help shape the future of mental health care.

Grace Jacob, a PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Ottawa, is recruiting participants for a research study exploring the mental health of Black adolescents in Canada. This important research aims to better understand the experiences of Black youth and contribute to more equitable mental health care.

You may be eligible if you:
▪️ Identify as Black
▪️ Are between 12–18 years old
▪️ Live in Canada
▪️ Can complete the survey in English or French

🕒 Participation involves a 30-minute anonymous online survey.

If you or someone you know is eligible, please consider participating or sharing this opportunity within your community. Every voice helps strengthen research that can improve supports for Black youth across Canada.

For more information or to participate, please contact Grace Jacob or visit the link provided in the recruitment materials.

07/14/2026

📣 Research Participants Needed

Have you been diagnosed with breast, cervical, or colorectal cancer? Your story can help improve cancer care for African, Caribbean, and Black communities.

The Cancer While Black Study, in partnership with the African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, is looking for African, Caribbean, and Black women (18+) living in Ottawa to participate in a 60-minute one-on-one conversation about their cancer care experiences.

✨ Participants will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you, and you're welcome to bring a support person.

Your voice can help shape more equitable, culturally responsive cancer care for future generations.

📧 [email protected]
📞 613-737-8899 ext. 73920
Learn more: https://ohri.ca/en/find-researcher/jpresseau/cancerwhileblack

Please share this opportunity with anyone who may be eligible.

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📣 Appel à participantes pour une étude

Vous avez reçu un diagnostic de cancer du sein, du col de l’utérus ou colorectal ? Votre témoignage peut contribuer à améliorer la prise en charge du cancer au sein des communautés africaines, caribéennes et noires.

L'étude « Cancer While Black », menée en partenariat avec l'African, Caribbean & Black Wellness Resource Centre et l'Institut de recherche de l'Hôpital d'Ottawa, recherche des femmes d'origine africaine, caribéenne et noire (âgées de 18 ans et plus) résidant à Ottawa pour participer à un entretien individuel de 60 minutes sur leur expérience des soins contre le cancer.

✨ Les participantes recevront une carte-cadeau de 50 $ en guise de remerciement, et vous pouvez venir accompagnée d’une personne de confiance.

Votre témoignage peut contribuer à mettre en place des soins contre le cancer plus équitables et adaptés à la culture des générations futures.

📧 [email protected]
📞 613-737-8899, poste 73920
Pour en savoir plus : https://ohri.ca/en/find-researcher/jpresseau/cancerwhileblack

N’hésitez pas à partager cette opportunité avec toute personne susceptible d’être éligible. 💛

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