Program Guide
BACKGROUND
In 2021, Mercy Mission Canada (now i-Impact) launched a comprehensive community-based study to uncover the systemic barriers that families and youth in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) face when accessing mental health services. The findings were stark: there is a significant shortage of culturally responsive services that are both accessible and inclusive. The Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health reports that 65% of individuals in marginalized communities experience moderate to high levels of distress—but less than 48% seek professional help during their lifetime. This gap in mental health care is not just a statistic; it’s a crisis that affects real lives, particularly those who face cultural or systemic barriers to care.
Our study affirms the urgent need for culturally sensitive mental health support—a need that is echoed in research across the country. The time for change is now. It’s clear that we need greater access to trained professionals who can help individuals navigate mental health challenges, regardless of their background.
THEORY OF CHANGE
At Taskeen Wellness, our theory of change is grounded in the belief that mental health advocacy networks are essential for helping communities thrive. By supporting and advancing advocacy efforts, we empower individuals to connect through shared experiences, validate the challenges they face, and foster an environment where mental health is prioritized and understood. Mental health advocacy isn’t just about recovery—it’s about promoting the wellness of the whole person and the community as a whole.
In light of the current waitlist for therapeutic services, we recognize the urgent need to educate and empower lay-people to become Wellness Advocates. By equipping community members with mental health knowledge, we break down barriers to care and build stronger support systems. People often turn to their friends, family, and community members first when facing mental health challenges. Communities become more resilient when the individuals closest to those in need are equipped with the tools and knowledge to support them.
According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, advocacy is about “giving and receiving help” founded on respect, shared responsibility, and mutual understanding. Research consistently shows that personal support within one’s community is not only an effective prevention strategy, but it also reduces distress, improves social support, and enhances overall quality of life.
Mental health advocacy extends beyond offering support; it involves active, long-term involvement that fosters empathy and strengthens relationships. Studies demonstrate that this authentic form of support can be even more impactful than traditional patient-therapist interactions, creating a deeper sense of connection and well-being. Importantly, social exclusion is a significant barrier to recovery. By honouring cultural differences and recognizing the unique needs of diverse communities, we can build stronger, more inclusive, and supportive networks. Understanding the historical context of mental illness and how oppression and discrimination have shaped current mental health trends is crucial to addressing systemic barriers.
At Taskeen Wellness, we take a holistic approach to mental health—one that addresses both communal and systemic barriers to wellness. This perspective shapes the foundation of our educational initiatives and drives the innovative work we do.
We believe that through education and the creation of Wellness Advocates, we can reduce the strain on formal mental health services and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need, when they need it.
WHAT IS A WELLNESS ADVOCATE?
A Wellness Advocate is a trained community member dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellness of their peers. They play an active role in promoting well-being, providing mental health support, and guiding individuals toward the appropriate mental health services.
Wellness Advocates are a critical part of our Community of Practice (CoP)—a network of individuals committed to fostering positive change within their communities. Through our program, Wellness Advocates gain valuable skills in communication, relationship building, and problem-solving, which empowers them to respond effectively in crisis situations and engage in meaningful mental health support.
THE HERO FRAMEWORK
At the heart of our work is the belief that everyone can be a Hero in their own community—a Wellness Advocate who plays a key role in fostering mental wellness and supporting those around them. Our approach is built on the Hero framework, where each participant embarks on a transformative journey of growth, empowerment, and leadership. Together, we are creating a movement of individuals who are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and community connections needed to succeed and drive change.
Phase 1 – Getting to Know Your Community: Forming Focus Groups
The Hero’s Journey begins with the call to adventure: Understanding your community. In this initial phase, we form focus groups within targeted communities, where participants take the first step towards becoming Wellness Advocates. These groups offer an opportunity to learn about the challenges unique to each community, where participants can identify key barriers to mental wellness and begin to understand the systems in place that affect their people. By engaging with the community’s needs, each person embarks on the path to becoming a true Hero—equipped with the understanding of their role in facilitating change.
Phase 2 – Marketing and Building Cohorts: Building the Hero’s Fellowship
As the journey progresses, we begin to gather a fellowship—our cohorts of youth and parents. These individuals are inspired to join the movement and take on the role of Wellness Advocates, participating in workshops and coaching sessions designed and delivered by our clinical professionals. This phase is crucial for building the strength of the Hero’s Fellowship. It is where participants begin to learn the tools, knowledge, and practical skills needed to support mental wellness in their communities. The knowledge they gain forms the foundation for their journey as Wellness Advocates and prepares them to face mental health challenges head-on.
Phase 3 – Delivering the Core Program
The core program is where our Wellness Advocates face the challenges that lie ahead—their trials. This phase is filled with key educational modules addressing anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, PTSD, and more. Wellness Advocates engage in coaching sessions that provide both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to tackle these challenges. By engaging with our clinical professionals, participants are empowered with the skills to navigate mental health challenges, becoming experts in the communities they serve.
Phase 4 – Building a Community of Care
As our Wellness Advocates continue on their journey, they take on the responsibility of building a lasting network of care. This phase is about ensuring the Hero brings back knowledge and resources that will benefit the entire community. Through bridging sessions, our Wellness Advocates connect with other mental health professionals, social support networks, and resources, ensuring that they have the tools to continue their mission.
Our inclusive case management resources ensure that individuals receive the appropriate support, and our clinical team is equipped to offer tailored responses to specific needs. By providing a comprehensive continuum of care, we ensure that Wellness Advocates are fully supported in their mission to improve the mental health and wellness of their community.
JOIN US: BECOME A WELLNESS ADVOCATE!
Taskeen Wellness is committed to empowering individuals to take action and become champions of mental health in their communities. As a Wellness Advocate, you’ll gain access to ongoing mentorship, culturally responsive training, and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of others.
If you’re ready to take the next step and help build a healthier, more resilient community, join us today to become a Wellness Advocate with Taskeen Wellness. Together, we can create a community of care that empowers individuals to thrive.