Title: Improving Mental Health Awareness and Social Service System Navigation for African, Caribbean and Black Communities in Alberta
Partners: NorQuest College in collaboration with Ribbon Rouge Foundation
Funding: College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).
Viola Manokore
Project Lead
Instructor, Practical Nursing Program
To collaborate, participate, or get more information, email
ACBWellness@norquest.ca
In this Issue:
Issue 2 contributor
Signs & symptoms of mental health
When to seek mental health suport
Where to seek mental health support
Welcome to the Wellness Newsletter Issue 2 as part of the project whose aim is to increase mental health awareness and systems navigation. In this issue, we have a privilege to have a mental health expert, Noreen Sibanda sharing some insights about mental health. In this issue, Noreen starts by providing a brief background about mental health, explaining some common signs and symptoms and when and where to seek mental health support. Thank you Noreen, for sharing your expertise on this very important public health issue.
We all feel low at times, but how do we know when to seek mental health support? To collaborate and for more information email ACBWellness@norquest.ca.
Noreen is an experienced clinician, speaker, psycho-educational workshop facilitator and a Sessional Instructor at Concordia University. She has presented at local and international conferences and reviewed and developed anti-racism and mental health curricula for organizations and postsecondary institutions. Noreen is the Executive Director of The Alberta Black Therapist Network (ABTN) https://albertablacktherapistnetwork.com. She is a University of Alberta Alumni, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Women and Gender studies. She also holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a practicing Registered Provisional Psychologist and owner at Kaizen Psychological and Consulting. Noreen has appeared on podcasts, television and radio shows and is the 2022 NBCA Professional of the Year, Momentumwalkin’s 2022 Outstanding Leadership in the Mental Health sector and a 2023 nominee of the Health and Wellness Superlative Awards. In addition, she is a proud executive member of When African Women Talk.
It is widely acknowledged that one in five Canadians will encounter a mental health concern at some juncture in their lives. Access to mental health support can help reduce the symptoms and severity of the illness. It is essential to stay health by exercising, eating well and seeking help when needed. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental health is essential. Knowing when to seek help is a sign of strength.
To collaborate, participate and for more information email ACBWellness@norquest.ca
It's essential to seek help when you or someone you know is experiencing the following: