We are excited to share the news about our recent collaboration with East Toronto Health Partners (ETHP), the Ontario Health Team (OHT) serving East Toronto, to create a video series geared to newcomers and 1st and 2nd generation Canadians that addresses mental health and its associated stigma. The creation of this video series is a response to the reality that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated mental health concerns in our community. Consequently, SRCHC and ETHP have prioritized mental health initiatives, particularly for individuals from marginalized communities, as part of our recovery efforts.
Mental health and wellness represent our emotional, psychological and social well-being. It impacts how we think, feel and react to the world around us, and is important in every stage of life. Just like our physical health, we need to take care of our mental health and can do so by asking for help and seeking professional services and resources. Unfortunately, lack of knowledge on how to seek help or fears of unfair judgments and stigmatization often delay individuals from seeking the supports they need. This doesn’t have to be the case. Not only are mental health concerns common, but your mental health matters!
The mental health series consists of five videos, each of which features a different type of health care professional or knowledgeable individual that one may encounter on their mental health journey, such as a community health ambassador, social worker or family doctor.
These individuals discuss the importance of taking care of your mental health and how they can be of assistance in accessing mental health supports. All videos include a list of low-barrier and accessible mental health care services and resources in East Toronto.
Subtitles will be available in the near future in Chinese (Simplified), Bengali, Tamil and Urdu for all videos so as many individuals as possible can access and utilize these resources.
All the videos can be found below and on the SRCHC YouTube channel. They were officially launched on October 10th in recognition of World Mental Health Day. We encourage you to share these videos with anyone in need of mental health support.
In addition to SRCHC, participating ETHP member organizations in the videos include Flemingdon Health Centre, Health Access Thorncliffe Park, South East Toronto Family Health Team and The Neighbourhood Organization.
Mental Health Resources
Need help or want to talk to someone?
- Access WoodGreen’s walk-in counseling service by calling 416-645-6000 ext. 1990
- Access The Neighbourhood Organization’s mental health program by calling 647-236-0553
- Access Thorncliffe Park Youth Wellness Hub by visiting ethp.ca/ThorncliffeYWHO
- Access South Riverdale Community Health Centre’s Seniors Active Living Centre by calling 416-752-0101 (2 Gower St location) or 416-693-5300 (Crescent Town location)
- Talk to your local community health ambassador
Need help finding mental health services near you?
- Visit the Toronto Health and Social Services Directory at torontoservicedirectory.ca
- Visit ethp.ca/FindServices
If you are experiencing a potentially life-threatening crisis, go to your nearest hospital emergency department or call the Gerstein Crisis Centre at 416-929-5200.