Mental Health

Turning lived experience into lasting change in Calgary’s mental health systems

For too long, mental health services haven’t reflected the realities of racialized and newcomer communities. Stigma, language gaps, policies and practices that weren’t built with us in mind leave many people without the support they need.

The Mental Health Systems Change program brings together community members, grassroots leaders, service providers, and institutions to change that.

We create space for honest conversations. We train peer supporters to offer help to community members. We support community-led projects. And we advocate for policy change.

This program is about removing barriers for ethnocultural and racialized communities who want better access to mental health care. It’s also for allies and partners ready to work alongside them to create a system where everyone belongs.

The Latest

Seeds of Change Project Kicked Off its Anti-Racism Training Module 1 in February

Cultural Gathering Celebrates Heritage, Stories, and Community Voices

Honouring Black Brilliance-ActionDignity Celebrates Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month | Legal Empowerment in Action: Community Dialogue on Rights, Safety, and Well-Being

Testimonials

“The partnership with ActionDignity immensely empowers us to explore further the intersectionality of mental health and spiritual health... We held community conversation circles to dismantle stigma on Mental Health... The goal was met by building community’s capacity to be confident in supporting other community members who are struggling.”

Filipino Community Partner

“The youth mental health Natural Support Training was a truly insightful experience. The training provided valuable perspectives and practical tools, and I learned a lot that I can apply in my work. Thank you to the facilitators and team for such an engaging session.“

Participant of Youth Mental Health Natural Support Training

Filipino Community Partner

Participant of Youth Mental Health Natural Support Training

Available Resources

Literature review: Impact of Hate Crimes and Incidents and Mental Health Impact on Racialized Communities in Canada

The negative Impact of Hate Crimes and Incidences and Mental Health Impact on Racialized Communities in Canada.

Deep in Our Minds: Social Isolation and Racism

A study with 47 members of seven racialized communities in Calgary confirms the inextricable links between social isolation, mental health
and racism.

Deep in Our Minds: Racism, Social Isolation and Mental Health

Snapshot of the Study that reveals the inextricable links between racism, social isolation and mental health among racialized communities in Calgary.

Changing the Norm: Reimagining Mental Health Practices for Black and Racialized Youth

Let’s hear the voices from BLACK and racialized youth and therapists and discuss how to improve mental health of racialized and black youth through experiential learning and embarking on antiracist mental health practices.

Racial Trauma Briefer

Definition and the importance of understanding racial trauma as a source of mental health issues only experienced by racialized and immigrant communities.

Join our Work

Interested in our program? Share your lived experience, spread the word in your community, and join our program activities. Together, we can advance equity and advocate for systems change.