Program Description:
The Mental Health and Wellness Program provides wholistic and cultural-based supports to be responsive to the needs of mental health and addiction for urban Indigenous individuals and families. The program implements trauma-informed and strength-based cultural approaches to address community-based mental health and well-being concerns. Indigenous Mental Health and Wellness Program workers deliver individual and group services including peer counselling, sharing circles, and other traditional and land-based activities that support the achievement of a Good Mind.
Who We Serve:
The program provides support to all self-identifying urban Indigenous community members of all ages. One-to-one supports are intended for adults. Activities that promote a Good Mind and provide substance-free opportunities for community members and families extend to all ages across the life cycle. Specific age limitations are at the discretion of each Friendship Centre, based on local needs.
Goal of the Program:
- To strengthen a Good Mind and promote mental health and well-being for Urban Indigenous people
Program Objectives:
- To improve physical well-being for individuals and families through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and activities
- To improve mental well-being using strength-based approaches to achieve and maintain a good mind
- To support and improve individual and family emotional well-being and the ability to recognize and maintain healthy relationships
- To provide access to cultural knowledge and activities that foster self-respect and identity
Services Provided
- Community Agency Referrals
- Assessments
- Relapse Prevention
- One on One Goal Setting
- Life Skills Workshops
- Advocacy
- Referrals to Treatment Centres
- Traditional Options for Treatment
- Educational programming
- Outreach
Outcomes of the Program:
Early Outcomes:
- Gain Immediate access to crisis intervention services and supports
- Workers facilitate access to cultural teachings for improves self-esteem and identity
- Improve their skills towards overcoming adversity and problem-solving
- Develop referral partnerships with relevant community agencies and traditional knowledge holders to promote a wholistic approach to mental well-being
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Consistent access to supports for direct-service users transitioning from crisis to stability
- Direct-service users develop a positive sense of identity supporting confidence-building, well-being, and a stronger connections to self, family, and community
- Improved understanding among urban Indigenous community members and relevant community partners of wholistic health and cultural approaches
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Improved social outcomes among urban Indigenous community members related to mental health and overall improved health status
- Direct-service users are given the opportunity to become peer mentors to support others in crisis and instability
- Individuals and family members obtain cultural knowledge to support positive self-esteem, identity and relationships throughout the life cycle
- Seamless coordination between Friendship Centres and community agencies in providing comprehensive mental health supports and care
Get in touch today to access support and learn more about what we offer in this program.
Email: daw@nbifc.org
Phone: 705-472-2811 ext 217