Building Capacity Together
Toronto Local Immigration Partnerships (LIPs) Workshop Series
for Service Providers Working with Vulnerable Newcomers
MENTAL HEALTH: CONFRONTING STIGMA
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Understand the impact of stigma on vulnerable newcomers
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Learn about the difference between “mental health” & “mental illness”
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Explore differences in the understanding of mental illness across cultures
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Learn how to talk to vulnerable newcomers with mental illness, including appropriate terminology to use
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Understand what trauma-informed care is, and why it is so important.
Objectives
Background
Objectives
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Explain what mental health stigma is, and its various manifestations.
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Understand the serious consequences of stigma and internalized stigma, including that it acts as a barrier to seeking help.
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Reflect on our own biases and prejudices and how they may impact our service delivery.
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Understand how social determinants of health impact mental health.
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Understand the meaning of "mental health" and "mental illness".
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Explore various cultural expressions of mental health and mental illness.
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Learn about the links between mental health and addiction.
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Explain what recovery looks like, and challenge our perceptions of what recovery should look like.
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Learn about hurtful language to avoid, and possible alternatives.
- Explore ways of talking to someone about seeking support.
- Reflect on ethical considerations and learn helpful tips.
Mental health stigma is widespread and has serious implications for people with mental illness or those struggling with their mental health.
Service providers working with newcomers with mental illness have an extremely important and challenging role, as there are multiple levels of vulnerability to consider in the provision of services. It is integral to understand the consequences of mental health stigma perpetuated by society and by service providers themselves.
Confronting mental health stigma that we have as service providers, exploring ways of overcoming stigma, and learning tips about how to provide appropriate and inclusive services can be helpful when working with newcomers with mental illness.
Speakers
Agenda
Speakers
Oct. 18, 2018 & Dec. 4, 2018
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Nadine Nasir, Adult Educator, Toronto South Local Immigration Partnership, St. Stephen’s Community House
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Craig Currah, Case Worker and Recreational Therapist, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
1. Exploring the Consequences of Stigma
2. Understanding Mental Health & Mental Illness
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Expressions of Mental Health
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Focusing on Recovery
3. Language & Communication
4. Tips
Presentations
Exercises
Presentations
October 18, 2018
Entire presentation
Short presentation with talking points for train the trainer presentations
December 4, 2018
Entire presentation
Short presentation with talking points for train the trainer presentations
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Understanding Stigma Exercise
Facilitator Notes
Instructions for Participants
2. Article Exercise
Facilitator Notes
Article 1
Article 2
Resources
Room Set-up
Resources
Resources Distributed
See "Exercises" above for all Exercise resources.
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Set up tables and chair in a “U” shape so participants in the room will be able to see and engage each other in large group discussions. Add chairs on the outside of the U.
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The room should be large enough to accommodate the first exercise. See room set-up details in facilitator notes above.