To create a safe space where Black youth can openly share their experiences with mental health, belonging, access to services, and the pressures they face in school, home, and community environments.
To surface the systemic, cultural, logistical, and economic barriers that prevent Black youth from accessing mental-health services, including stigma, affordability, transportation, lack of representation, and distrust of institutions.
To work directly with youth to design practical, culturally grounded, and community-driven solutions that reflect their priorities, not pre-determined program ideas.
To build youth confidence, leadership, and decision-making power by ensuring their voices shape program design, school supports, community services, and future OII wellness initiatives.
To produce actionable recommendations for schools, mental-health providers, families, and community partners that reflect youth-identified needs and solutions.
To establish a long-term framework that continues beyond the workshops — ensuring Black youth can guide future programming, policy advocacy, and service improvements in Etobicoke, Mississauga, and Brampton.
