Alan Sage is an experienced recreational therapist who works on the Concurrent Disorders Inpatient Unit. The Concurrent Disorders Capacity Building Team invites you to their April educational session to learn all about the vast use and benefits of recreation when working with individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. This session is hosted by the Concurrent Disorders Capacity Building Team.

The process of migration and resettlement can be extremely challenging and often puts the mental health and well-being of newcomers at risk. Despite pertinent and clear mental health issues in the newcomer population, availability and accessibility of services remain an issue. As this population continues to grow, it is essential to assess the prevalence of mental health issues in newcomers in order to adapt services accordingly. During this webinar, presenters will discuss: Needs of newcomers and refugees Barriers to accessing Mental Health Support Environmental Scan & Recommendations Best Practice Guidelines Presenters: Zainab Awad, Mental Health Program Coordinator, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre Ali Ahmed, Mental Health Program Support Worker, Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre This event is hosted by Niagara Connects in partnership with Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre. A follow-up resource package will be distributed after the event.

Young caregivers are especially vulnerable to social isolation, mental health challenges and lower educational attainment. For the estimated 47% of young carers who attend classes, chronic lateness, absenteeism, insufficient time for assignments, anxiety and problems focusing can make balancing schoolwork and caregiving a challenge. Nationwide, an estimated 7% of young carers leave formal education early and the situation may be especially urgent in Northern Canada; in 2006 an estimated 46% of youth in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut provided some form of unpaid care to others. Young carers are a diverse group, with varied experiences and needs. This webinar will explore the challenges faced by young caregivers who are struggling to balance higher education and caregiving duties. Speakers will discuss helpful policies, strategies and accommodations that can be made for students, as well as provide external resources to support them. This webinar is hosted by the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health.