Mental Health & Wellness
Our mental health and wellness programs are culturally informed and promote positive changes, individually and in the community. These programs and services create a space for healing and well-being.
Black, Racialized Individuals Support Channel (BRISC)
Supports
- Emotional, social, and practical support.
- Culturally tailored counseling.
- Multi-lingual support in English, French, Arabic, Lingala, Somali, and Kiswahili.
- Access to qualified social workers and counselors for clinical intervention.
- Referrals to professionals and agencies for comprehensive care.
- Social groups and peer support networks to connect and share experiences.
At BRISC, you’re not alone. Reach out today to find the help and community you deserve.
Individuals get support with social and emotional challenges arising from isolation, discrimination, racism, and everyday stressors.
Details
Frequency: Monday & Thursday
Location: Online or at the Mental Health Satellite office
Time: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Crisis Support Contact
For crisis support, call BRISC at (613) 596-3299
In an emergency, please call 911.
Stop Now and Plan (SNAP)
Supports
- 13-week SNAP® Boys or Girls Groups
- 13-week SNAP® Parenting Group
- Growing Up Healthy sessions to enhance parent-child bonds
- School advocacy and educator support
- Family counselling and individual mentoring
- Academic support and community connections
Details
Age: 7 to 11
Frequency: Tuesday & Thursday for 13 weeks*
Location: Mental Health Satellite Office
Session Time: 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Contact
To contact SNAP, call (613) 820-0853 Ext.2
Student Family Advocate (SFA)
All students deserve a fulfilling educational experience. However, some students experience discrimination, inequities, and other barriers that can impact their learning.
The Student Family Advocate (SFA) program works with equity-deserving families to help them navigate the educational system. We tailor our support to the experiences and needs of Black students ages 6-15 years old and their families.
We want to support Black and equity-deserving families before they get to the stage of crisis in the educational system. By acknowledging and addressing issues, we can reduce further harm.
This program is accessible city-wide, with priority given to families living in Ottawa West low-income neighborhoods. It is highly targeted, community-based, and culturally and racially tuned.
Supports
- Advocacy
- Resource navigation
- Emotional and mental health support
- Mentorships
- Allyship
Contact
To contact SFA, call (613) 223-0584.
Youth Engaging Systems
The Youth Engaging Systems Program is a culturally adapted city-wide program which is developed to support Black, racialized, and low-income youth between ages 12–26 and their families navigate challenges associated with the Educational, Child Welfare, Social Service, and the Criminal Justice System. Our objective is to assess, intervene and reduce risk factors that are caused by disparities, injustices and discrimination. All our support is preventative and responsive in nature, to assist folks before they reach the stage of crisis.
What We Offer
- Long-term Case Management Support
- Crisis Counselling Support / Drop-In support
- Bi-weekly parental & youth Groups (Self Development, emotional health, community reintegration, life skills, legal proceedings, personal rights and responsibility)
- Exposure Activities-to expose youth to positive people, experiences and reinforcements
- Advocacy Support
Two Streams of Entry:
Societal Systems Stream
- For youth and families facing barriers associated with the educational system, child welfare, and social services.
Criminal Justice Stream
- For youth involved with, or at risk of being involve with the criminal justice system
- Families, dealing with legal proceedings due to needs disparities and inequities
Contact
- Call us: (613) 820-0853
- Email: Healthandwellness@britanniawoods.com
- Visit: https://britanniawoods.com/
WIN (Women in the Neighbourhood Group)
WIN is a community gathering where women discuss local issues affecting families and schools, with a focus on self-care and mental health. WIN also features guest speakers who provide insights and resources on women’s health and well-being.
Details
Frequency: Every 2nd Monday of the Month
Location: Mental Health office
Time: 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Contact
To contact WIN, call (613) 223-0584.
Symposium
Details
Frequency: 1st Monday of every month
Location: Mental Health office
Time: 12:30 PM to 2:30
Contact
To contact Symposium, call (613)-223 0584.
Peerspective
PEERspective trains residents from priority neighbourhoods to become Mental Wellbeing Peer Supporters (MWPS). By becoming a Peer Supporter, you can help neighbours access resources, manage crises, and improve emotional well-being. Peer Supporters are trained to provide community-based, relationship-driven support alongside clinical services. Participants receive training, mentorship, and an honorarium.
This program aims to foster a peer-led, equity-focused approach to mental health and community development. This program is a resident-led initiative provided in collaboration with the Community Development Framework (CDF).
