Connections: A Safe Space for Black youth
by Bo Turpin, Executive Director, Upstream Ottawa
Wednesday 20 November 2024
In the heart of Ottawa, a transformative initiative has been quietly making waves, changing lives and fostering a sense of belonging among Black youth. The Connections: A Safe Space for Black Youth program has emerged as a beacon of hope, empowerment and cultural affirmation for young people aged 15 to 29.
With support from Bell, Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support formed a collaboration with The Reach Centre Ottawa. Connections was designed to address the unique challenges faced by Black youth navigating systemic barriers such as racism, poverty, colonial legacies and food insecurity. Recognizing that existing support initiatives often fall short in fully acknowledging the lived experiences of these young individuals, Connections set out to create a safe, inclusive space where Black youth could gather, interact and receive communal support.
The program’s success is evident in its ability to meet and exceed its primary goals. By utilizing an Africentric approach, Connections has successfully provided a monthly safe haven for Black youth, fostering a sense of belonging among participants.
One of the program’s most popular elements has been the provision of nutritious Africentric-themed meals during each session. This seemingly simple act has proven to be a powerful tool for community building, initiating conversations and cultivating camaraderie among participants. Moreover, it has addressed the critical issue of food insecurity that disproportionately affects low-income areas, demonstrating the program’s commitment to creating positive change beyond just mental health and substance-use health support.
Perhaps the most significant achievement of Connections has been its success in connecting Black youth with Black clinicians. Using an interactive psycho-educational approach, the program has normalized help-seeking behaviour and elevated the visibility and availability of culturally responsive mental health and substance-health support services. This aspect of the program directly responds to research findings that underscore Black youth’s preference for engaging with clinicians who share similar backgrounds and can acknowledge the multifaceted challenges stemming from their intersecting identities.
The impact of Connections is powerfully illustrated through the feedback received from participants. One youth shared, “I enjoy socializing and learning about myself, especially since I didn’t have many peaceful places growing up. Over time, I have learned to love and respect myself more..” This testimony speaks volumes about the program’s ability to create a nurturing environment that fosters personal growth and self-discovery.
Another participant highlighted the program’s educational value, stating, “I gained valuable knowledge, particularly about stress management, and the event has opened my eyes to new ways of understanding and helping others.” This feedback underscores the program’s success in providing practical tools and knowledge that participants can apply in their daily lives.
The program’s ability to create a genuine sense of community is evident in another youth’s words: “I love that it genuinely feels like a safe and fun space to learn and grow. I also appreciate the structure of the events, and the welcoming environment created by program organizers.” This sentiment echoes the program’s core mission of providing a secure and inclusive space for Black youth to connect and thrive.
Connections has also made significant strides in addressing critical issues such as substance use and mental health. One participant noted, “I’ve learned that you need to have a healthy relationship with stress. Since attending, I’ve learned at which point substance use becomes abuse.” This demonstrates the program’s success in providing vital education on pressing health issues affecting youth.
Connections has also excelled in its commitment to cultural representation. By providing Africentric meals that represent the diverse backgrounds of the youth participants, the program has created a tangible connection to cultural heritage, fostering a sense of pride and familial belonging.
Moreover, the program has created opportunities for youth engagement and leadership. The involvement of peer ambassadors and volunteers has not only provided valuable support for the program but has also offered leadership development opportunities for Black youth in the community.
With support from the Ottawa Community Foundation, The Canadian Race Relations Foundation and Greenshields, Connections will continue into 2026 and will be offered twice each month at its new home in the ACB Wellness Centre beginning in February!
In conclusion, the Connections: A Safe Space for Black Youth program stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when community organizations collaborate across sectors and commit to addressing the unique needs of marginalized youth. Through its culturally affirming approach, educational initiatives and commitment to fostering genuine connections, the program has not only met but exceeded its deliverables, making a lasting impact on the lives of Black youth in Ottawa. As it continues to grow and evolve, Connections promises to remain a vital resource in the community, empowering the next generation of Black leaders and changemakers.
For more info on Upstream Ottawa Mental Health, visit: Upstream Ottawa Mental Health Community Support | Rebuilding lives affected by persistent mental illness