“It’s OK to talk about it”.

The Cause

“It’s OK To Talk About It”

F.O.C.U.S. on Seniors is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to inspiring, supporting, and integrating older adults and seniors through comprehensive engagement in social, educational, recreational, and cross-cultural activities that nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

With the support of the Field Law Community Fund Program Grant, F.O.C.U.S. on Seniors will launch a project titled "It's OK To Talk About It." This initiative is designed to enhance the ability of ethnocultural communities to engage in advocacy and reduce mental health stigma. Our project will focus on addressing Mental Health issues prevalent among racialized immigrant populations and understanding the barriers that prevent them from accessing Mental Health services.

To achieve this, we will implement Conversation Circle Cafés and Natural Support Training sessions aimed at shifting perceptions about Mental Health and promoting well-being. These cafés will provide a platform for discussions on anti-racism, stigma, and culturally appropriate approaches to mental health.

Our primary objective is to educate and empower communities to openly discuss Mental Health and access available resources, embodying the essence of our project title: "It's OK To Talk About It." Through these efforts, we seek to foster a supportive environment where Mental Health is openly addressed and accessible to all.

Who Will it Benefit?

Our Mandate is reflected in our acronym: F.O.C.U.S. where:
F = Fostering Friendships to promote social connections.
O = Developing Opportunities for personal growth and continual learning.
C = Encouraging Community Involvement through volunteering and developing leadership skills.
U = Promoting Unity by embracing diversity and inclusion.
S = Creating Synergy through collaborations and partnerships to expedite our organization's overview.

This project is designed to support vulnerable senior populations, particularly those from ethnocultural backgrounds, including immigrants, women, low-income individuals, and newcomers. These groups often encounter significant barriers in accessing essential services due to challenges such as limited language skills, Mental Health issues, PTSD, aging-related concerns, and experiences of abuse. Such barriers can lead to increased social isolation, diminished self-confidence, and difficulties in managing personal affairs.

To address these challenges, our project will implement targeted educational programs to enhance communication skills, foster social connections, and provide empowerment and education on navigating the Mental Health system. By equipping participants with these skills, we aim to improve their access to available resources and support, ultimately reducing isolation and increasing their capacity to manage personal and systemic challenges effectively.