Black Health and Social Services Hub Peel

Caring for your Health Every Step of the Way

The Black Health and Social Services (BHSS) Hub delivers high quality, culturally-responsive, seamless and integrated primary care, mental health and addictions support, and social services to Black, African & Caribbean (BAC) communities in Peel Region. The Hub was born out of a vision that saw the need for a community-centred and culturally-affirming space where BAC individuals and families could more readily access the full spectrum of care they deserve.

Roots Community Services (RootsCS) partners with LAMP Community Health Centre (LAMP CHC) and CMHA Peel Differin and works from an integrated team-based model to provide a breadth of services, seamlessly, covering complex needs within the communities such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, mental health and addiction, and intersectional conditions that require cross-sectoral interventions. The three partners focus on a specific area: LAMP CHC is responsible for primary care, CMHA Peel Differin provides mental health and addiction supports and RootsCS covers social services needs.

While our focus is on the Black, African and Caribbean communities, we welcome everyone who can benefit from the culturally-sensitive and responsive services we offer. Some services are provided directly through the Hub, while others are accessed through referrals to RootsCS.

The social services programs offered through the Hub are:

We partner with local health experts to deliver presentations on health topics that disproportionately affect the Black, African and Caribbean population, with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and treatment options. Our interactive workshops focus on various health issues including breast cancer awareness, diabetes, menopause, hypertension, mental health, money management, investments and much more.

• We bring culturally-relevant and grounded information to community members, helping them to make informed decisions when faced with critical issues
• We provide workshop participants with space where they feel comfortable enough to share information openly, knowing that they will not be judged or subjected to negativism

For more information, contact supportline@rootscs.org or 647-812-8545.

We are here to connect Black, African and Caribbean community members with supports that help you to navigate your path to wellness. We understand the needs of our communities and our support line links you to providers who are attuned to the lived experiences of people from the African diaspora. We provide pertinent information to help you find answers to your questions and assist with referrals to a wide range of resources including, counsellors, community programs and services.

• Our confidential and non-judgemental team offers a listening ear and connects you to providers that understand and value your lived experiences
• We link you to community supports, services and resources including faith-based groups, culturally-relevant food programs, employment support, mental health services, and more

For more information, contact supportline@rootscs.org or 647-812-8545.

Our Caregiver Support program includes monthly sessions which provide an opportunity for caregivers to share experiences, receive guidance and access mental health and wellbeing resources. Our community experts provide information about specific caregiving challenges (such as caring for a loved one with dementia), and strategies to manage these situations. We also provide one-on-one support to those who have taken on the role of caregiver, looking after parents, children or other family members with little or no resources. We offer care plans and techniques to help you cope.

• Our team takes a culturally-centred approach by helping you to set goals, identifying your needs and challenges, and establishing personalized care plans to help you along your journey
• Your health is important to us and we will provide assistance with housing support, medical appointment booking, health care guidance, among other community resources

For more information, contact supportline@rootscs.org or 647-812-8545.

Generation Connect is an intergenerational program designed to bring children, youth, adults and seniors together in a safe and inclusive space. This helps to foster understanding, strengthen relationships, build communication and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of BAC communities. Through discussions related to culture, family dynamics and lived experiences, the program addresses intergenerational conflicts, bridges generational gaps, and promotes social cohesion. Generation Connect:

• Enhances social well-being, encourages cultural continuity and empowers participants to build stronger, more connected communities

• Creates opportunities for shared learning, meaningful dialogue and peer support

  Provides one on one support upon request

For more information, contact Simi@rootscs.org or 905-812-5226 ext 827.

The Moms2Be Loved program is designed to address the unique challenges faced by Black, African and Caribbean mothers, particularly single, soon-to-be and new moms. We offer a compassionate and empowering space for women to explore the joys as well as the challenges of motherhood, navigate healing, personal transformation and mental well-being. The program:

Our program offers:

• Focuses on mental health support, self-care practices and the wellness of mothers while fostering a sense of community and belonging
• Creates an environment where participants feel heard, supported and uplifted through engaging discussions, supportive counselling and wellness activities
• Celebrates the resilience, strength and beauty that comes with motherhood in our communities.
• Provides one on one support for moms based on their needs.
• Community-building activities

For more information, contact Latonya at 905-455-6789 ext. 828 or email latonya@rootscs.org

For more information on all the programs and services offered through the Hub, please visit www.bhsshubpeel.ca

The BHSS Hub is funded by Ontario Health