GMWS2024 Speakers

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Dear esteemed colleagues and guests,
Even before March 2020, the quest for equity in mental health care and access for people of African descent was inevitable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the inequities in access were revealed and made clear. While significant effort has been made to address overall mental health stress globally, the issue remains paramount for people of African descent in Canada.

It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this global meeting on Mental Well-being and Substance (Mis)Use under the theme “Rest, Recover & Resilience During & Beyond Pandemics”. Today, we have gathered here on Epekwitk, now known as Prince Edward Island, the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. We gather to address the most pressing issues that impact the mental health, wellness and well-being of people of the African diaspora in our society – often overlooked, stigmatized and discriminated against.

As we all know, mental health and substance use disorders are critical public health issues that continue to impact people’s lives globally. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem, leading to an increase in mental health disorders worldwide. It has affected individuals from all walks of life, leaving behind a trail of suffering, misery and despair. This has further affected performance, productivity, and profits because of the lack of mental strength to perform to standard abilities.

As service users, policy makers and mental health professionals, it is our responsibility to work towards creating a more equitable and accessible mental health system that can serve all individuals who need it, regardless of their background. Through this conference, we aim to bring together experts in the field, researchers, policymakers, and community members to share their insights, experiences, and ideas on how to improve the mental health and substance use system.

We hope that by the end of this conference, we will have gained valuable knowledge and strategies that will help us create a better mental health and substance use system for all. This is more than just another event on mental health and substance use, but a focus on educating, equipping and empowering community leaders, serviceproviders, policy makers, health care professionals so that can be better at managing themselves and others with equity consciousness.

Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to your active engagement throughout the next three days. Please take time off to enjoy the beautiful province of Prince Edward Island. To become a strategic partner or sponsor for this and other events by the New African Canadians request a brochure through registration@globalmws.org

HENRY LUYOMBYA

Executive Director & Chief Visionary Officer
New African Canadians (NAC) Stratford, PE Canada
www.newafricancanadians.com
registration@globalmws.org
nac@globalmws.org

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This session provides an overview of the event planning industry, including its scope, different types of events, and essential skills required for success. The session will also discuss the role of an event planner, stages of event planning, and the importance of effective communication and collaboration.

Speakers:

Why Now, Why Black?. Delegates will have a clearer and stronger understanding ofthe urgency for providers, researchers and educators to provide inclusive and culturally relevant services to address mental health stressors and maintain forward momentum in the recovery journey.

Delegates will receive warm greetings from the Mayor of Charlottetown, the Birthplace of Confederation, and one of the most culturally diverse cities in Atlantic Canada. He provide an updated on initiatives and programs to strengthen access to inclusive mental health services for people of African descent.

Delegates will be aware of the drivers of mental stress among refugees, sex trade workers and progress in Uganda in addressing the stressors and substance (mis)use among these population groups. The best practice lessons will be shared from a community mental health model through critical dialogue, reflections and story telling. 10:30am – 10:45am Hajji Yasin Bakaluba Sekimwanyi

A key determinant of Mental Health Outcomes. Delegates will be inspired to become more conscious about the role of housing (stable) in improving mental health outcomes. Delegates will also understand the need to intentionally recognize and plan for the long term housing initiatives as a strategy to address mental health complications to boost long term labour market outcomes.

Speakers:

The Role of Spiritual Care in Advancing Immigrant & Refugee Mental Health. Delegates willbe introduced to some of the critical aspects of the role of spirituality in advancing positive mental health outcomes in refugee and immigrant communities. The struggles and pains and the path towards wellness will be discussed.

Delegates will be introduced to the concept of peace and its significant role in promoting mental wellness among immigrant communities in Canada. They will be inspiredto take prompt and consistent action to support peace in all mental health service support.

Speakers:

The Role of Community in Addressing Immigration Woes and its Implications for Mental Wellbeing. Delegates will be educated on the significant role community plays in supporting refugees with immigration challenges. She will share her personal experiences, challenges and triumphs and how systemic barriers can hinder mental health progress for refugees and immigrants

Speakers:

Delegates will be equipped with information on ongoing initiatives to address mental health challenges in Uganda, and what the Ottawa office is doing to support international students and refugees in Canada.

Hard Talk Panel on Critical Conversation about what Businesses are yet to do to protect themselves, their staff & clients from Burn Out & Mental Health Stressors

How to Maximize our Spirituality to Increase Mental Alertness & Resilience. Participants will be educated on the spirituality and how it can be leveraged to foster effective culturally- relevant mental health counselling and trauma support.

Speakers:

What are the implications. Delegates will be introduced to multiple legal barriers people with mental health complications encounter within the law in Uganda. They will be provided strategies to navigate an increasingly challenging socially contextual legal cycle, and leverage lessons for future practice in law and mental health.

Enjoy a final networking lunch break, discussing the panel discussion and sharing your thoughts on the event so far.

Substance (ab)use in Youth. Delegates will be introduced to multiple strategies for engagement, educating and empowering youth experiencing substance (ab)use. They will be provided tools, tips and techniques of sustaining recovery processes.

This session highlights the importance of networking and building strong industry relationships for long-term success in event planning. Attendees will learn strategies for effective networking, maintaining connections, and collaborating with industry peers.

Speakers:

Delegates will receive warm greetings from the Mayor of Stratford, the only City in Atlantic Canada to have signed on the Diversity Charter. It is also an increasingly culturally diverse cities in Atlantic Canada and update delegates on critical projects and programs to strengthen its inclusive diversity, mental health care programming and community equity

The First Municipality in PEI to Recognize the UN International Decade for People of African Descent. Delegates will be inspired and compelled to act towards making significant strides against all odds, personally & professionally to embrace people of African descent in all spheres of life.

Transforming Tomorrow’s Life Possibilities. Delegates will be inspired to support human rights programs for immigrants and refugees and create community programs and life possibilities.

How to Improve Mental Health Utilizing Art & Performance. Delegates will learn more about the technique of Art, Music and Performance in addressing trauma and anxiety. At the end, the delegates will get a chance to meet, greet and socialize.

Youth on Managing Mental Health Stressors & Substance Use Complications. Through an interactive session with the host, delegates will learn what it takes to diagnose, manage and treat mental health disorders and substance use complications from different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.

Country Experiences 6 International presenters will be submitting abstracts of 150 – 200 words outlining best practice lessons and experiences in managing mental health and substance use during pandemics. For 2 hours this session will be dedicated to sharing and mutual learning

A final conference rapporteur session and report back will be conducted. Awards & Recognitions will proceed. Delegates will about conference sessions, workshops and activities in a summary form. They will also learn about how the information gained over the 2 days will be utilized in recovery processes. The session will end with an awards & recognition.

Mark Lubuulwa, Olivia Namuddu, Karen Karungi, Owen Byamukama, Andrew Lyatuu, Isaac Kassami, Ramlah Kyomuhendo

Potential destinations include:
1) Cavendish;
2) Anne of Green Gables;
3) Confederations Bridge;
4) Tourism Industry Association of PEI;
5) Museum;
6) St. Dunstan Bathilica, Charlottetown;
6) Red Sand Beach;
7) The Bog & Tour of Charlottetown
Tour & Enjoy PEI: Boost Your Mental Health: Delegates will become more aware of some outdoor activities to boost mental health and wellness. This will be incorporated into tour and travel activities in different sites across PEI.

Henry Luyombya
Mental Health & Diversity Specialist
Hon. Natalie Jameson
Minister of Education
Prince Edward Island
Philip Brown
Philip Brown
Mayor, Charlottetown, PEI
City of Charlottetown
Sean Casey
Hon. Sean Casey
MP, Charlottetown, PEI
Gord McNeily
Hon. Gord McNeily
MLA West Royalty, Charlottetown
Mark McLane
Hon. Mark McLane
Minister of Health & Wellness - PEI
Government of PEI
PEI Residents
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International Delegates
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Canadian Students
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$119.00

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The dress code for this event is semi-formal attire. We want our guests to feel comfortable and stylish, so we recommend dressing up a bit but still keeping it fun and festive. Think cocktail dresses and suits, but feel free to add your own personal flair!

Tickets may be available for purchase at the door, but we highly recommend purchasing in advance to secure your spot and avoid long lines. Check our website for ticket availability and pricing, and make sure to arrive early if you plan to buy your ticket at the door.

Yes, there is parking available at the venue. We have arranged for on-site parking or nearby parking options to make it convenient for our guests. Check our website for specific parking details and directions to the venue.

While we welcome all ages at our events, this particular event is designed for an adult audience. We suggest finding a babysitter or leaving the little ones at home so you can fully enjoy the festivities. Check our website for future family-friendly events.

No outside food or drinks are allowed at this event. We have carefully curated a selection of food and drinks for our guests to enjoy, and outside food or drinks may not meet our safety and quality standards. But don't worry, we have plenty of options available to satisfy any cravings or dietary restrictions.

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