Since 2018, the founders of the organization My mental Health Matters work to de-stigmatize mental health among visible minority youth. Today selected for a price at Dynasty gala, Ernithe Edmond and Fama Tounkara are determined to give a voice to their community.
It was during their high school years in Pointe-aux-Trembles that Ms. Edmond and Ms. Tounkara found that a stigma surrounded mental health.
Whether on the basketball court or during their school activities, they often received the confidences of the youngest. “Sometimes it was difficult to give them resources. We quickly realized that it was a taboo subject, ”explains Ms. Tounkara, a master’s student in neuroscience.
A few years later, the two friends decide to launch My Mental Health Matters, “a safe space to talk about mental health and forge links with their community, ”explains Ms. Edmond, a mechanical engineering student.
Initially, the two women mainly created social media posts. They then started producing testimonials, vox pops and interviews with visible minority leaders, including social entrepreneur Fabrice Vil.
Representation in support services
The organization’s website lists a list of psychologists and color therapists. A way that the two women found to create more representation for young people.
“Often young people have told us about their experiences with therapists who were not of color. It was often difficult to talk about issues of discrimination and racial profiling, ”explains Ms. Tounkara.
Furthermore, women argue that marginalized people must also have better access to mental health services. In particular, they would like to see more government investment in this direction.
Reconnaissance
This volunteer work earned the two friends a selection in the community organization category at the Gala dynastie. The event that rewards artisans from black communities will take place virtually on March 6.
“Last year I attended the gala. I saw lots of people attending, like Corneille. Now, to have such recognition for our commitment is very, very satisfying. It pushes us to continue working, ”says Ms. Tounkara.
Going forward, the two women would eventually like to dedicate themselves to their full-time organization, which is on the way to becoming an NPO. Their goal is simple: “to help people and to forge the bonds of our community,” concludes Ms. Edmond.
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