Our Projects
ABRAR trauma and mental health has created and piloted these projects to support mental health through trauma-based care and support for immigrants and newcomers. We continue to advocate for the community, with emphasis on underserved populations (such as women, youth, and BIPOC communities).
Needles and Narratives
Dil Ba Dil
In This Together
Brave Space
Giving Art
Needles and Narratives
Newcomers and immigrants have complex stories to tell with topics such as migration, mental wellbeing, cultural narratives, and design. Fashion is an empowering way to tell these stories, especially when working closely with mental health professionals to unpack potential trauma.
Dil Ba Dil
Afghan women have experienced a tremendous amount of trauma and many have been forced to start a new life in Canada, which has added to their hardship. The current mental health system has barriers when it comes to seeking support for this population, through a lack of culturally sensitive care. Dil Ba Dil is a Brave Space for Afghan women to empower themselves with the support for mental health professionals as well as their peers.
In This Together
During these challenging times, it’s important to recognize and address the disproportionate impact on the mental health of marginalized youth, including members of our BIPOC, newcomer, disability, and LGBTQ2S communities. “In This Together” seeks to let young people know that they’re not alone. The campaign aims to amplify the voices of young people, raise awareness of service gaps, and connect each other to key support systems. We aim to create conversations between young people and decision makers to inspire action: the establishment of a national post-pandemic mental health recovery plan.
Brave Space
As incidents of Islamophobia rise in Canada, it is imperative to recognize the resilience of Muslim women and their ability to rise above hatred and continue to practice their face, sometimes even visibly by wearing hijab. We believe that these women benefit from spaces that allow them to come together to promote healing through the provision of coping mechanisms and the ability to share their stories.
Giving Art
Youth—especially newcomers, racialized, and marginalized young people—carry powerful stories shaped by identity, healing, displacement, and resilience. Art and storytelling offer a therapeutic and empowering way to explore these experiences, especially when supported by trauma-informed professionals in a safe, affirming space.