Black people in Canada face significant social and economic challenges that have negative effects on their mental health. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)’s Promoting Health Equity: Mental Health of Black Canadians (MHBC) Fund supports Black-led, community-based projects that promote positive mental health. These projects aim to increase equity and address the factors that affect mental health, with a focus on anti-Black racism.

This report reflects the voices and mental health experiences of Black communities in Canada, using insights from MHBC Working Group members and the 15 projects funded by the MHBC Fund between 2018 and 2024.

Funding recipients identified the 3 most important criteria for improving accessibility, mental health and wellness:

1. Sustainability.
2. Access to mental health services from an organization with a similar cultural and racial identity.
3. Projects with a cultural focus were also essential for developing trust with their participants.

The MHBC Fund has significantly enhanced the visibility of Black voices, creating change and opportunities for Black-led programming. It has helped to carry out mental health awareness initiatives that built relationships and raised awareness across Black communities by delivering Black-led national conferences and community events, and creating Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving online networks.

This has led to a rise in awareness of anti-Black racism and intersectional community-based initiatives.

Addressing mental health needs for Black communities in Canada extends beyond the MHBC Fund. This report recognizes the significance of collective endeavours to promote positive mental health across Black communities in Canada. The partnerships established through the MHBC Fund continue to play a role in shaping its current and future work.

Learn more about The Kit for Centering Black Youth Wellbeing by YouthREX, an initiative made possible through a financial contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada.