Through our ongoing Seniors and Mental Health programming, we’ve had the privilege of bringing our community together for weekly workshops designed to be safe, welcoming, and culturally meaningful. These gatherings have become a space where Somali seniors and community members can connect, learn, and feel supported.

In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. There was a lot of hesitation many were unsure about speaking openly, especially around mental health. The stigma runs deep in our communities, and for some, just showing up was a big step. But week by week, that started to change. With familiar language, familiar faces, and open hearts, people began to share. Stories came out. Laughter returned. Friendships formed. Healing began.

Each workshop has been a powerful reminder of how important it is to feel seen, understood, and not alone. Whether it was a session with a guest speaker or a simple group conversation, the energy in the room was always filled with care and connection.

We’re excited to share a few moments from our workshops. These photos capture more than just events they show the joy, strength, and spirit of a community coming together.

What our community is saying:
“These workshops give me a reason to leave home and mingle with others in the community.” — D.H
“I learned how to cope with stress and how to take better care of myself and my family.” — M.J
“These meeting are a joy and something I look forward to each week.” — H.Y
“Mental health has been a stigma in our community, but thanks to these workshops we can have open and honest discussions.” — F.O

We’re grateful for the support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and our dedicated team who make this work possible.