One-on-One Counselling
At Skills for Change we have experienced settlement counsellors who facilitate the social, economic and civic integration of immigrants and refugees in Canada.
COVID-19 Recovery & Resiliency Program (CORR)
The COVID-19 Recovery & Resiliency Program (CORR) will provide mental health and wrap around supports to Ontario Works recipients who have been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Women Connecting with Women
Women Connecting with Women addresses the systemic issues of newcomer women who face multi-barriers and provides newcomer women with tools and resources to reduce social isolation, increase self-esteem, increase their networks and build confidence.
Virtual Connections Program
Virtual Connections Project will support the mental health, social and well being of individuals and families from vulnerable communities who are most negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meet the Team
Fataneh Naghavi
Supervisor, Mental Health & Counselling
Radhika Sharma
Manager, Programs and Services
Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
Clinical Counsellor, Mental Health Services
Soheila Zamini
Clinical Counsellor, Wrap Around Supports, Mental Health Services
Information Session
June 2, 11 a.m. (also available upon request)
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho and Soheila Zamini
The mental health department at Skills for change will be holding this session to share important information about our free programs and services and the eligibility criteria. You will be provided with the opportunity to ask any questions regarding Skills for Change and our services.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/information-session-on-skills-for-change-programs-tickets-337467072097
Psychological First Aid
June 6, 1 – 2 p.m.
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho
In this workshop we will be learning the importance of psychological First Aid, how we can offer help and what we need to do depending on individual situation and needs. You will also learn the basic objectives of providing prompt assistance to people who need help, in order to prevent complicated mental health problems and ensure safety of everyone in the community.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/psychological-first-aid-tickets-337469348907
ورک شاپ هدف گذاری و مدیریت زمان
Farsi/Persian Workshop
June 7, 6 – 7 p.m
Facilitated by Soheila Zamini
هدف گذاری و برنامه ریزی برای آن یکی از بنیان های یک زندگی ثمربخش و رضایتمندانه است.
برای رسیدن به زندگی پربار و احساس اعتماد به نفس بالا، لازم است تا یک هدف گذاری درست و مبتنی بر واقعیت انجام شود. در این کارگاه شما از کم و کیف انجام هدف گذاری و راههای رسیدن به آن و هدف گذاری آشنا خواهید شد.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/336651342227
Understanding and Coping with Anxiety
June 10, 1 – 2 p.m.
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho
In this workshop, you will learn about the wide range of symptoms of anxiety, understand the symptoms of anxiety and maintain factors that can perpetuate these symptoms. You will also learn strategies to manage and help reduce symptoms of anxiety. There will be access to information about resources for those wanting further help or support.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/337473039947
Understanding Yourself and Your Mental Wellness (Youth Workshop)
June 13, 4 – 5 p.m.
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho
As the main driver of your life, It is very important to have a good and deep understanding of your personality. Knowledge of self will facilitate positive influence and achievement.
In this seminar we will be learning about self discovery and acceptance and how our mental health can be improved.
Eventbrite Link:
Understanding and Coping with Anxiety
June 17, 11 – 12 p.m
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho
In this workshop, you will learn about the wide range of symptoms of anxiety, understand the symptoms of anxiety and maintain factors that can perpetuate these symptoms. You will also learn strategies to manage and help reduce symptoms of anxiety. There will be access to information about resources for those wanting further help or support.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/understanding-and-coping-with-anxiety-tickets-338070577197
Yoruba Workshop
June 23, 2 – 3 p.m.
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho
Ona ti ale fi Gbogun ti Idalaamu ( Dealing with Distractions)Idalaamu je òun tí a máa ń dojú kọ ní ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ ìgbà laimo rárá.
Ó ṣe pàtàkì fún wa láti leè dá Idalaamu mo. Nínú idanileko yìí ao máa kọ bí a ṣe lè dá Idalaamu mo àti bí àṣẹ lè dènà wọn. Pápá julo bí àṣẹ lè mú inú ara wa dun nípa didin Idalaamu kú lojojumo.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ona-ti-ale-fi-gbogun-ti-idalaamu-dealing-with-distractions-tickets-337478596567
Managing Post Traumatic Stress Disorders
June 27, 2 – 3 p.m.
Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma however, It is not everyone will develop PTSD after they have been through a dangerous event. Some people develop PTSD after someone that is close to them experiences danger or harm. The sudden, unexpected death of a loved one can also lead to PTSD. We will be exploring psychological management of PTSD and creating awareness on how to help others who have been traumatized.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/managing-post-traumatic-stress-disorders-tickets-338075521987
Goal setting and Time management
June 28, 2 – 3 p.m.
Facilitated by Soheila Zamini
Goal setting is one of the most important areas that helps people to be satisfied with their lives. In this workshop participants will learn how to set a goal for themselves based on their values and how to recognize their suitability. Also, participants know how to do time management for themselves to catch up to their goals.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/goal-setting-and-time-management-tickets-336760950067
Food and Your Mental Wellness
June 30, 10 – 11 a.m.
Facilitated by Titilola Omotosho
Food is essential for human survival, however our choices of food will go a long way to determine our life expectancy. In this seminar you will learn how to eat well and deal with eating habits that can affect your mental health negatively. You will also learn how food can cause mental illness and how we can prevent it
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/food-and-your-mental-wellness-tickets-338077738617
Immigration Status and Risks for Women
Date: May 4, 2022
Time: 1 p.m.
Facilitator: METRAC Lawyer
Skills for Change is partnering with METRAC to deliver this workshop. In this workshop participants will learn:
- Different types of Immigration Status in Canada
- Possible risks to Immigration Status in Canada
- Informational Resources
About METRAC:
METRAC: Action on Violence is a not-for-profit, community-based organization that works to end gender-based violence against women, youth, 2Spirit, Trans, and Non-binary people. Through METRAC’s Community Justice Program, we facilitate workshops in Plain Language legal information.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/immigration-status-and-risks-for-women-metrac-x-skills-for-change-tickets-327380021457
Empathy Building: Being a better friend, partner and community member
Date: May 5, 2022
Time: 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Paulina Babkin
In honour of Mental Health Week 2022, this workshop focuses on the importance of empathy and how to build it. Like any skill, empathy can be learnt and used to improve your relationships and ability to support the people close to you. Together we will go over active listening skills, challenging prejudices and the benefits of empathy.
Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empathy-building-being-a-better-friend-partner-and-community-member-tickets-327429318907
Loving Yourself: Cultivating Self-Worth and Self-Love
Date: May 6
Time: 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Paulina Babkin
In honour of Mental Health Week 2022, we will be focusing on loving yourself and building skills that improve mental wellbeing. This free, virtual and interactive workshop will provide an overview on the concepts of self-worth and self-confidence. It will also provide strategies to help you cultivate self-confidence and self-worth in order to help improve the feelings you have towards yourself.
Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/loving-yourself-cultivating-self-worth-and-self-love-tickets-327431204547
Creative Expressions of Emotions
Date: May 10
Time: 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Paulina Babkin
This virtual workshop teaches different strategies of processing and expressing your emotions in a safe and healthy way. You do not need to be a professional artist or have prior experience. It is helpful to have some tools/media (e.g., color pencils) and it can be as simple as paper and pen/pencil.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-expressions-of-emotions-tickets-327450662747
Building Healthy Relationships for Mental Wellness
Date: May 11th, 2022.
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
Social connection and relationship building are very important aspect of our survival. Healthy relationships will foster mental wellbeing.This workshop will reveal practical ways of making new connections and nurturing existing relationships for our emotional support. Meaningful relationship and social support will increase life expectancy, decrease the risk of depression, anxiety, obesity and suicidal ideations.
Eventbrite Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/building-healthy-relationships-for-mental-wellness-tickets-327465035737
بررسی مسایل نوجوانان و راهکارهای ارتباطی
Date: May 11
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Facilitator: Soheila Zamini
با توجه به نیاز شرکت کنندگان در کارگاه قبلی، قصد داریم در ادامه بیشتر به موضوع نوجوانان و روش
های ارتباط با نوجوانان بپردازیم .مهارت ارتباط موثر با نوجوانان و بررسی مسائل نوجوانان و ارتباط آنها
با خانواده از منظر مهاجرت هدف اصلی این ورک شاپ است
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/327468476027
Legal Aid Ontario: What you need to know
Date: May 16th, 2022
Time: 1 p.m.
Facilitator: METRAC Lawyer
Skills for Change is partnering with METRAC to deliver this workshop. In this workshop participants will learn:
- An overview of the Legal Aid process
- How to apply and prepare
- Other options/resources
About METRAC:
METRAC: Action on Violence is a not-for-profit, community-based organization that works to end gender-based violence against women, youth, 2Spirit, Trans, and Non-binary people. Through METRAC’s Community Justice Program, we facilitate workshops in Plain Language legal information.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/legal-aid-ontario-what-you-need-to-know-metrac-x-skills-for-change-tickets-327383943187
Prioritizing Your Health: Master Key to Increasing Life Expectancy
Date: May 19th
Time:1pm
Facilitator: Titilola Omotosho
Health is more than wealth! Many times, we do not prioritize healthy living as much as we should. It is very important to make our mental health and physical health a priority because our life expectancy depends on it. This workshop is intended to create awareness of the steps to healthy living, what we need to do and how we can access resources that can enhance our health.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prioritizing-your-health-master-key-to-increasing-life-expectancy-tickets-327453250487
Assertive Communication: Expressing your needs with confidence and respect
Date: May 25
Time: 2 p.m.
Facilitators: Soheila Zamini & Paulina Babkin
Effective communication is essential in having your needs met and maintaining healthy relationships. In this workshop, we will go through what the assertive communication style is and why it is the most effective way to express yourself without putting the other person down. By the end of the workshop, you will have a better idea of how to work through conflicts with loved ones, friends and coworkers.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/assertive-communication-expressing-your-needs-with-confidence-and-respect-tickets-327457422967
Yoruba Workshop: Anfani Ibanidore ni Asiko Yi
Date: May 31st, 2022
Time: 1-2pm
Facilitator: Titilola Omotosho
ibanidore se pataki lopolopo ni gbogbo igba ati ni pataki julo asiki ti a wayi
Arun kofidi ti da opolopo wahala ati aare okan ba opolopo eniyan.
isemole, ideyesini ati opolopo iwa ti ko ran ajosepo ati ajogbepo lowo lo je yo lasiko yi.
Idanileko yi wa fun titan imole si ona ti a le gba labi se ibanidore eleyi ti yoo se okunfa alafia ara ati okan wa.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoruba-workshop-anfani-ibanidore-ni-asiko-yi-tickets-327459569387
Family Communication: Growing Your Parenting Skills for Your Teens (Farsi) ارتباط خانواده: رشد مهارت های فرزندپروری برای نوجوانان
Date: April 5, 2 – 3 p.m
Facilitator: Soheila Zamini
این کارگاه برای والدین یا هر کسی که با نوجوانان در ارتباط است مفید خواهد بود. در این کارگاه می توانید مهارت های ارتباطی خود را در ارتباط با نوجوانان پرورش دهید. اکثر والدین نمی دانند چگونه باید با نوجوانان خود ارتباط برقرار کنند و درگیری های زیادی با آنها وجود دارد. اطالعات، تکنیک ها و مهارت های حرفه ای توسط مشاور بالینی در این جلسه توضیح داده می شود و می توانید سواالت خود را از وی بپرسید. همچنین برای افرادی که نیاز به کمک بیشتر دارند می توان نوبت مشاوره بالینی رایگان را بعد از پایان کارگاه رزرو کرد.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/3029678540
Improving Self Esteem for Mental Health and Adjustment
Date: April 12, 1 – 2 p.m.
Facilitator: Titilola Omotosho
In this workshop behavioural traits that depict low self-esteem will be identified as well as the impacts they have on our adjustment to life, work and relationships will be explained.
Sometimes, we are unaware that we have low self-esteem and therefore how it affects other areas of our lives negatively. It is difficult to seek help when we are unsure of what the problem is, therefore this workshop will help you to understand yourself better and how to improve your mental wellbeing.
Professional techniques to boost self-esteem will be explained by a clinical counsellor. Additionally, counselling appointments can be booked after the workshop if you are looking to receive further support.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/improving-self-esteem-for-mental-health-and-adjustment-tickets-302970170937
Communication Skills and Conflict Resolution
Date: April 19, 2 – 3 p.m.
Facilitator: Soheila Zamini
Effective Communication Skills are very important in maintaining relationships. Many people don’t know what they should do when conflicts arise with loved ones, friends or even colleagues. They feel angry and uncomfortable feelings in a conflicting situation. There are some psychological skills that help us to overcome oppositions and achieve appropriate behaviour that leads to better conflict resolution. It’s very important that we know how to regulate our uncomfortable feelings and learn effective communication skills to get our point of view across, protect ourselves and respect others. if you think you want to improve your communication skills, consider joining our workshop which will be provided by a clinical counsellor.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/communication-skills-and-conflict-resolution-tickets-302994022277
Stress and Resilience: Using Stress to Your Advantage
Date: April 21, 1 – 2 p.m.
Stress is a normal part of life as it helps motivate us to complete tasks, however sometimes it can have the opposite effect and be so overwhelming that it affects our daily functioning. This workshop will teach stress management techniques and will also provide insight into how to use your stress to your advantage. Topics such as self-compassion, mindfulness and self-care will be covered in the session.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/stress-and-resilience-using-stress-to-your-advantage-tickets-302997753437
Cultural Boundaries and Mental Wellness (Yoruba)
Title: Pipin Aala Asa ati Alaafia Okan
Date: April 28, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m
Facilitator: Titilola Omotosho
Alaafia okan se pataki gegebi alafia ago ara wa, ni ilu to yato si orisun wa, a nilo lati mo bi ase le gbe asa ati igbagbo pelu ise lbi ti ati wa ati ibi ti a wa lori gbedeke. Akosemose oludaninimoran you tan imole si awon ona ti ale gba lati ma sonu sajo ati lati mo riri orisirisi asa to yi wa ka ati ona ti won ngba di wa lowo tabi ran wa lowo lati ni alaafi ati idunnu.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pipin-aala-asa-ati-alaafia-okan-tickets-303004242847
Prioritizing Yourself: Finding a Work-Life Balance – March 9, 2022 – 1 – 2 p.m.
Working from home has presented challenges in separating one’s work life and personal life. This interactive workshop will provide strategies on how to implement changes that allow you to prioritize your wellbeing while maintaining professional success. Strategies include increasing your productivity during working hours, setting boundaries and participating in self-care methods to improve your mental wellbeing. There will also be opportunities to ask questions, share your story and connect with others.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/prioritizing-yourself-finding-a-work-life-balance-tickets-288025631417
Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination: Being a Newcomer in Canada (BounceBack Language Diversity Campaign, Presented by Pierrick Gacinya) – March 16, 2022 – 1 – 2 p.m.
These days, it’s more important than ever to pay attention to our mental health. Just like we would seek help for our physical health, like when we are sick or hurt, we need to pay the same attention to our mental health. Luckily, there’s free help available: The BounceBack program. BounceBack is a free, Mental Health program, available to anyone 15 years or older who may be experiencing depression, anxiety, low mood, stress or worry. All done from the comfort of your home and available in multiple languages (including French, Arabic, Tamil, Farsi, Punjabi, etc.). No travel is needed.
We know how important it is to get help in your language and from someone who understands where you’re coming from. That’s why, in this session, we’ll explain how the program has been culturally adapted to be safe, welcoming, and inclusive. We’ll also touch on important topics like being a newcomer, overcoming stigma and discrimination.
Remember, seeking help is an important part of maintaining good health and you have the power to improve how you feel.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-health-stigma-and-discrimination-being-a-newcomer-in-canada-tickets-288765213527
Sleep Hygiene – March 23, 2022 – 1 – 2 p.m.
Many people will suffer from sleep disturbances at some time in their life. We will take a close look at your own sleeping habits as well as develop practical techniques for good sleep hygiene. This workshop is for anyone who wants to improve their overall sleeping habits and hopefully catch some Zs!
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sleep-hygiene-tickets-288029091767
Getting Off Autopilot: Increasing your Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness – March 30, 2022 – 1 – 2 p.m.
When the demands of life become overwhelming, we might find ourselves going through the motions without reflection of our progress towards our goals or checking-in our mental wellbeing. This interactive workshop will provide mindfulness techniques to increase your emotional awareness and help you feel more engaged in your life. It will also go through what being on ‘autopilot’ means and why it occurs.
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/getting-off-autopilot-increasing-your-mindfulness-and-emotional-awareness-tickets-288046072557
Thursday, February 3rd, 2022: Digestive Health (workshop presented by medical students)
Join our workshop on Digestive Health!!
Please attend our workshop on February 3rd to learn more about how to maintain and improve your digestive health. We will be providing information on nutrition and advice on indigestion, stomach aches and when to see a physician. Resources on where to find more information to improve your digestive health will also be provided.
There will be an activities and question/answer period as well for any specific questions you may have.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/digestive-health-tickets-229385707827
Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, 11 a.m. to noon: Mindfulness
This is a Free virtual workshop on mindfulness. In this session we will discuss:
- What mindfulness means
- Components of mindfulness
- Why practice it? How it can be beneficial
- Forms and ways of practicing mindfulness
- A brief mindfulness meditation will be included
- Time for discussion and questions/answers will be included
This session will be facilitated by a Canadian certified counsellor.
To complete your registration, please email us in addition to registering here on eventbrite.
If you are a permanent resident or a convention refugee, please email:
nkhazraei@skillsforchange.org
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mindfulness-tickets-227714559377
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Wednesday, January 5th, 2022, 2 p.m.to 3 p.m.: Happiness and positive energy
This is a virtual workshop to discuss what happiness means, and what positive psychology has to offer. The participants will learn about relevant theories and concepts and have a chance to ask questions and participate if they would like. We will also discuss what contributes to happiness, and how individuals can help themselves experience a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/happiness-and-positive-energy-tickets-227719865247
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Wednesday, January 12th, 2022, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.: How to reduce isolation during the pandemic
This is a virtual workshop to learn more about managing and reducing isolation.
In this session we will discuss what social isolation means, what contributes to it, and how we can manage it in a safe and healthy way. We will also talk about healthy ways of creating and maintaining healthy and meaningful human connections, building your social support, and reducing stress during the pandemic.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/how-to-reduce-isolation-during-the-pandemic-tickets-228463078217
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Wednesday, January 19th, 2022, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m.: Sleep hygiene
This is a virtual workshop to learn more about insomnia, sleeping problems, and sleep hygiene.
In this session, we will discuss what cause or contributes to sleep problems, and we will also explore healthy ways of reducing stress and improving one’s sleep.
Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/sleep-hygiene-tickets-228465916707
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Wednesday, January 26th, 2022, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.: Self-esteem and body image
This is a virtual workshop to learn more about self-esteem and body image. In this session, we will discuss what self-esteem is, what body image is, and what contributes to challenges in these areas. We will also explore what will help with improving someone’s self-esteem and body image.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/self-esteem-and-body-image-tickets-228468143367
Contact Us
If you have any questions on mental health and wellbeing supports provided by Skills for Change, please contact: