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.
Shock Proofing Gender-Based Violence
Skills for Change offers a community-based wellness support for all women that have experienced trauma due to mental abuse and are in the process of seeking employment.
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
Bilge Sirin
Mental Health Workshop Facilitator, Women & Girls Circle
Self-Care
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin
Date and Time: November 1, 2022, 12.00-1.00pm
Description: There’s a lot of chatter about self-care these days, it can be confusing to determine what it should and should not consist of. Self-care is ultimately about taking a pause to do what you need to do to be happier, calmer, and healthier. In this workshop, we will explore what self-care is and its importance on our brain and mental well-being. We will look at common myths regarding self-care and create an action plan so that YOU decide and create your individualized experience.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/self-care-tickets-450591831297
People Pleasing and Self Advocacy
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin and Zaineb Nizami
Date and Time: November 2, 2022 – 1.00-2.00pm
Description: The underlying urge to make others happy and to be positively regarded is quite natural. However, those who fall into the trap of people-pleasing tend to dive too deeply into the spirit of being in-tune with others’ needs at the expense of their own needs. In this workshop we will explore what people-pleasing is and how we can advocate for ourselves.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/people-pleasing-and-self-advocacy-tickets-450623064717
Mental Health Department Information Session
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
Date and Time: November 4, 2022, 12.00 – 12.30pm
Description: 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.It is going to be a brief and informative session.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-health-department-information-session-tickets-451841789957
METRAC – Finding Legal Help and Navigating the Justice System
Facilitator: METRAC – The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children
Date and Time: November 7, 2022, 1.00-2.00pm
Description: The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) is a community-based organization that works to ensure diverse women, youth, and children live free from all forms of violence and the threat or fear of violence. They address the distinct realities of women within and among diverse communities. In this workshop, we will discuss and learn about Finding legal help and navigating the justice system.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/metrac-finding-legal-help-and-navigating-the-justice-system-tickets-451845300457
Mental Health First Aid: What You Need to Know
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
Date and Time: November 10, 2022, 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Description: Mental Health First Aid just like physical first aid is provided until medical/professional treatment can be obtained, this is given until appropriate support is found or until the crisis is resolved.
There is still obvious stigma associated with mental health problems. However, evidence shows that getting mental health First Aid reduces stress that can be inflicted by a mental health problem, worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. This workshop will equip participants with the skills to help themselves and other people in situations that require Mental Health First Aid.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-health-first-aid-what-you-need-to-know-tickets-451847135947
METRAC – Stalking and Criminal Protection Orders
Facilitator: METRAC – The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children
Date and Time: November 21, 2022, 1.00-2.00pm
Description: The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) is a community-based organization that works to ensure diverse women, youth, and children live free from all forms of violence and the threat or fear of violence. They address the distinct realities of women within and among diverse communities. In this workshop, we will discuss and learn about stalking and criminal protection orders.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/metrac-stalking-and-criminal-protection-orders-tickets-451848620387
What is Assertiveness and How to be Assertive? (Farsi)
Facilitator: Soheila Zamini in cooperation with ASAAP
Date and Time: November 26, 2022, 2.00 – 3.00 pm
Farsi Description: جرات مندی چیست و چگونه نه بگوییم؟ به زبان فارسی
با توجه به این که رفتار جرات مندانه یکی از نیازهای جامعه امروز است. و با در نظر گرفتن این نکته که انرژی هر انسانی محدود است و لازم است تا در پذیرش خواسته های دیگران تجدید نظر کنیم، بنابراین ورک شاپی با موضوع ،
جرات مندی چیست و چگونه نه بگوییم؟ به زبان فارسی برگزار می شود.
Description: 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. After this workshop, you can also benefit from free counseling sessions.
Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/what-is-assertiveness-and-how-to-be-assertive-farsi-tickets-451849462907
Breast Cancer Does not Discriminate
Date and Time: October 3, 2022, 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
The National Breast Cancer Foundation reports that a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. There are innovations in research, as well as improve prevention and treatment options. As we mark the annual Breast Cancer awareness month, this workshop will enlighten participants on the prevalence, prevention and current issues regarding breast cancer and how we can improve the psychosocial aspect of the disease burden.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/breast-cancer-does-not-discriminate-tickets-422555945207
Toxic Positivity
Date and Time: October 4, 2022, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin
Have you ever been told to be positive, and look on the bright side of things? This optimistic worldview is known as positivity, and has many benefits associated with it. But, just like anything done in excess, when positivity is used to cover up or silence the human experience, it becomes toxic. In this workshop, we will explore what positivity is, when it can become toxic, and how we can achieve a balanced approach.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/toxic-positivity-tickets-422557560037
Information Session
Date and Time: October 5, 2022, 2.00 – 2.30 pm
Facilitator: Sohelia 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. It is going to be a brief and informative session.
Communication Styles and Skills
Date and Time: October 6, 2022, 12.00pm-1.00pm
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin
Communication is very crucial in life, as it forms a part of your self-concept, helps you understand yourself and others, solve problems and learn new things, and build your career. In this workshop, we will talk about different communication styles, and explore the best strategies to communicate effectively.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/communication-styles-and-skills-tickets-422571702337
Living with Anxiety Disorder
Date and Time: October 7 , 2022, 1.00pm-2.00pm
Facilitator: Arami Galeano
Experiencing occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. In this workshop we will talk about the common causes and symptoms of anxiety and discover coping strategies and resources to decrease anxiety.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/living-with-anxiety-disorder-tickets-425220264257
Mental Health and Well-Being: A Global Priority
Date and Time: October 11, 2022, 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
This year’s World Mental Health Day is focusing on making mental wellbeing a priority globally. This workshop will highlight the broad understanding of mental wellbeing, the steps to ensuring global mental wellness, culturally appropriate approaches and psycho-education as a tool for global mental wellbeing.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mental-health-and-well-being-a-global-priority-tickets-422578051327
Immigration Challenge through the War (Farsi)
Date and Time: October 12, 2022, 2.00 – 3.00 pm
Facilitator: Soheila Zamini & Mehrdad Eskandari
English Description: Increasing mental health issues and stressors are the most common challenges among new immigrants and refugees. The existence of differences in language, culture, job, and education due to culture shock affects individuals’ mental health. Ideally, individuals should be directed toward the appropriate way in Canada when they arrive. In this workshop, we will lead clients to overcome their mental health issues and benefit from the information about sources. This workshop will be for Farsi-speaking people, especially Afghan immigrants, but we will be welcome to meet other Farsi-speaking refugees and immigrants.
Farsi Description: توضیحات: افزایش مسائل بهداشت روانی و عوامل استرس زا رایج ترین چالش در میان مهاجران و پناهندگان جدید است. وجود تفاوت در زبان، فرهنگ، شغل و تحصیلات ناشی از شوک فرهنگی بر سلامت روان مراجعان تأثیر می گذارد. مشتریان باید در اولین قدم ها به سمت راه مناسب در کانادا هدایت شوند. در این کارگاه، ما مراجعین را به سمت غلبه بر مشکلات روانی و بهره مندی از اطلاعات منابع راهنمایی می کنیم. این کارگاه ویژه فارسی زبانان به ویژه مهاجران افغانستانی خواهد بود، اما ما با سایر مهاجران و مهاجران فارسی زبان آشنا خواهیم شد.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/immigration-challenge-through-the-war-farsi-tickets-422575002207
Time and Workload Management
Date and Time: October 13, 2022, 11.00am-12.00pm
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin
Are you feeling overwhelmed at work or school? You’re not alone! While not all the causes of your situation are in your control, you can control how to respond to them. In this workshop we will discuss some of the things you can do to make sure you are making the best possible use of your time.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/time-and-workload-management-tickets-422579605977
Attachment Styles and Its Role in Adulthood
Date and Time: October 18, 2022, 2.00 – 3.00 pm
Facilitator: Soheila Zamini and Parastoo Roshany (Pary)
A person’s attachment style is their specific way of relating to others in relationships. How important are attachment styles in our daily life, social and personal relationships? Are you struggling with relationship problems? Do you have fear of abandonment? Do you avoid intimacy? Do you have low self-esteem? Come and join us in this workshop and learn how your childhood affected your life and how you can improve your relationships.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/attachment-styles-and-its-role-in-adulthood-tickets-422636074877
METRAC – Restraining Orders and Peace Bonds
Date and Time: October 19, 2022, 12.00-1.00pm
Facilitator: METRAC – The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children
The Metropolitan Action Committee on Violence Against Women and Children (METRAC) is a community-based organization that works to ensure diverse women, youth, and children live free from all forms of violence and the threat or fear of violence. They address the distinct realities of women within and among diverse communities. In this workshop, we will talk about Restraining Orders and Peace Bonds.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/metrac-restraining-orders-and-peace-bonds-tickets-422643206207
Gender-Based Violence and Us
Date and Time: October 19, 2022, 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a violation of human rights and life threatening protection and health issues. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During a period of displacement and times of crisis, the threat of GBV significantly increases for women and girls. This workshop will provide information and resources to help victims of GBV and as well create awareness and prevention of gender-based violence.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gender-based-violence-and-us-tickets-422657288327
Self-Compassion: The Power of Kindness to Yourself
Date and Time: October 20, 2022 – 10.30am – 11.30am
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin
Have you ever wondered why we are so kind and compassionate to our friends, but so harsh on ourselves? The answer to that question is not very simple, but it has to do with the fact that we have higher expectations for ourselves, and do not show ourselves enough compassion. In this workshop, we will explore what self-compassion entails and ways we can show understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/self-compassion-the-power-of-kindness-to-yourself-tickets-422664690467
Ona ti an le fi Gbogun ti Ideyesini (How to fight Discrimination)
Date and Time: October 28, 2022, 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Facilitator: Titilola Elizabeth Omotosho
English Description: In this workshop we will be learning about discrimination as a form of oppression in our society, how people discriminate against one another all over the world, the types of discrimination, the factors that are responsible for discrimination and how we can fight discrimination to promote mental well-being.
Yoruba Description: Ninu idanileko yii awa yoo kọ ẹkọ pataki nipa oun ti ideyesi je ati ona ti awon eniyan maa ngba deyesi elomiran. Bakanna ao gbe yewo idi ti ideyesi fi wa kaakiriri agbaye ati ona ti a le gba lati dopin ideyesi lawujo wa lona ti yoo fi ran ilera wa lowo.
Growth Mindset vs Fixed Mindset
Date and Time: October 31, 2022 – 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Facilitator: Bilge Sirin
The way we think about our intellect and talents not only affects the way we feel, but also affects what we achieve, whether we stick to old habits, or if we will go on to develop new skills and seek new challenges. In this workshop, we will explore growth mindset and fixed mindset and how it impacts our lives.
Register: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/growth-mindset-vs-fixed-mindset-tickets-422672403537
Contact Us
If you have any questions on mental health and wellbeing supports provided by Skills for Change, please contact: