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Herconnect Initiatives

Mental health services tailored to your needs and experiences.

Who Is HERConnect?

About HerConnect:
The HERConnect initiative is dedicated to transforming mental healthcare for Calgary’s Black immigrant community. We provide mental health services tailored to the specific needs and experiences of African and Caribbean women and girls.

Our Collaboration:
The visionary HERConnect initiative is brought to you by the Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF), in partnership with Alberta Black Therapist Network (ABTN) and Hope Alive Ministry (HAM), with the generous support of the City of Calgary’s Community Safety Investment Framework.

Our Objective:
We also aim to increase access to community-based, culturally sensitive mental health services to address gaps in service delivery to diverse communities through the HERConnect initiative.

Mission

Connecting newly immigrated African and Caribbean women and girls with the support they need during their transition to Canada by providing them with a culturally sensitive mental health crisis response and referral network.

Vision

To build a resilient, inclusive, and mentally health community for Black immigrants in Calgary. We envision a better tomorrow where the lives of new black immigrants are enriched through a public mental health system.

Collaboration Partners

Collaboration is the power of people working together towards a common goal, promoting cooperation and understanding

Hope Alive Ministry

Hope Alive Ministry serves Faith and African Caribbean communities with counseling therapy and mental health presentations. Its mission includes trauma work, mental well-being.

Alberta Black Therapists Network

A collaboration of licensed Black mental health and addictions professionals providing therapy, psycho-educational sessions, and diversity inclusion consultations in Alberta since 2020.

Ladies in the Family Foundation

A non-profit organization building relationships with newly immigrated Black women and girls in Calgary over the past six years, increasing their economic, social, and emotional wellbeing.

Ladies in the Family Foundation

Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF) is a non-profit organization that has been focused on building relationships with newly immigrated Black women and girls in Calgary over the past six years. Their work in the community involves increasing the economic, social, and emotional wellbeing of Black women and girls as they navigate building new homes, businesses, and lives in Canada, with the understanding that when women are supported, the rest of the community thrives.

ONGOING LIFF PROJECTS

Alberta Black Therapists Network

Alberta Black Therapists Network (ABTN) is a diverse and multidisciplinary collaboration of licensed Black mental health and addictions professionals who have been providing therapy, psycho-educational sessions, and diversity inclusion consultations in Alberta since 2020. The Network was formed in response to inequalities in mental health experienced by Black Canadians with the understanding that addressing racism and oppression and enacting systematic change are necessary to improve the mental health and well-being of this population.

REQUEST ABTN WORKBOOK

Hope Alive Ministry

Hope Alive Ministry serves Faith and African Caribbean communities with counseling therapy and mental health presentations. Its mission includes trauma work, mental well-being awareness, emotional intelligence, generational gaps, family conflicts, and culture clashes.

HOPE ALIVE MINISTRY

Our Services

We assist Black women and girls from Africa and the Caribbean.

Crisis Response

Immediate assistance for navigating access to basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and healthcare with the help of a multicultural link worker and social worker.

Counselling

We Offer culturally sensitive counseling services customized for newcomers and immigrant Black women and girls, delivered virtually or in-person by Black therapists.

Therapy

Culturally sensitive virtual and/or in-person therapy services tailored to newcomers and immigrant Black women and girls, provided by Black therapists.

Educational Resources

Providing education and information on mental health issues and resources while fostering a sense of belonging within the Black community.

Community Building

Connecting new community members to cultural communities while helping them find other resources within Calgary.

Advocacy

Assessing access to mental health crisis services for immigrant Black community and collaborating with the City of Calgary and local organizations to improve service provision.

Our Funders & Partners

As our relationships with local organizations, funders, and stakeholders grow, so does our ability to assist Black women and girls with their mental health needs.

Why Choose Us

Why talk to us about mental health

Ready Anytime

We understand the importance of being available when you need us the most. Whether it's day or night, our dedicated team is ready to provide you with the support and assistance you require.

24/7 Communication

We believe that effective communication is crucial for building strong relationships and providing top-notch service. That's why we offer 24/7 communication channels, anytime, anywhere. Receive prompt response to your inquiries.

Our Team

Our team consists of highly trained professionals who are passionate about helping others. With diverse backgrounds and expertise, our team members are dedicated to providing personalized care and support tailored to your specific needs.

Emergency Help

We understand that emergencies can happen at any moment, and we are here to help. Our team is well-equipped to handle urgent situations and provide the necessary assistance to ensure your safety and well-being.

Advance Technology

We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the field. By leveraging cutting-edge tools and platforms, we are able to deliver efficient and effective services that meet the highest standards.

Licensed Therapist

Our team includes licensed therapists who are experienced in various therapeutic approaches. We providing professional guidance and support to help you navigate through challenging situations and achieve mental and emotional well-being.

Our Working Process

Whether it’s day or night, our dedicated team is ready to provide you with the support and assistance you require.

Listen & Empathize

The first step in helping a mental health caller is to actively listen and show empathy.

Assess & Evaluate

Conduct an assessment to understand the caller's current mental state, level of distress, and any immediate risk factors.

Inform & Support

Once the assessment is complete, provide the caller with relevant information and support options.

Plan & Follow-up

Assist the caller in developing a safety plan if appropriate. A safety plan typically includes identifying coping strategies.

Take control of your mental health today. Get the help you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

The HERConnect Initiative provides barrier-free, non-judgmental, and confidential support through 24/7 phone lines and online services. We provide mental health services tailored to the specific needs and experiences of African and Caribbean women and girls who have recently immigrated to Calgary within the past five years.

You can access immediate support and follow-up from the HERConnect Initiative by calling their 24/7 phone lines or using their online services. They offer distress phone services and web-based chat services for youth and adults in distress. These services are available 7 days a week.

Yes, volunteering at the HERConnect Initiative is a great way to make a contribution to the community and gain valuable skills and experience. They have various volunteer roles available, including administration, crisis services responder, youth educator, bereavement volunteer, and communications volunteer. You can join their team of volunteers and provide support to those in need.

If you want to support the HERConnect Initiative financially, you can make a donation through their website. They also have options like the In-Kind donation, gifts in kind, gifts of securities, hosting a fundraiser, workplace donations, and more. Your contribution will help respond to the mental health crisis and foster compassionate, connected, suicide-safer communities.

What is the emergency helpline numbers? The HERConnect Initiative provides several emergency helpline channels. These include 587.893.9355. This helplines are available to individuals in need of immediate support.

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