Grant: Project Grant

Mental health and addictions is a priority area for NunatuKavut Community Council (NCC). The NCC represents over 6,000 Southern Inuit, residing in 23 communities primarily located on the South Coast and interior waterways of Labrador. Community members have noted a lack of resources, long wait lists, and a lack of services for youth. Barriers to care include a lack of culturally relevant programming, stigma, and gaps in community aftercare programming. The objective of this project is the design of culturally relevant and community-based response to mental health and addictions. Development will be led by NCC communities and patients/family members/caregivers for those affected by mental health concerns. There are three unique phases: development, design, and implementation. Creating and completing this community-based project in partnership ensures outcomes will be culturally relevant and instill a sense of pride and ownership for the work going forward. Initiatives led by and for the community are critical to closing the gap and enhancing healing. Through collaboration and knowledge translation activities we will educate NCC community members about mental health and addictions (including existing programs and services available); and advance the conversation about culturally-relevant and culturally-responsive mental health and addictions supports and services.