The Black Health and Social Services (BHSS) Hub offers a range of Afrocentric programs and activities in primary care, mental health and addictions, and social services. Roots Community Services, LAMP Community Health Centre and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Peel Dufferin are partnering to offer this initiative which is being designed with the holistic health of the individual as the primary focus. This ensures that services are easily accessible and closer to home for Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities in Peel. Our communities' input is invaluable as we continue to develop the BHSS Hub and we will be reaching out regularly to community members to gain insights and obtain feedback.
We are continually working to evolve our programs and services to meet the diverse needs of BAC communities in Peel region.
If you are interested in helping to inform what services we offer, we want to hear from you. Please contact us and we will connect with you.
Through a team of family physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and other medical professionals, we support our community’s health care needs with services including: care for children, prenatal care, minor office procedures, gynaecological care, adult health maintenance, cancer screening, and chronic disease management (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure). With a strong emphasis on health education and prevention, care is provided with your needs and health goals as our priority.
Healthcare coverage (i.e. OHIP or IFHP) is not required in order to access primary care services.
To book an appointment or to learn more, contact us at 647-812-5226 ext 901 or 902.
Our diabetes education program is designed to improve the quality of life of people aged 18 and older living with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and those at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Our services are provided by our Registered Nurse and Registered Dietitian, through one-on-one counselling and group programs.
Eligibility Criteria:
One-on-one counselling: Individuals who have been diagnosed with prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Group programs: The same criteria as one-on-one counseling, and people who haven’t been diagnosed yet.
To book an appointment or to learn more about our upcoming group programs, contact us at 647-812-5226 ext 901 or 902.
Our community health workers focus on preventative care for all ages. Our multilingual staff deliver proactive, upstream healthcare navigation and support to Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) individuals and communities through locally informed, culturally responsive interventions. We improve access to healthcare and wraparound social services. Both one-to-one and group programming are available to support the diverse needs of our Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) communities in Peel.
Our mental health & addictions team provides culturally affirming, and holistic integrated care for people from Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities who are impacted by mental health and addictions. Our team is a collaborative group of professionals from various disciplines, who work together to deliver services that address an individual’s well-being while ensuring that approaches to care are informed by clients and are effective in meeting their needs. This team-based approach allows for easy transitions between different services; allowing us to provide the right care, at the right time, by the right professional.
The Multidisciplinary Team consists of the following disciplines:
Addictions Services:
Our addictions support workers collaborate with each person to create a care plan based on their needs and goals, using a harm reduction approach that meets you were you are. This approach ensures that our clients feel a sense of dignity, autonomy and have access to the necessary resources.
Community Health Ambassadors:
Our community health ambassadors offer culturally responsive outreach and engagement to individuals from Black, Caribbean, and African communities. Our services include: sharing information about the various services that we offer, facilitating connections to community-based resources, and promoting access to culturally safe services. Our ambassadors help to reduce stigma, build trust and increase awareness of the available supports within our community
Family Support:
We offer dedicated, culturally affirming support to family members and caregivers of individuals facing mental health or addiction challenges. We help by providing access to information, skill-building, emotional support, and help with navigating resources. Our approach is rooted in understanding and addressing the unique needs of each family and its individual members, supporting both their well-being and their ability to care for their loved one.
Intensive Case Management:
Through case management, we provide personalized, culturally affirming support to individuals experiencing mental health challenges. Our approach is rooted in each person’s unique needs, strengths, and goals. By collaborating with other programs and community agencies, we offer holistic, team-based care that considers the whole person; promoting stability and empowerment.
Registered Nurse:
Our registered nurse supports client’s mental and physical health needs. Our nurse collaborates with clients to develop comprehensive, individualized care plans and coordinates access to primary care providers, mental health services, and community-based supports. This integrated approach ensures holistic, continuous care that addresses each client’s full range of health and wellness needs.
Peer Support:
Our peer support workers offer one-on-one and group support grounded in lived experience with mental health and/or addiction, specifically within Black, African, and Caribbean (BAC) communities. Using a culturally affirming, strengths-based approach, they model recovery, resilience, and connection through a BAC lens.
Social Worker:
Our social worker conducts assessments and facilitates both individual and group interventions. They act as a liaison between family members/substitute decision makers; while providing systems advocacy and resource development.
Trauma Counselling:
The trauma therapist is dedicated to creating safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces that promote healing and trust. Through a trauma-informed approach, they work collaboratively with individuals to understand the impact of trauma on their lives; while fostering resilience, empowerment, and recovery.
Our mental health & addictions services are easily accessible through our main phone line at 647-812-5226.
We offer short-term counselling and support tailored to each individual’s needs. Our counsellor uses a range of therapeutic approaches to help our clients manage their concerns, build coping strategies, and improve emotional well-being.
Our case management services help provide ongoing support for clients with serious and long-standing mental health concerns. We work with clients to identify their needs, develop a care plan and support and monitor clients as they work through the care plan strategies. We focus on small actions that clients can take everyday to work towards health in all areas of life. Our clients care plan are developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, committed to their health and wellbeing.
Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team supports individuals with complex mental health needs who haven’t found traditional services helpful. We provide consistent, personalized care in the community to help clients achieve stability, improve well-being, and work toward their recovery goals.
Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) Team supports individuals aged 14–35 who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis. Through early, comprehensive, and recovery-oriented care; our team helps clients stabilize, build resilience, and work toward leading fulfilling and meaningful lives within their communities.
The ACT and EPI team consists of the following disciplines:
We are here to connect Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) community members with supports that help you to navigate your path to wellness. We understand the needs of our communities and our support line offers a connection to providers who understand the lived experiences of people from the African diaspora. Our confidential and non-judgemental team offers a culturally-responsive listening ear. We provide pertinent information to help you find answers to your questions. We also assist with referrals to a wide range of resources including, counsellors, community programs and services.
For more information, contact jacquline@rootscs.org or 416-433-3259
We partner with local health experts to deliver presentations on key health topics affecting the Black, African and Caribbean populations; with an emphasis on prevention, early detection and treatment options. Our workshops focus on various health issues, including breast cancer awareness, diabetes education, and more.
For more information, contact jacquline@rootscs.org or 416-433-3259
Our team hosts regular social gatherings, designed to encourage social interaction, reduce isolation and build community. Our events are designed for Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities, as well as specific groups such as youth, parents, prenatal, newcomers. We also host events about hypertension, diabetes, menopause, money management, and investments. Our peer-led discussions create safe spaces where participants can share experiences, especially related to topics of interest to specific groups. Our events celebrate the cultural heritage of BAC communities with traditional foods, music and stories; creating lasting and meaningful connections.
For more information, contact jacquline@rootscs.org or 416-433-3259
Our monthly caregiver support sessions provide an opportunity for unpaid caregivers to share experiences, receive guidance, and access mental health and well-being resources. Our community experts provide information about specific caregiving challenges (such as caring for a loved one with dementia), and strategies to manage these situations.
For more information, contact jacquline@rootscs.org or 416-433-3259
If you would like to learn more and a member of our team to get in touch, use the below “Contact Us” form to reach out.
We will be offering our programs and services virtually and at three locations in the Region of Peel as we continue to develop the Hub.
Contact us at (647) 812-5226 or by completing the Contact Request form and we will direct you to the service/program to support your needs.
