Experts discuss mental illness, poverty and stigma at Ismaili Centre

Hosted by the Aga Khan Health Board for Canada, the roundtable discussion aimed to better understand and find ways to decrease the role of stigma for individuals dealing with mental illness and poverty. Global News television anchor Farah Nasser moderated the discussion.

 

With representation from the public service, police services, poverty and mental health advocacy organisations, researchers, clinicians, and the Ismaili institutions, the discussion brought a variety of perspectives to bear on a very important issue, and demonstrated the value of plurality and multi-sectoral approaches to community building and learning.

 

According to one participant, the event was an opportunity for learning and networking and offered a “meaningful exchange of ideas and expertise to improve our health and humanity.” Others described it as “relevant,” “powerful,” “wonderful,” and “real,” and were grateful for the “spirit and humility” shared by their fellow participants.

 

The passionate dialogue was accompanied by commitments to act, ranging from talking to coworkers about the role of stigma to changing the way government policies are structured to combat it more effectively. A white paper capturing the essence of the roundtable discussion will then be shared with the public in the hope of influencing policies related to mental health and poverty.