RESIDENT: Participant Acceptability and Feedback Regarding a Community-Based Mental Health Workshop Designed for Black Communities in Canada

Evaluate the session

Presenting Author(s): Deborah Adesegun

Co-Author(s): Brae Anne McArthur, Sydney Seidel, Tamara Williamson, Nikita Kalonji, Chelsea Moran, Chrystiana Wamana

Date and time: 21 Mar 2026 from 16:15 to 16:30

Location: Saddleback & Glacier  

Learning Objectives

1. Identify individual and systemic-level barriers that contribute to limited mental health service utilization amongst Black Canadians;
2. Review the perceived acceptability and utility of a psychoeducational workshop tailored to improve mental health literacy for Black Canadians; and
3. Explore future strategies for mental health services to engage meaningfully with Black Canadians, improve health literacy and reduce stigma.

Abstract

Background: Individuals from Black communities in Canada are less likely to seek mental health services due to a variety of barriers related to accessing care stigma, medical mistrust, and lack of cultural competence amongst care providers. Consequently, psychoeducational approaches that are culturally tailored and acceptable to Black communities may be helpful for reducing mental health stigma and promoting mental health literacy within these communities. 

Aims: This study aimed to explore the acceptability of a psychoeducational workshop to reduce stigma and improve mental health literacy for Black individuals in Calgary, Canada. 

Methods: Black adults (18+) were recruited after participation in a single session, 60 minute psychoeducational mental health workshop delivered in person, co-designed in collaboration between university researchers and community partners. Following workshop completion, participants completed an online survey regarding workshop content. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze acceptability of workshop components. 

Results: 18 participants (66.7% women; 55.6% 18-25 years) completed the post-workshop acceptability survey. Workshop content was rated as highly useful (72% to 94% 'strongly agreed' topics were 'very useful') and helpful (50% to 77.8% of participants 'strongly agreed' content was helpful). [CM1] 

Conclusion: The workshop demonstrated high participant acceptability. Our findings have created the framework for future investigators to expand on our work in improving stigma and mental health literacy for Black communities in Canada. 

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