What is the BMHC Peer Support Program?
In a support group, people are able to talk with others who are like themselves—people who truly empathise with what they are going through and can share the type of practical insights that can only come from firsthand experiences.
We offer a 9 session program for up to 10 participants with similar intersections and lived experiences. Through these programs we aim to break the stigma and shame associated with mental health and create an anti-oppressive, harm reductive space for cathartic release, community building, and skill sharing. BMHC’s peer support programming is remote and offered over zoom.
Our drama therapy support groups will begin on January 30th and run for 9 weeks. The Peer Support Program includes weekly sessions with 2 drama therapy students from Concordia’s Drama Therapy program. Through these sessions participants are able to speak about their experiences while learning more about mental health, developing a new outlook, and learning culturally relevant coping mechanisms. Peers will actively create an inclusive, and safer environment for each other from registration to the very last session.
Our Facilitators
Akinyi Oluoch (she/her)
Akinyi Oluoch is a MA Drama therapy student at Concordia University. Akinyi hails from the great lands of Kenya, in East Africa and her passion is holding space for children and young adults to go through shedding and blooming. She is a Drama teacher with over 2 years experience and graduated with a BA in Psychology. She strives to create a space that encourages a mentally healthier community through the fun and unique Creative Arts Therapy.
Sarah-Doreen Dadzie (she/her)
Sarah-Doreen Dadzie is a Ghanaian second year drama therapist in training in Concordia University Tio’tia:ke (Montreal). She wishes to explore together the mental health and wellbeing of the Black and African diaspora community by creating a safe enough space for people to process their thoughts and feelings through the use of a client centred approach to drama therapy.
Our current peer support group is open to all Black folks (across all intersections) aged 18-35. A safe environment is encouraged.
Registration Forms
Our Monday group is now full and registration has closed. Please follow us on instagram to be kept up to date about future groups.
Black Mental Health Connections 