***PROGRAM UPDATE - APPLICATION CLOSED *** Interview requests will be send out soon!

The Community Care Practitioners Training program is a collaborative effort between the Black Healing Centre, Dr. Lisa Ndejuru, and the Shift Centre for Social Transformation at Concordia University. This program adopts a decolonial, anti-racist, and community-engaged approach to address issues of anti-Black racism, racial trauma, and community mental health. It builds upon Dr. Ndejuru's doctoral work and the Black Healing Centre’s Black collective care circles. The training focuses on finding the root causes of clients’ issues rather than just treating symptoms, emphasizing a holistic and preventative approach to mental health.

This course will be delivered and distributed in English, but the instructor is bilingual. We welcome students to express themselves in whatever language they feel comfortable.

Program Objectives:

• Train Black healers in decolonial, anti-racist, and afro-positive approaches to holding space for people experiencing mental health challenges.

• Build a network of afro-identified community care practitioners

• Acknowledge and validate the lived experiences of black people

• Build a care approach in community, for community

• Reduce wait times for care

Training Goals:

• Deliver consistent results as a Community Care Practitioner.

• Develop a broad set of coaching skills.

• Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to provide comprehensive care for individuals.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply

We welcome applications from individuals with a sincere interest in acquiring the skills to provide compassionate support for those dealing with mental health challenges. The program is particularly suited for:

• Aspiring Black Psychology students.

• Movement teachers seeking to expand their skill set.

• Holistic wellness practitioners committed to enhancing their practice.

Program Dates:

• 12-week training sessions: Thursday, February 15th, 2024, to Thursday, May 16th, 2024

• 12-week internship sessions: Thursday May 30th, 2024 to Thursday August 22th, 2024

Admitted participants to the program will be provided with a $2500 honorarium as a token of appreciation for their dedication and contribution

Application process
Application period: December 22, 2023 to January 21st, 2024

Notice of interview: January 22-26

Interview period: January 29 to February 2

Notification of acceptance: February 5-9
Start of program - February 15th, 2024

Applications will close at 5pm on Wednesday January 21st 2024