The Centre for Innovation in Health and Wellness (CIHW) is proud to highlight one of our current applied research projects, which focuses on understanding the effects of unpaid caregiving on the mental health and well-being of Black women. 

In Canada, approx. 52 per cent of women provide caregiving to children and/or adults (Statistics Canada, 2022), and over one-third of these caregivers experience mental distress (CIHI).  Black women, as noted in the literature face disproportionate unpaid caregiving burden (McCann et al., 2015) while continuing to balance with paid work responsibilities, often leading to significant physical and mental health well-being challenges (Blue Cross Blue Shield, 2020).   

Our research study aims to listen, understand and share the lived experience and stories of Black women caregivers and learn about the factors that led to those caregiving roles and the impact that it has had on their mental health and well-being. This research will culminate in a comprehensive report with formulation of actionable recommendations and resources to mitigate the mental health impact of unpaid caregiving on Black women in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).  This report will be a valuable tool for community health and social services organizations working with Black women caregivers or seniors or people living with disabilities. 

Humber Polytechnic students are collaborating directly with our research partner and community members, gaining practical skills in qualitative and quantitative research and hands-on experiential learning opportunities.  

This project highlights the value of community-based applied research, sharing the voices of individuals who need to be heard the most and above all, the power of impactful and hands-on learning experiences for students to be career-ready.

Together, we can create a healthier future for all!

Do you have an innovative idea or know of an industry partner who wants to engage in applied research in health and innovation? Connect and email us at vanita.varma@humber.ca.  

Dear Community, 

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Vanessa Bassey, a first semester student in the Addictions and Mental Health Graduate Certificate program. As a community, we are deeply saddened by this loss and our thoughts and condolences go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. 

To honour Vanessa and their memory, we will be lowering our flags to half-mast on December 3, 2024. This gesture serves as a symbol of our respect and admiration for Vanessa and the impact she had on our community during her time with us. 

We recognize that grief is a difficult and personal experience, if you need support or are supporting someone and want to talk, please reach out to someone close to you, your PC or Associate Dean, or EAP directly (1.844.880.9142). 

If students are looking for support, please reach out to Student Wellness and Counselling (swac@humber.ca). Alternatively, if at any time they need immediate personal support or counselling, they can access the Good2Talk Helpline at 1.866.925.5454, or use Therapy Assist Online (https://ca.taoconnect.org/login), which provides online and mobile tools. 

Once again, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Vanessa’s family and friends.  

Sincerely,  

Ian Crookshank 
Associate Vice-President, Learner and Career Success & Dean of Students 

Map the System is a global competition that asks students and educators to rethink social and environmental issues through systems thinking, going beyond disciplines and questioning deeply held assumptions. It aims to bridge the gap between student-as-learner and student-as-changemaker.  

We are currently looking for mentors to support student teams for the Humber Polytechnic 2025 competition, scheduled to take place during the Winter 2025 semester. Building off Humber’s historic win last year, we anticipate over 300 students participating this upcoming year and are looking for mentors from across faculties and departments. This is also a great professional learning opportunity if you are new to systems thinking and systems change. Learn more about the competition here: www.mapthesystem.ca.  

What does mentoring involve? As a mentor, you will support a student team to conduct systems research on a social or environmental issue. Support may include (but is not limited to): Systems thinking research and mapping, resources on social/environmental topic selected, and review of submission materials. 

When will this happen? Mentorship of student teams will take place from February - April 2025. The weekly time commitment will vary from group-to-group depending on their needs but expect ~1-2 hours per week.  

What does this mean for you? Your assistance and support of students' systems-change research is greatly appreciated. In return for your time, you will receive our heartfelt thanks and a gift card! 

How can you apply? If you are interested in becoming a mentor, please fill in this short form. 

The deadline to apply is Friday January 31, 2025. 

If you have any questions, please contact Sara Hassan at sara.hassan@humber.ca 

The deadline to complete the SFQs is Sunday, December 8 for students in a 14-week course!

If you have already enabled the SFQs for your course, then you are all set! If not, there are visual instructions for adding your SFQ into Blackboard.

Please note:

• Set 20 minutes of in-class time for students to complete the SFQs
• Only students can access the SFQ link. You may check with your students to verify that your SFQ is active
• Check your Humber email for SFQ updates on viewing response rates and results.

As a thank you for sharing their perspectives, students who complete the SFQ are eligible to enter into a Prize draw after completing the form that goes to their emails once they've completed their SFQ. The Grand prize winner can choose between an iPad or an iPhone. This SFQ contest started on November 20 and ends on December 20, with the draw for the iPhone or iPad happening on January 3rd, 2025. The deadline to pickup your gift is January 13, if you're the lucky winner!

Please Note: As a thank you when more than 50% of the students in a faculty member's course complete the SFQ, the faculty member is automatically entered into a raffle for an on-campus food services gift card, or service at the Humber room.

Please connect with the Innovative Learning Support Centre if you need support.