Did you know? October is recognized as Women’s History Month in Canada! To help support women’s mental health and wellbeing, we’ve curated a list of national resources that may help increase knowledge and understanding, as well as local organizations serving Waterloo Region, whose programs and services may support positive mental health and wellbeing for women.
Women’s Mental Health Report by Mental Health Research Canada
https://www.mhrc.ca/research-briefs
This report, completed in collaboration with Greenshield, “explores women’s mental health across key life stages, recognizing that needs shift with each transition. By integrating data, lived experienced, and diverse perspectives, we aim to provide a deeper understanding of how life’s transitions intersect with gender, income, race, and other identity factors” p. 5.
The report includes data and statistics, quotes from female health leaders, and highlights the importance of sustainable community programs that support women.
Women and Suicide Prevention Toolkit – CMHA Alberta & Centre for Suicide Prevention
https://www.suicideinfo.ca/local_resource/women-and-suicide/
This toolkit was reviewed by three experts, and includes information about risk factors, warning signs, and protective factors for women. As well, the toolkit provides suggestions for staying mentally healthy and how we can work to reduce suicide amongst women.
Suicide in Women and Girls – International Association for Suicide Prevention
https://www.iasp.info/suicideinwomenandgirls/
The International Association for Suicide Prevention coordinates a Suicide in Women and Girls Taskforce that “works to understand data trends, influencing factors and effective interventions around female suicidal behaviour to encourage the development of evidence-based, evaluated approaches and interventions to preventing suicide in women and younger girls.” The IASP hopes to utilize research completed by the task force to advocate for policy changes, implement communication campaigns, and pilot program interventions.
The Black Women’s Institute for Health
Black Women’s Institute for Health | Health for ALL Black Women
The Black Women’s Institute for Health helps Black women and girls to access culturally informed care, with a community focused approach. Through their Healing Pathways program, the Institute provides free therapy for Black youth and adults across Canada.
Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health
The Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health works with research, policy, practice and community partners to mobilize evidence to action on women’s health issues. For example, one of their recent publications related to mental health is: Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing with Endometriosis (2025).
Women’s Services in Waterloo Region
There are also a variety of community-based organizations which provide mental health and wellbeing services to women. These organizations include:
- Kind Minds Family Wellness, hosts a “Healing Horizons” group in collaboration with the Sexual Assault Support Centre of Waterloo Region
- Coalition of Muslim Women
- Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region
- Empowering Women For Tomorrow | Focus for Ethnic Women
- SHORE Centre, provides inclusive, trauma-informed sexual and reproductive healthcare.
- Rhythm & Blues Cambridge, hosts a leadership program for Black, female youth called “Black Girl Excellence”
- Adventure 4 Change, which hosts a variety of family programming.
*Please note, this list is not exhaustive. Some of the organizations may provide services for other members of our community as well. If you have suggestions for additional organizations to include, please contact us.
Further Resources
- Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council, “Life Transitions Campaign”, which provides information on suicide risk through life transitions including menopause and new parenthood.
- Adult/All Ages Resources