CBRC Gets $2.8 million to Fund Investigaytors Program

This May, the Government of Canada announced $2.8 million to support 2SLGBTQI+ Mental Health.

“On May 1, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health came to the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work to announce $2.8 million in funding to the Community-Based Research Centre (CBRC). The funding will support CBRC’s ‘Investigaytors‘ program — a 2SLGBTQI+ focused community-based health leadership initiative that fosters important resources for good mental health, including mental health literacy, social connection and problem-solving skills.

The Investigaytors program was created by the CBRC in Vancouver, British Columbia in 2011. In 2016, the program expanded to Toronto, where it is run in partnership with the CRUISElab, led by University of Toronto social work Professor David Brennan. CBRC launched the program in Edmonton and Winnipeg in 2019.

‘The focus on community-engaged mental health initiatives is a critical lifeline for 2SLGBTQIA+ people,’ said Brennan, who spoke at the announcement. ‘We know there is a greater possibility of better mental health outcomes if researchers, policymakers, service providers, and governments work together for and with the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities so that they may take the lead in efforts to develop programs, knowledge, resources, and policies that enhance their mental health and wellbeing. The Investigaytors program is a tremendous success in this regard, and we are very grateful for the government and CBRC’s support.'”

(From the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work website)

Photo credit: Harry Choi Photography