On May 28th, Homewood Health Centre hosted its 3rd Annual Mental Health Symposium—bringing together health care providers, researchers, and advocates for a powerful day of learning and inspiration. This year’s theme? Celebrating the leadership of women in mental health care
Elevating Women’s Voices in Care
This year’s theme focused on the transformative role that women-identifying professionals and advocates play in shaping the future of mental health care.
From trauma specialists to physicians and lived experience advocates, the all-female panel shared practical insights on:
- Supporting mental health through pregnancy and postpartum
- Understanding trauma, PTSD, and chronic pain
- Managing complex cases in primary care
- Mental health challenges in high-performance female athletes
Each session offered evidence-based tools and insights that can be applied in real-world care settings, especially in primary care and workplace health strategies.
Turning Research Into Action
We also spotlighted key Homewood-led initiatives, including:
- Canada’s first Chair in Women’s Mental Health and Depression, in partnership with McMaster University
- Our Women’s Trauma and Concurrent Program, one of the first of its kind in Canada
- Lived experience perspectives guiding program development and care delivery
Real Stories. Real Impact.
One of the most powerful moments of the day came from Brianna Martey, a women’s rugby athlete and mental health advocate, who shared her personal journey of navigating the pressures of elite sport while prioritizing mental well-being. Her honesty reminded us that vulnerability is a powerful form of leadership.
Innovation Begins With Listening
Homewood’s commitment to women’s mental health is more than a priority—it’s a driver of how we build solutions for the workforce. By empowering care providers, sharing new research, and amplifying women’s voices, we’re shaping a better, more responsive mental health system for all.