The MWF is a multi-agency partnering initiative that aims to reach out to culturally diverse populations in Hamilton to provide education about mental health and community resources. The idea for the multicultural wellness fair was born out of the Facilitating Mental Health and Addictions Action and Inclusion Project in 2012. This outreach project led by HCCI found that despite there being a large culturally diverse population in Hamilton, many do not access and/or are not aware of services available to them in the community, due to a number of barriers, including myths and stigma about mental health and accessing needed supports.
Participating groups include, but are not limited to, Mental Health and Addictions, Counselling Services, Physical Wellbeing, Housing, Nutrition, and Cultural Community Associations. It is recommended that service providers bring information about their agency in different languages, if available.