HEAL

FREE arts and wellness workshops for SCARBOROUGH AND YORK REGION youth ages 13–29

If you’re going through a tough time—whether it’s stress, anxiety, or the impact of violence in your community—you don’t have to go through it alone. HEAL (Health Empowerment & Arts Leverage) is a specialised arts and wellness program for Scarborough and York Region youth ages 13–29 looking for a safe and supportive space to try new art-making techniques, explore your voice, build resiliency and coping skills, and heal.

Now in its 5th year, the HEAL program offers free weekly workshops led by trauma-informed arts facilitators. In these workshops, you will be guided through different arts activities to unpack experiences, difficulties, and trauma. You will have the chance to create original songs, poems, spoken word, and visual art pieces, using creative expression to heal and grow towards better mental health and wellness.

This program is completely free! Free food, refreshments, and transportation tokens are available at every workshop. You’ll also receive free art materials and a wellness kit valued at $50.

Your story, your voice, and your healing matter! Register or drop in at one of our Scarborough or Markham sessions.

Download the weekly workshop schedule here.

SCARBOROUGH

Dates:
March 22–May 10, 2025
Saturdays, 1pm–3pm

Location:
Next Generation Arts Youth Hub
1121 Bellamy Rd N, Unit 10
Scarborough, ON M1H 3B9

Workshops offered:
Music and Songwriting, Spoken Word Poetry, Inter-Arts

REGISTER FOR SCARBOROUGH

MARKHAM (YORK REGION)

Dates:
March 18–November 18, 2025
Tuesdays, 4pm–6pm

Location:
Aaniin Community Centre
5665 14th Ave
Markham, ON L3S 3K5

Workshops offered:
Spoken Word Poetry, Painting, Inter-Arts

REGISTER FOR MARKHAM

HEAL: AN ARTS-BASED PROGRAM FOR WELLNESS

Mental Wellness, Your Way

No lectures, no judgment—just real conversations in a safe space, culturally aware support, and tools to help you handle life’s challenges.
Healing Through Art

Use creative outlets like music, painting, poetry, and storytelling to express yourself, process emotions, and find your voice. No art experience needed—just come as you are.
Drop-in, No Pressure

Sessions take place weekly—come when you can, no commitment needed.
Join Anytime, Anywhere
Whether in-person or online, every session is designed to fit your comfort. Participate however and wherever works best for you!
More Than Just Sessions

Get free food, refreshments, and transportation tokens at every session. Free wellness kit and art materials will also be provided—because every little thing counts when it comes to your wellness.
Community & Connection

Meet mentors and peers who understand. Build friendships, share experiences, and grow in a space that respects who you are. Get introduced to mental health resources near you for when you need additional support.

OUR WORKSHOPS

SPOKEN WORD POETRY

Everyone has a story to tell. Spoken word artist Patrick de Belen will help you explore your story, dig deep into your thoughts, and heal through the power of words. In our spoken word workshops, you'll find a safe space to discover your unique voice and share it, all while connecting with others in a real and meaningful way.

*Offered in Scarborough and York Region
PAINTING

Painting is a great way to explore your feelings, express yourself, relax, and clear your mind. In these workshops, facilitator Mariz Pe guides you through colour theory, perspective, and painting techniques in a casual, friendly, and supportive environment. You get to play around with paint and colour while meeting new friends, plus, get free art materials!

*Offered in York Region
MUSIC AND SONGWRITING

Got something on your mind? Let it out and make it rhyme! Hip-hop artist Dan-e-o will help you tap into your creative flow and express your emotions through music. You’ll dive into songwriting, rhyming, flow, and performance, using these skills to help with coping and wellness. By the end of the workshops, you'll create and perform your own songs over original lyric-free beats!

*Offered in Scarborough
INTER-ARTS

Explore new ways of creating with both visuals and words! Led by Sheniz Janmohamed and Desiree McKenzie, our inter-arts workshops blend spoken word, visual arts, and poetry to help you process emotions, express yourself, and unlock your full creative potential. You'll also get the chance to experiment with different art forms, build new skills, and connect with others in a supportive space.

*Offered in Scarborough and York Region

GET INSPIRED

Listen to original music and spoken word tracks created and performed by previous HEAL Scarborough participants. All tracks were recorded, mixed, and mastered at Phase One Studios.