African & Caribbean Black Elders Leading the way
project summary
At Our Solid Roots Association, we believe in the power of community engagement and understanding, and this project aims to empower the Afro and Caribbean community to address substance use within their midst. Through open and meaningful conversations with community members, we sought to comprehend the impact of substance use on individuals and families. By listening to their experiences and insights, we gained valuable perspectives on the support systems available and identified areas where resources could be more effective for survivors.
project outcomes
The OSRA team were able to speak with 17 elders, 10 older adults and 11 young adults as part of community building. Insights included:
A need for safe spaces where individuals feel heard, seen, and supported in their struggles
Importance of peer connection and wanting to speak with others who share similar lived experiences
Resources are not openly available due to stigma
Cultural differences in upbringing were noted as part of the difficulties in seeking help
Afrocentric cultural practices are rich and unique
