Well-being and Faith: Supporting the Muslim community at TMU

All TMU community members are invited to celebrate Islamic Heritage Month to mark the official introduction of the support services in the form of spiritual counselling at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). 

Hosted by the Muslim Employee Community Network and the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI), this event aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diversity of the Muslim community, the unique mental well-being considerations and what supports are available for Muslim students, faculty and staff.

What to expect

Imam Yasin Dwyer, a chaplain at the University of Toronto and spiritual care provider, will introduce himself to the TMU community and share insights on the mental, spiritual and emotional challenges facing Muslims today, including the impact of global conflicts and mental health stigma. He will also be offering spiritual counselling for all students that are interested, one day a week on our campus.

Following Imam Yasin's talk, he will join Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion, Dr. Tanya (Toni) De Mello, for a conversation about:

• The intersectional identities within the Muslim community and how they shape mental health needs.
• Ways the TMU community can foster a more inclusive, supportive environment for all.

After the discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions. 

Light refreshments will be served.

Gain valuable insights to foster a more inclusive environment

This event will offer valuable perspectives for everyone, particularly those in student-support roles, by promoting understanding, empathy and solidarity: 

• Muslim community members will learn about faith-based mental health services from Imam Yasin, which are inclusive, professional, and empathetic.
• Non-Muslim attendees will gain understanding on how to provide informed support to Muslim students, faculty and staff, and where to refer them for mental health and spiritual support.

About Imam Yasin Dwyer

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Jamaican parents, Imam Yasin is the Executive Director and Lead Chaplain of the Muslim Chaplaincy of Toronto. Prior to this role, Imam Yasin was part of the multi-faith chaplaincy team at Queen’s University. He has lectured extensively on topics such as religion and the arts, Black Canadian culture and the history of Muslims in the West. While working alongside many non-profit organizations in Canada, Imam Yasin was the first full-time Muslim chaplain to work with the Correctional Service of Canada, a position he held for 12 years. As well, Imam Yasin is a long time board member of the Montreal based Institut Route de la Soie/Silk Road Institute, which is dedicated to expressing Canadian Muslim narratives through the visual, auditory and performing arts.

This event is wheelchair accessible

The university is committed to the accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. If you require any additional accessibility accommodations to ensure your full participation, please let us know on the registration form or email the co-chairs of the Muslim Employee Community Network: Farhan Zia, farhanzia@torontomu.ca and Imran Ali imran.a.ali@torontomu.ca.  

Questions?

If you have any questions, please email the co-chairs of the Muslim Employee Community Network: Farhan Zia, farhanzia@torontomu.ca and Imran Ali imran.a.ali@torontomu.ca.