HEAL

FREE arts and wellness workshops for Scarborough and York Region youth ages 14–29 (program currently closed)

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 specialized arts and wellness program for Scarborough and York Region youth ages 13–29, offering a safe and supportive space to explore your voice, build resilience, and heal through creative expression.

The HEAL program is currently paused. We hope to offer it again. Stay tuned for updates.

HEAL: AN ARTS-BASED PROGRAM FOR WELLNESS

  • Two people sitting at a white table having a conversation. The person on the left is wearing a red sports shirt, and the person on the right is holding a green pen, with a red cup in front of her. There is a large green plant behind them, and a window with white curtains and bars.

    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.

  • A watercolor paint set with a brush resting on pink paint and various other colors visible in the palette.

    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.

  • Two women painting on canvases at a table inside a room, with a window showing outdoor trees and buildings.

    Drop-in, No Pressure

    Sessions take place weekly—come when you can, no commitment needed.

  • A man with tattoos, wearing a black and white trucker hat, is talking in front of a camera set up on a tripod, as a woman appears on the camera screen for a video call or interview.

    Join Anytime, Anywhere

    Whether in-person or online, every session is designed to fit your comfort. Participate however and wherever works best for you!

  • Lush skincare products, a notebook, a green pen, and branded merchandise from Next Generation Arts on a white surface.

    More Than Just Sessions

    Get transportation tokens at every session. Free art materials will also be provided—because every little thing counts when it comes to your wellness.

  • Two smiling women embracing each other, one with dark skin and black curly hair, and the other with light skin and straight black hair with red highlights, against a plain light background.

    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

    A man with tattoos, a beard, and a black beanie is speaking into a microphone and smiling.

  • 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

    People painting with watercolors at a table filled with paint palettes, brushes, water jars, and art supplies.

  • 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

    A man with a microphone speaking and a woman listening with a smile, standing against a plain wall.

  • INTER-ARTS

    Explore new ways of creating with both visuals and words! 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

    Person writing on a large sheet of paper with a black marker, surrounded by scattered photos and papers on a table.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR FACILITATORS

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.

QUESTIONS?

Anju Arora, Projects Manager
anju@nextgenerationarts.ca
437-255-5322

program funders

Logo of Kiwanis International featuring a blue and white circular emblem with a 'K' in the center, and the words 'Kiwanis Toronto' in blue text.