Ontario is recognizing two graduate students with the Hilary M. Weston Scholarship for their outstanding work and contributions to the study of mental health. Each year, the $7,500 scholarship is awarded to up to two graduate students enrolled in full-time social work programs at a publicly funded Ontario university to support their research in the mental health field.
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, was joined virtually by Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and the Honourable Hilary Weston to present the awards to Amar Ghelani and Zana London.
"Mr. Ghelani and Ms. London are excellent choices for this scholarship as they represent the values that make our province great," said Minister MacLeod. "Their passion and drive to close gaps and break down barriers in the mental health field is helping us better understand and support those living with mental health challenges. I offer my congratulations to both recipients and wish them all the best in their future endeavours."
Amar Ghelani, a PhD student in the faculty of social work at Wilfrid Laurier University and registered social worker with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), will receive the award for his research on the impact of cannabis use on the social relationships of young people with first episode psychosis. The Hilary M. Weston scholarship will allow Amar to continue his studies so that the social work sector will continue to benefit from his compassion and commitment for many years to come.
Zana London, a Master of Social Work student at the University of Toronto and clinical pharmacist, will receive the award for her advocacy for patient care and holistic approach to mental health prevention and support. The Hilary M. Weston scholarship will help Zana continue her studies and her work in mental health prevention and support, with a focus on women. She is committed to leveraging her experiences and training to change the face of mental health for the better.
"Now, more than ever, we must all focus on prioritizing mental health," said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "I am incredibly pleased to see Ontario's post-secondary students raising awareness around the mental health challenges that affect more than one million Ontarians each year. My heartfelt congratulations to both of today's (March 22) award recipients for their invaluable contributions that will advance research around mental health and addictions."
"As it continues to evolve, the field of mental health is fortunate to have passionate young leaders like Amar and Zana with hands on experience, who are ensuring progress is reflected in vital services in Ontario," said the Honourable Hilary M. Weston. "It is evident, their work - both inside and outside the classroom - will ensure mental health care, compassion and understanding is accessible to everyone."
The Government of Ontario established the scholarships in honour of Hilary M. Weston, the province's 26th Lieutenant Governor. It recognizes her legacy and contributions in the area of mental health.
"Mr. Ghelani and Ms. London are excellent choices for this scholarship as they represent the values that make our province great," said Minister MacLeod. "Their passion and drive to close gaps and break down barriers in the mental health field is helping us better understand and support those living with mental health challenges. I offer my congratulations to both recipients and wish them all the best in their future endeavours."
Amar Ghelani, a PhD student in the faculty of social work at Wilfrid Laurier University and registered social worker with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), will receive the award for his research on the impact of cannabis use on the social relationships of young people with first episode psychosis. The Hilary M. Weston scholarship will allow Amar to continue his studies so that the social work sector will continue to benefit from his compassion and commitment for many years to come.
Zana London, a Master of Social Work student at the University of Toronto and clinical pharmacist, will receive the award for her advocacy for patient care and holistic approach to mental health prevention and support. The Hilary M. Weston scholarship will help Zana continue her studies and her work in mental health prevention and support, with a focus on women. She is committed to leveraging her experiences and training to change the face of mental health for the better.
"Now, more than ever, we must all focus on prioritizing mental health," said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. "I am incredibly pleased to see Ontario's post-secondary students raising awareness around the mental health challenges that affect more than one million Ontarians each year. My heartfelt congratulations to both of today's (March 22) award recipients for their invaluable contributions that will advance research around mental health and addictions."
"As it continues to evolve, the field of mental health is fortunate to have passionate young leaders like Amar and Zana with hands on experience, who are ensuring progress is reflected in vital services in Ontario," said the Honourable Hilary M. Weston. "It is evident, their work - both inside and outside the classroom - will ensure mental health care, compassion and understanding is accessible to everyone."
The Government of Ontario established the scholarships in honour of Hilary M. Weston, the province's 26th Lieutenant Governor. It recognizes her legacy and contributions in the area of mental health.
Quick Facts
- The recipients were chosen by an independent selection committee in recognition of their academic excellence and commitment to advancing mental health research.
- Each recipient receives $7,500. The annual application period closes on December 15.
- By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have - or have had - a mental illness.
- Since 2019-20, the government has invested $350 million in mental health and addictions. This is part of Ontario's commitment to invest $3.8 billion over 10 years guided by the provincial mental health and addictions strategy, Roadmap to Wellness, a plan to create a comprehensive and connected mental health and addictions system in Ontario.
- Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario has provided an additional $194 million in COVID-19 emergency funding to support mental health and addictions services and supports. These funds are helping address the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on Ontarian's mental health, including: Kids Help Phone has seen a 48% increase in kids reaching out with substance use issues (Source: Kids Help Phone, May 2020) and, 85% of Ontarians surveyed in August 2020 say mental health will worsen the longer the pandemic goes on (Source: Pollara, p.35).
Additional Resources
