Research at the Wellesely Institute is focused on reducing health inequalities and improving the health of economically and socially disadvantaged urban populations. We focus in particular on the systemic social, cultural and living conditions that create health disparities. We seek to expand knowledge of the social determinants of health inequalities, and to identify interventions, strategies and policies that counter their impact and narrow the health gap.
Our current research priorities are in housing and homelessness, social exclusion, health system reform, income inequalities, and building capacity and innovation in the non-profit community sector.
We commission or undertake specific research projects. The Wellesley Institute also supports the development of community-based research (CBR) through funding and working with community organizations to enhance their capacity to conduct research and influence policy development.
In our commissioned projects, we work collaboratively with community and academic partners to identify research opportunities and do the research. Our current signature project is a five-year study of neighbourhood influences on newcomer health in the downtown Toronto neighbourhood of St. James Town.
The Wellesley Institute’s research is policy and practice relevant – focused on creating social change through public policy or practice solutions. We aim to represent community voices and interests – and the yardstick for success is tangible improvement in people’s lives, and more equitable opportunities for health.
- Recovery through the Lens of Cultural Diversity 2010
Principal Organizations: Community Resource Connections of Toronto, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Investigators: Nora Jacobson, Deqa Farah and Cultural Diversity Community of Practice
Participants: Mental health service users and family members in the Caribbean, Somali, and Tamil communities in Toronto [...]
- Drugs, Homelessness & Health: Homeless Youth Speak Out About Harm Reduction
The Shout Clinic Harm Reduction Report: 2010
Principal Organization: Shout Clinic, a site of Central Toronto Community Health Centers
Investigators: Lorraine Barnaby (principal), Patricia G. Erickson, Ph.D (co-investigator)
Authors: Lorraine Barnaby, Rebecca Penn and Patricia G. Erickson, Ph.D
Participants: High-risk, substance-using, homeless street-involved youth (aged 16-24) in Toronto
Research Methods: Peer researcher model, survey interview, focus group, arts-informed project
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- Seeing the Possibilities: The Need for a Mental Health Focus Amongst Street-Involved Youth
Recognizing and Supporting Resilience
Principal Organization: Faculty of Community Services at Ryerson University
Author: Elizabeth McCay, RN, Ph.D
Investigators: Elizabeth McCay, RN, Ph.D; John Langley, MD, FRCP (c); Heather Beanlands, RN, Ph.D; Linda Cooper, RN, Ph.D; Karen Bach, BA, MPsych; Colin Dart, MPsych; Carol Howes, MSW; Susan Miner, Social Services (Dip); Patricia Robinson, RN, C.B.S. (Dip), M. Ed.
Participants: Youth aged 16-24 in Toronto who had been without a home or without a place of their own for at least one month
Research Methods: Questionnaires, interviews, self-reporting measures, focus groups, participatory action research (PAR)
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