Natural Helpers for the Children
Learning Circle

Background

The Natural Helpers for the Children Learning Circle (Natural Helpers) is an innovative program developed through a partnership between Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), Child and Youth Milopemahtesewin Services (CYMS) in Moosonee/Moose Factory, ON, and Infant and Early Mental Health Promotion (IEMHP). In this project, local Indigenous leaders worked with non-Indigenous infant and early mental health experts in the creation of a unique community-based approach to better supporting young children and their families.

Approach

The goal of Natural Helpers is to build community capacity to positively influence prenatal, infant and early mental health. This is achieved through a series of facilitated conversations with engaged community members who share a common interest in better supporting local families with young children. The initiative acknowledges that the community as a whole plays an important role in supporting little ones, and that every individual has something valuable to contribute to their community and future generations. The program builds upon local strengths and capacity, recognizing how the traditional culture and ways of being and knowing are essential to the health and wellbeing of young children and their families. 

This multi-part learning circle is designed with a broad audience in mind to include parents, caregivers, extended family, professionals, students, and any other interested community members. The modules are co-delivered by Indigenous community leaders and non-Indigenous IEMH experts. The pilot, which consisted of 12 Moosonee & Moose Factory participants, was made up of 8 modules as presented in the image above.