There is a question I keep returning to in this work: What does healing look like when it isn't something we do alone? On May 15, I'll be sitting with that question at the Black Mental Health Virtual Conference, in a session close to my heart: "From Trauma to Collective Healing: Culturally Rooted, Healing-Centered Approaches for Black Children, Families, and Communities." For nearly two decades, my work has lived at the intersection of trauma recovery and cultural belonging, grounded in the conviction that healing is not an individual project. It is held in relationships, rooted in ancestry, and carried forward by community. So much of what shows up as "trauma response" is, more honestly, the body's intelligent answer to a world that has not always been safe. The frameworks I've come to trust, and that I'll be sharing, start there: with the wisdom in our communities, the wisdom in our bodies, and the practices that bring us back to one another. If this work calls to you, as a clinician, educator, caregiver, or someone holding your own healing, I would be honored to have you in the room. May 15 | 10:00 AM EST | Virtual Registration link in the graphics. #BlackMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #HealingCenteredEngagement #CommunityHealing

From TCNEWS World Thinking Day was marked on February 22 as Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the world reflected on gender equality, environmental sustainability and the mental wellbeing of young women, with advocates urging governments and communities to accelerate action for girls’ rights. Speaking to our correspondent via WhatsApp, the Secretary General of the Harrison Goodness Foundation, Dr Mrs Gloria Harrison, a United Kingdom based psychiatrist, said the annual observance remained a vital platform for global solidarity at a time when girls face widening social and psychological pressures. Dr Harrison said World Thinking Day underscored the shared experiences of girls across borders, particularly in countries such as Nigeria where barriers to education, healthcare and protection continue to affect millions. She described the day as an opportunity to move beyond celebration and focus on practical solutions that empower girls to reach their full potential. She said the Harrison Goodness Foundation has prioritised programmes aimed at supporting the female child through education advocacy, mentorship, community mental health awareness and targeted assistance for vulnerable girls. According to her, the foundation’s work focuses on keeping girls in school, strengthening self confidence and promoting emotional resilience as a foundation for long term development. Drawing from her professional experience, Dr Harrison said adolescent girls are increasingly exposed to anxiety, depression and trauma linked to poverty, inequality and social instability. She noted that early intervention, access to mental health services and supportive family and school environments are essential to preventing lifelong consequences. She urged governments to invest more decisively in girl focused policies, including quality education, youth friendly mental health services and the enforcement of child protection laws. She also called on parents, educators and community leaders to challenge harmful social norms and create safe spaces where girls can express themselves and develop leadership skills.