A Way Forward podcast, presented by Beem Credit Union, examines the challenges that can wear down our individual and collective mental health. Host Jessica Samuels focusses on the stressors, the core issues and contributing factors, and the approaches and practices that can help address these issues. Listeners will leave feeling they have the information and tools to better manager their well-being and able to find...a way forward.
A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
Claim This Podcastby CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels
30 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇨🇦
41
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality81
Social0
YouTube0
Engagement0
Podcast Overview
A Way Forward podcast, presented by Beem Credit Union, examines the challenges that can wear down our individual and collective mental health. Host Jessica Samuels focusses on the stressors, the core issues and contributing factors, and the approaches and practices that can help address these issues. Listeners will leave feeling they have the information and tools to better manager their well-being and able to find...a way forward.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/18/2024
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41
Podcast Authority
BetaFairBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality81
Social0
YouTube0
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Recent Episodes
May 27, 2026
Episode 27: Bridging the Gap: Bringing Foundry to the Westside
<p>In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to support, and the vision behind expanding Foundry services to the Westside.</p><p>As Foundry Kelowna approaches its 10-year milestone, the discussion reflects on the impact the centre has had supporting youth ages 12–24 and their caregivers through counselling, peer support, family navigation, primary care and social services.</p><p><br>The episode also explores CMHA Kelowna’s Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign, which aims to bring a Foundry satellite location to the Westside and improve access to mental health supports for youth and families in West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation, and Peachland.</p><p><br><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>Why accessible mental health support matters for youth</li><li>The role Foundry Kelowna plays in helping young people feel heard and supported</li><li>Transportation and distance barriers facing Westside youth</li><li>The importance of awareness and helping youth know where to turn for support</li><li>Delaney’s journey founding the Walk for Mental Health at Mount Boucherie Secondary School</li><li>How community engagement will shape the future of the Westside satellite location</li><li>The long-term vision for youth mental health support in the region</li></ul><p><strong>Notable Moments</strong></p><p>“We are looking at a space where youth don’t know where to go. And we’re hoping that Foundry is that first step for them.” — Kirsten Charles</p><p>“It’s such a barrier when you don’t even know what there is to support you.” — Delaney Neukomm</p><p>“I want youth to know there’s support.” — Kirsten Charles</p><p><br><strong>For Foundry Kelowna Supports for Youth Mental Health and Wellness Services visit:</strong> https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/foundry-kelowna</p><p><br><strong>About the Campaign</strong></p><p><br>The Not Alone: Bridging the Gap campaign is focused on expanding youth mental health supports to the Westside through a satellite Foundry location. The initiative aims to make services more accessible for young people and caregivers by reducing transportation and access barriers while building stronger community connections.</p><p><br><strong>Get Involved</strong></p><p>Learn more about the campaign, become a Friend of Foundry, or support the initiative through: </p><p>· https://cmhakelowna.crowdchange.ca/146672</p><p><br><strong>Listen & Subscribe</strong></p><p>Listen to A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health wherever you get your podcasts.</p><p>To learn more about CMHA Kelowna programs and supports, visit: cmhakelowna.com </p><p>For questions about the podcast, contact: <a href="mailto:awayforward@cmhakelowna.org">awayforward@cmhakelowna.org</a></p><p><br><strong>About the Podcast </strong></p><p>A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.</p>
May 13, 2026
Mental Health in South Asian Communities
<p> </p><p>In this episode of Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District’s A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by community advocate and businessman Balzor Singh and CMHA Kelowna counsellor Sureet Dosanjh for an honest conversation about mental health in South Asian communities.</p><p>Together, they explore the realities of stigma, cultural expectations, gender roles, resilience, language barriers and the importance of culturally competent mental health support. Balzor also shares his family’s deeply personal experience navigating mental health crises and how that journey inspired him to become an advocate in the community.</p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li>How stigma around mental health continues to affect South Asian families</li><li>Why many people “suffer in silence” instead of seeking help</li><li>The pressure placed on men and women within cultural and family expectations</li><li>The impact of language and cultural understanding in counselling</li><li>Balzor Singh’s personal story supporting his mother through mental health challenges</li><li>The importance of creating safe, community-based conversations around mental health</li><li>Why culturally responsive care can help break barriers to support</li></ul><p><strong>Featured Program: South Asian Outreach Initiative</strong></p><p>Sureet Dosanjh shares details about CMHA Kelowna’s South Asian Outreach Program, which offers free and confidential counselling services in:</p><ul><li>Punjabi</li><li>Hindi</li><li>Urdu</li><li>English</li></ul><p>Services are available Tuesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rutland Community Clinic.</p><p>Community members can walk in or book an appointment through Foundry Kelowna by calling <strong>236-420-2803</strong>.</p><p><strong>Memorable moments from the conversation:</strong></p><p>“The conversation is what I need to start. I’m not looking to cure or save this person. I’m looking for a quick conversation that can lead to multiple more conversations.” — Balzor Singh</p><p>“Resiliency is a double-edged sword. People suffer in silence and convince themselves they are fine.” — Sureet Dosanjh</p><p>“Your purpose is to serve. Even if you help five or ten people, that matters.” — Balzor Singh</p><p><strong>Resources & Support<br></strong><br></p><p><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fhelpstartshere.gov.bc.ca%2FSouthAsianCommunities&data=05%7C02%7Cfelix.ugboja%40cmhakelowna.org%7C2ae1420351e44acf863d08dea3adad49%7Ca6cd20210c824e22a6b1ecca4fed6caf%7C0%7C0%7C639128163481934227%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vI4%2BxucUCIzaPnPNcI16%2FTzULQ2fpNkIq06VCrHYa90%3D&reserved=0"><strong>https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/SouthAsianCommunities</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.camh.ca%2Fen%2Fcamh-news-and-stories%2Fnew-evidence-based-tools-and-training-to-support-mental-health-of-canadians-of-south-asian-origin&data=05%7C02%7Cfelix.ugboja%40cmhakelowna.org%7C2ae1420351e44acf863d08dea3adad49%7Ca6cd20210c824e22a6b1ecca4fed6caf%7C0%7C0%7C639128163481965886%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Hi3Sklc8TVY0WBxBvMyyJhcc21mpgPVJ4HgFcrNJtu0%3D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.camh.ca/en/camh-news-and-stories/new-evidence-based-tools-and-training-to-support-mental-health-of-canadians-of-south-asian-origin</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fraserhealth.ca%2Fhealth-topics-a-to-z%2Fsouth-asian-health%2Fsouth-asian-health-institute&data=05%7C02%7Cfelix.ugboja%40cmhakelowna.org%7C2ae1420351e44acf863d08dea3adad49%7Ca6cd20210c824e22a6b1ecca4fed6caf%7C0%7C0%7C639128163481985790%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2Bt%2BEa4qzFBiWZnZaHz7h4zttQ%2BeevACQSUKmeBoN%2BYs%3D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/south-asian-health/south-asian-health-institute</strong></a></p><p><a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sochmentalhealth.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cfelix.ugboja%40cmhakelowna.org%7C2ae1420351e44acf863d08dea3adad49%7Ca6cd20210c824e22a6b1ecca4fed6caf%7C0%7C0%7C639128163482003616%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=LATDfunZ8bYhEbTKyrqlty9ofpVOJx8y%2BvAsIrBtdHs%3D&reserved=0"><strong>https://www.sochmentalhealth.com/</strong></a></p><p><br>To learn more about CMHA Kelowna programs and supports, visit: cmhakelowna.com</p><p>For questions about the podcast, contact:<br> <a href="mailto:awayforward@cmhakelowna.org"><strong>awayforward@cmhakelowna.org</strong></a></p><p> </p><p>About the Podcast<br> </p><p>A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.</p><p> </p>
April 29, 2026
Episode 25: Rising Housing Costs & Mental Health
<p>In this episode, host <strong>Jessica Samuels</strong> is joined by <strong>Jaime Edmondson</strong> (Beem Credit Union) and <strong>Mike Gawliuk </strong>(CEO CMHA Kelowna)<strong> </strong>to unpack how rising housing costs are impacting mental health across British Columbia.</p><p>From renters feeling locked out of the market to homeowners struggling with rising interest rates, this conversation explores the emotional toll of financial stress—and what support looks like.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Key Themes</strong></p><p><strong>1. The Emotional Weight of Housing Costs</strong></p><ul><li>Housing affordability is one of the <strong>top stressors affecting mental health today</strong></li><li>Feelings of <strong>hopelessness, anxiety, shame, and guilt</strong> are increasingly common</li><li>Financial stress often leads to <strong>avoidance</strong>, preventing people from seeking help</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>2. Renters vs. Homeowners: Shared Pressure, Different Realities</strong></p><ul><li>Renters: (Struggle to save due to high rent and cost of living; Many feel <strong>homeownership is out of reach)</strong></li><li>Homeowners: (Facing <strong>rising interest rates and mortgage renewals</strong>; Managing increased costs while rental income may be declining)</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>3. The “YOLO Effect” and Saving Fatigue</strong></p><ul><li>Saving for a home can take <strong>~7 years on average</strong></li><li>High monthly savings requirements lead many to give up</li><li>Result: people choose to <strong>live in the moment rather than save</strong>, reducing chances of entering the housing market</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>4. The Mental Health Impact</strong></p><ul><li>Housing is a <strong>social determinant of health</strong></li><li>Financial instability can: (Trigger or worsen mental health challenges; Increase <strong>isolation and stress cycles)</strong></li><li>Younger people are especially affected, facing long-term uncertainty</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>5. The Hidden Costs of Living</strong></p><ul><li>Beyond rent/mortgage: (Utilities, taxes, insurance, internet, repairs)</li><li>Unexpected expenses (e.g., repairs) can push people into <strong>debt cycles</strong></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>6. Shame and Financial Avoidance</strong></p><ul><li>Many people avoid financial conversations due to: Fear of judgment; Misunderstanding (e.g., mortgage renewal myths)</li><li>This avoidance often leads to <strong>worse financial outcomes</strong></li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Practical Takeaways<br></strong><br></p><p><strong>Financial Strategies</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Talk to a financial advisor early</strong></li><li>Build a <strong>clear, realistic budget</strong></li><li>Review and cut unnecessary expenses (subscriptions, etc.)</li><li>Explore restructuring debt for manageable payments</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Mental Health & Community Support</strong></p><ul><li>Seek support early—financial and emotional stress are linked</li><li>Programs available include: Rent support and eviction prevention; Financial literacy resources; Community-based assistance</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Programs & Resources Mentioned</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Central Okanagan Rent Bank: </strong><a href="https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/central-okanagan-rent-bank"><strong>https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/central-okanagan-rent-bank</strong></a> (Emergency grants/loans to prevent eviction)</li><li>BC Housing Rent Supplement (https://www.cmhakelowna.com/programs-supports/bc-housing-rent-supplement)</li><li>Financial literacy partnerships (e.g., community organizations)</li><li>Beem Credit Union programs: First Home Advantage (down payment support); Debt restructuring and advisory services</li></ul><p>More information and links can be found on the A Way Forward Podcast page at cmhakelowna.org. <br>Have questions or suggestions? Email us at awayforward@cmhakelowna.org </p><p><strong>Notable Insights</strong></p><ul><li>Many British Columbians spend <strong>30–50%+ of income on housing</strong></li><li>A significant portion are <strong>one paycheck away from financial crisis</strong></li><li>Increased housing supply does not automatically equal affordability</li></ul><p> </p><p><strong>Key Message</strong></p><p>You are not alone in feeling overwhelmed by housing costs.<br> Support exists—and starting the conversation is often the most important step.</p><p> </p><p><strong>About the Podcast</strong></p><p>A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health is presented by Beem Credit Union, supporting conversations that help build stronger, more connected communities across British Columbia.</p>
30 total episodes available
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This podcast updates bi-weekly.
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