What I heard
Participants described mental health care as too expensive, too slow and disconnected from where people live. They wanted counselling, psychiatry and peer support available in the community before a situation becomes a crisis.
Why it matters
Delays and financial barriers can allow manageable concerns to become emergencies. Accessible community support can help people remain connected to housing, work, family and daily life.
What I learned...
The sessions highlighted both clinical care and community-based support. Participants were asking for a connected system rather than a single new program or facility.
