Breaking Barriers to Employment: Mental Health, Inclusion & the Power of Purpose with Julie Henshaw

About this episode

This episode discusses the barriers to employment faced by individuals with mental health issues and features Julie Henshaw from Stride, who advocates for inclusive employment practices.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association in Ontario, up to 90% of Canadians living with serious mental illnesses are unemployed, while individuals with a mental health-related disability face an employment rate of just 46%. Stigma, discrimination, limited workplace accommodations, and a lack of support continue to create significant barriers to meaningful employment and long-term career success. On this episode of Let’s Have This Conversation, we sit down with Julie Henshaw, MSW, RSW, Executive Director of Stride, to explore how inclusive employment practices can transform lives, strengthen communities, and create healthier workplaces for everyone. With more than 20 years of experience in the community mental health and addictions sector, Julie brings a compassionate and deeply relational approach to leadership. Her work across residential, community, and hospital settings has given her a comprehensive understanding of Ontario’s mental healthcare system and the complex realities facing individuals navigating mental health and addiction challenges. Stride is helping change the conversation around employment by supporting youth (16+) and adults struggling with mental…

People in this episode

Host: Kevin McShan

Guest: Julie Henshaw

Topics covered

• mental health
• employment
• inclusion
• stigma
• community support
• career success

Keywords

• mental health
• employment barriers
• inclusion
• job readiness
• community mental health
• addiction support
• workplace accommodations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Canadian Mental Health Association, Stride

Places: Ontario

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