Wellesley Institute
LightNews LightNews
banner
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Wellesley Institute
@wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
680 followers 710 following 190 posts
Wellesley Institute works in research and policy to improve health and health equity in the Greater Toronto Area through action on the social determinants of health.

📬 Subscribe to our newsletter: https://wellesleyinstitute.com/subscribe/
Posts Replies Media Videos
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
𝗪𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴!
We are hiring a 12-month research contract position to support Wellesley Institute's projects which aim to improve health equity in Ontario.
Deadline: Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. ET.
Learn more: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/about/career...
December 5, 2025 at 2:49 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Our December e-news is out!
Check out our latest research and policy work focused on improving health and health equity in the GTA.
mailchi.mp/wellesleyins...
December 3, 2025 at 5:52 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
With funding from the Metcalf Foundation, Wellesley Institute is conducting research to learn how care professions can support ECE and PSW workers’ health and well-being, so they can thrive.
Learn more: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/care-economy...
A picture of an education worker with three young children in a classroom. They are smiling facing the camera.
November 28, 2025 at 5:48 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Our researcher Christine Sheppard is part of an expert panel for a conversation on how Canada can better support people with disabilities, to not just to survive, but to truly thrive.
Register for this 𝐢𝐧-𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧 or 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 event here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Set against a light green background with a graphic of a tree - half is covered in leaves and the other half is bare. Speaker Series From Surviving to Thriving Reimagining Disability Supports in Canada December 3, 2025 | 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm DCC-705, 288 Church St, Toronto Pictures of panelists in circular frames: Dr. Christine Sheppard Researcher, Wellesley Institute; Hubert Van Niekerk, Executive Director, Every Canadian Counts; Dr. Nadia Carvalho, Research Associate Consultant CERC HECW Metropolitan University Logo - bottom right corner Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing Two speech bubble with the text: Top speech bubble: Explore what it takes for people with disabilities to move beyond survival and access the supports they need to flourish Bottom speech bubble: Join experts as they examine the policies and practices that can advance inclusion, wellbeing and, opportunity.
November 27, 2025 at 2:54 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Our latest research on racism in primary healthcare recommends cultural safety for Indigenous populations should be a core component of healthcare education. Policymakers should also engage in training. Read the full set of recommendations:
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/supporting-a...
White font against a blue background read: Addressing anti-Indigenous racism in primary care services: OUR KEY RECOMMENDATIONS
November 21, 2025 at 2:27 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
The decline in life expectancy is one of Ontario’s biggest health emergencies ever, but it is going on under the radar. Our latest blog calls on Ontario to create a plan to reverse the decline.
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/ontario-need...
The decline in life expectancy is one of Ontario’s biggest health emergencies ever, but it is going on under the radar. In Wellesley Institute's latest blog, Christine Sheppard and Kwame McKenzie argue that Ontario needs a plan to reverse the decline. https://www.wellesleyinstitute.com/ontario-needs-a-plan-to-reverse-the-decline-in-life-expectancy/ #lifeexpectancy
November 19, 2025 at 4:18 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Are you a registered Early Childhood Educator working in Toronto? Wellesley Institute wants to hear from you!
Help improve job quality in childcare by taking our short, confidential, online survey.
To learn more or participate: www.surveymonkey.com/r/XZFPZ5T
Thriving workplaces for Early Childhood Educations Wellesley Institute logo Tell us about your experience as an Early Childhood Educator! Are you: Working as an ECE? Employed in Toronto? Fluent in English? You can: Complete a short online survey Participate in a virtual focus group You may be eligible to participate in this study! The study will assess how ECEs can have jobs that maximize their opportunities for a healthier life. Scan this QR Code to complete a quick 15 minute survey! For more information, please contact: Anoushka.Chandarana@WellesleyInstitute.com This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board [REB 2025-292] and is funded by the Metcalf Foundation.
November 17, 2025 at 4:52 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
This report produced for Wellesley Institute by an Indigenous-led research team at @unityhealthto.bsky.social identifies and analyzes existing programs and frameworks that aim to mitigate anti-Indigenous racism within primary healthcare services in Ontario.
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/supporting-a...
A top view image of a spiritual smudge kit on a black background. Text reads: New research report Supporting Agency, Facing Equity: An environmental scan of Indigenous cultural safety training for primary care providers
November 17, 2025 at 2:44 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Today is #WorldDiabetesDay. The latest research by Wellesley Institute shows social support, especially from family and peers, is a key factor in managing and reducing the risk of diabetes.

Learn more. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/social-deter...
A group of Black adults sit at a dinner table. A middle aged woman serves salad to others. People are happy and talking. New research Social support from family and peers is key with diabetes #WorldDiabetesDay
November 14, 2025 at 2:39 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Culturally tailored diabetes management programs for Black & South Asian-origin populations have shown positive outcomes in improving HbA1c levels, weight & physical activity. Our report examines social determinants of health interventions for diabetes.
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/examining-so...
Two South Asian-origin men, one middle aged and the other older, chat and smile while looking at a laptop in a living room setting. The older man is holding a mug. New research Culturally tailored programs have shown promise for managing diabetes
November 12, 2025 at 2:42 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
November 14 is World Diabetes Day. Our latest research report examines the effectiveness of social determinant of health interventions for diabetes in Black and South Asian-origin populations. Read the report.
#WorldDiabetesDay #diabetes
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/examining-so...
An picture of a Black middle aged woman checking her blood sugar in her kitchen. She has long hair and glasses and is wearing a yellow top. Text: New research report Social determinants of health interventions for diabetes in Black and South Asian-origin populations in Ontario: An international systematic review
November 11, 2025 at 2:47 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Are you a Personal Support Worker working in Toronto?

Wellesley Institute wants to hear from you!
Help improve job quality for healthcare workers by taking our short, confidential, online survey.

To learn more or participate: www.surveymonkey.com/r/SCS8JD5
Thriving Workplaces for Personal Support Work Tell us about your experience as a Personal Support Worker!'Are you: Working as a PSW? Employed in Toronto? Fluent in English? You can: Complete a short online survey Participate in a virtual focus group You may be eligible to participate in this study! The study will assess how PSWs can have jobs that maximize their opportunities for a healthier life. For more information, please contact: Anoushka.Chandarana@WellesleyInstitute.com Scan this QR code to complete a quick 15-minute survey! This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Toronto Metropolitan University Research Ethics Board [REB 2025-292] and is funded by the Metcalf Foundation.
November 7, 2025 at 7:16 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
To improve health outcomes in Black and South Asian-origin groups, targeted programs must address barriers to healthcare access & acknowledge the sociocultural, environmental & economic factors that contribute to diabetes risk. Read the research report: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/examining-so...
November 7, 2025 at 3:41 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
What makes diabetes management more challenging for Black and South-Asian populations in Ontario?
- Underemployment
- Long work hours
- Living on a low income
- Lack of transportation
November 5, 2025 at 3:24 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Black & South Asian-origin populations in ON have some of the highest rates of diabetes - and are disproportionately affected by poverty, food insecurity and poor housing. Our paper shows how these are linked to a higher risk of diabetes & complications: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/examining-so...
An image of a Black man in an orange shirt, sitting on his bed and checking his blood sugar. Text reads: New research report: It's about more than biology: Why Black and South Asian populations in Ontario are at higher risk for diabetes
November 3, 2025 at 4:16 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
We cannot sacrifice those in Canada who need our help the most in the service of other goals. Wellesley Institute would welcome the following included in next week's federal budget to help all Canadians thrive. www.wellesleyinstitute.com/federal-budg... @jesserosenberg.bsky.social
#FederalBudget
October 31, 2025 at 1:38 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Presenting our 2025-26 board of directors: Paul Jonathan Saguil, Chair; Jayashree G., Vice-Chair; David Cai; Dr. Andrew Terence Lam; Dr. David McKeown; Devan Moodley; Adebisi Saliu, Karen Soldatić and Joseph Worndl
Learn more about our great governance team www.wellesleyinstitute.com/.../governan...
Against a blue background: 2025-2026 Board of Directors Welcome to our new and returning Board of Directors - Wellesley Institute Logol. In two circular frames, Wellesley Institute Chair Paul Jonathan Saguil and Vice-Chair Jayashree Goswami face the camera
October 29, 2025 at 2:19 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Wellesley Institute researcher Maura Eswaradas talks about her latest work which sheds light on inequities in life expectancy in Ontario.
Read the report: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/inequitable-...
October 28, 2025 at 3:52 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Our latest research examines which populations were most impacted by the decline in life expectancy between 2016 and 2021 and which causes of death were linked to these changes. #lifeexpectancy
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/inequitable-...
October 27, 2025 at 3:18 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
The barriers to equitable Indigenous healthcare in Ontario are not only in individual actions, finds our latest research report. The most significant issues are the still-ongoing colonial systems that are the foundation of healthcare and education.
www.wellesleyinstitute.com/bridges-and-...
October 24, 2025 at 1:35 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
“The barriers to equitable Indigenous healthcare are tall, but they are not impossible to climb. Indigenous community members simply ask to be joined on the bridge.”
Read our latest research report lead by researcher Dr. Mikaela D. Gabriel: www.wellesleyinstitute.com/bridges-and-...
October 22, 2025 at 1:34 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Our latest research paper, produced for Wellesley Institute by an Indigenous-led research team at @unityhealthto.bsky.social, draws on knowledge shared by Indigenous community members, Elders & patient navigators to explore barriers to achieving equitable healthcare in Ont. for Indigenous Peoples.
Smudging, Spiritual Burning and Smoking Sage Smudge Stick. Salvia Incense. Text reads: New research report: Bridges and barriers: Exploring healthcare access and services for Indigenous Peoples.
October 20, 2025 at 2:49 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
At Wellesley Institute, Empathy, Understanding, Action and Impact come together to create healthier, fairer lives for all those who call the Greater Toronto Area home.
Learn more at: www.wellesleyinstitute.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:57 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
We are pleased to share this opportunity via the Black Health Alliance for Black 2SLGBTQI+ youth to participate in a focus group about their experiences accessing mental healthcare. An honorarium is provided and registration is mandatory: www.surveymonkey.com/r/DJYTPZD
September 29, 2025 at 4:40 PM
wellesleyinstitute.bsky.social
Wellesley Institute CEO Dr. Kwame McKenzie is in New York this week at the #UNWA80. Here is his picture of WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus opening the meeting celebrating the inclusion of mental health & a high level meeting & agreement to increase access to 150+ million.
September 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM