Building Stronger Communities: A Conversation with Mental Health Advocate Imran Kamal

In today's rapidly evolving world, the importance of community has never been clearer. At United Way Halton & Hamilton (UWHH), we believe that the health of our community is directly tied to the mental and emotional well-being of each person within it.

When mental health is supported, communities thrive; when it’s neglected, our shared resilience suffers. Our United in ACTION campaign emphasizes breaking the stigma around mental health as a core driver of community well-being. Building a supportive community takes collective action, open dialogue, and advocates passionate about dismantling the stigma that keeps mental health challenges hidden.

One such advocate is Imran Kamal —a dedicated member of UWHH’s Community Impact Cabinet who also serves in UWHH’s Sopinka Legal Luncheon committee.

Imran’s work shines a spotlight on mental health challenges within the legal profession and the broader community. He’s an inspiring example of how open conversations can lead to real change. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Imran to discuss his journey with United Way and his mission to drive mental health awareness forward.

Q: How did you first become involved with United Way Halton & Hamilton, and what does it mean to you?

Imran: I initially got involved while I was a lawyer in Hamilton. I attended my first United Way Sopinka Luncheon and felt so inspired that I joined the organizing committee. From there, I learned more about the impactful work United Way Halton & Hamilton does across our communities. I became a donor shortly after because I realized how vital the organizations and causes they support are to the community.

About three years ago, I was asked to join the campaign cabinet, which was an incredible opportunity to understand the organization from a broader perspective. It allowed me to connect with the community on a deeper level and to contribute to moving UWHH’s mission forward.

Q: When you think about our pillar of “Healthy People in Strong Communities,” what does that mean for you? What do you feel a healthy community is?

Imran: A healthy community has so many layers. For me, it’s about a place where community members feel empowered, where diversity within the community is celebrated, and where people are truly thriving—not just surviving. Right now, with so many issues affecting society, it often feels like people are stuck in survival mode. But a healthy community goes beyond just meeting basic needs; it’s a place where individuals, families, and people are moving beyond the bottom line. They’re achieving goals, fulfilling potential, and living in a way that enriches the whole community.”

Q: As a vocal advocate for mental health support and awareness, how do you feel mental health impacts a community?

Imran: We’re at a really unique point in time regarding the conversation around mental health. On one hand, we’re facing a crisis. Coming out of the pandemic, we’re seeing mental health and addiction rates reaching record highs. The pandemic’s impact on mental health was massive, and we’re only now fully recognizing its effects on individuals and communities.

But on the positive side, I’m seeing organizations, institutions, companies, and professions taking meaningful steps to destigmatize mental health and invest in supports. It’s almost like we’re at the start of a new era, where people are becoming more comfortable discussing their struggles and reaching out for help. That’s a powerful shift, even though the rising demand reflects the need for more support now than ever before.

Q: Are you sensing a generational shift in attitudes toward mental health and its stigma?

Imran: I actually think we’re having these conversations because of the younger generation. Just yesterday, I was giving a presentation on mental health advocacy, and I thanked Gen Z for bringing this issue to our attention. This was in a professional setting, specifically within the legal profession, where stigma around mental health used to suggest that if you had mental health challenges, it was because you were lazy or couldn’t perform. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Mental health conditions are medical, just like any other illness. If someone has cancer, it’s not because they’re lazy; it’s because they have cancer. The same holds true for mental health, and Gen Z is helping us all understand and accept this reality.

But this shift also needs a collaborative approach. We need senior leaders to come on board and foster safe spaces for these discussions, and thankfully, the next generation is pushing us all in that direction.

Q: What’s your advice to a community member who might be struggling with their mental health but doesn’t know where to turn?

Imran: I think the hardest part is actually being willing to ask for help. My advice? Start by finding informal support—whether it’s a friend, family member, or community group—that can bring you to a place where you feel comfortable asking for help. Once you take that step, you’ll find that our community offers an abundance of support.

We’re very fortunate in the Hamilton and Halton region to have many resources available, though it's worth noting that these services are often under-resourced, with long waitlists. So, while supports aren’t always easily accessible, they’re there, and they make a big difference. I’d suggest building a support network to help you take that next step, whether it’s professional or informal support.

I also recommend utilizing coordinated services like 211 , which connects individuals with local resources, or specialized programs. For addiction support, for example, there’s ConnexOntario , which helps navigate available rehab services across the province. Halton region and Hamilton also have similar services to guide people through complex systems. Lean on these coordinated supports—they’re here to help you.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial 211 to connect with local resources for immediate support.

Click here to learn more on how UWHH is fostering mental wellness in our community through the Healthy People, Strong Communities pillar.

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