ADWEN: A Framework for Advancing Equity in Mental Health Promotion

Background: Persistent mental health inequities among Black, Caribbean and African immigrant communities in settler colonial states such as Canada reflect structural racism and mismatches between dominant models and community worldviews. Approach: We introduce ADWEN (Ancestry & Affirmation, Decolonization, Wellbeing, Empowerment, Narrative) as a practice-ready framework rooted in African ontology and epistemology. We synthesize conceptual foundations and offer implementation guidance across policy, services and community practice. Evidence: We braid literature and practice examples with illustrative vignettes derived from facilitated storied conversations (consented; de-identified) to demonstrate mechanism-of-action pathways. Recommendations: Comprehensive guidance for public health agencies, funding bodies, and community partners, along with evaluation indicators to assess the impact on equity. Contribution: A decolonizing, strengths-forward approach that complements and extends mainstream mental health promotion. Description