CMHA’s Mental Health Week is an annual national event that takes place during the second week of May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on issues related to mental health. This year’s theme is Mental Health For All. Mental Health Week will focus on key topics that will help the public have a broader understanding of mental health, including: Mental Health is Everyones Concern, Stigma and Discrimination, Resiliency – at Home, at School, at Work, Staying on Top of Your Game, and Kids Have Stress Too
More information on Mental Health Week is available at www.mentalhealthweek.ca. You can find a schedule of special events here.
Ongoing Events:
Living Life to the Full Tips Campaign (May 7-13)
Join CMHA BC Division on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest for daily tips for Living Life to the Full. Share our tips – or your own – for a chance to win a fun Mental Health Week prize pack. Visit www.llttf.ca for more tips and skills.
CMHA Calgary Twitter Chats
Visit www.twitter.com/#!/CMHACalgary for tweets on mental health topics from CMHA Calgary. In a series especially for Mental Health Week 2012 professionals and peer mentors will be available to take questions, provide local resources and helpful mental health-related information from 11am to noon PST. Topics include Wellness and Work, Stigma, Children’s Mental Health, Peer Support and Mind and Body Health.
CMHA Richmond Branch Pathways Clubhouse Display (May 7-9)
Drop by CMHA Richmond Branch’s information display to increase your mental health awareness, learn more about local mental health services and resources, and grab some fun giveaways. 10am-6pm (until 9pm on Thursday) located at Landsdowne Centre, 5300 No. 3 Road, between Zellers and the food court. For more information, visit www.richmond.cmha.bc.ca.
Strathcona Team: Mental Health Week 2012 Events (May 8-10)
Every year, Strathcona Mental Health Team provides a one-week opportunity for the community to come together to discuss issues related to mental health and addictions. The talks are open to everyone but space is limited to 100 people. The talks will take place at 330 Heatley Ave, Vancouver. For more information call 604-253-4401.
- Tuesday May 8, 10am-12pm: Covering the Bases in the Inner City: Which Programs are Supposed to Support Which Population of People?
- Tuesday May 8, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Are You Too Depressed to Find or Keep Work: The Latest Thinking on the Treatment of Depression.
- Wednesday May 9, 10am-12pm: Major Mental Illness Unplugged: What are the Common Symptoms and/or Experiences for People and What is Generally Helpful.
- Wednesday May 9, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Police and Mental Health: Partners in Community Care.
- Thursday May 10, 10am-12pm: Personality Disorders: What are They, and How Do You Treat Them.
- Thursday May 10, 1:30pm-3:30pm: Concurrent Disorders: The Challenges and Benefits of Moving Towards Recovery.
Pathways Clubhouse Thrift Store Sale (May 8-12)
Everything at CMHA Richmond Branch’s Pathways Clubhouse Thrift Store will be 50% for Mental Health Week. See what treasures you can find 10am-2:30 pm at 7351 Elmbridge Way (between Alderbridge and Minoru Blvd.). Call 604-276-8834 for more information.
Events on May 7th, 2012
Stand Up for Mental Health Comedy Show
To kick off Mental Health Week, Stand Up for Mental Health Comedy Society is having a show on Monday May 7 at 8pm at the Shadbolt Centre James Cowan Theatre, 6450 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby. Stand Up for Mental Health teaches stand-up comedy to people with mental illness as a way of building confidence and fighting public stigma. The show will feature David Granirer and the Stand Up for Mental Health 2012 class plus special guests. Tickets are $20 and are available at www.shadboltcentre.com. For more information visit www.standupformentalhealth.com.
Resilient Minds in Tough Times Workshop
This interactive session will help participants tap into their strengths and increase mental fitness. Activities include laughter yoga and mindfulness meditation. CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch and the Mood Disorders Association of BC will also have exhibit and information tables up on display at the library 1-2:30pm.
Time: 5-6:15pm
Location: Bob Prittie Metrotown Library, 6100 Willingdon Ave.
Registration: register at 604-436-5400 or visit www.bpl.bc.ca/events
Events on May 8th, 2012
F.O.R.C.E. Society Exhibit & Information Table
Learn more about the programs and services of the FORCE Society for Kids Mental Health at their exhibit and information table at the Tommy Douglas Library, 7311 Kingsway, 3-5pm. To find about more about the F.O.R.C.E. Society, visit www.forcesociety.com.
This Dust of Words Free Film Screening
This Dust of Words is a film about Elizabeth Wiltsee, a woman who chose to live her life differently and whose onset of mental illness in 1985 could not deter her fiercely independent spirit. Organized by CMHA Richmond branch, the free screening will be held at 7:30pm at the Ralph Fisher Auditorium of the Richmond Hospital, 7000 Westminster Hwy. It will be followed by a post-screening discussion hosted by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Coordinator of Medical Education/Professional Development, Richmond Health Services. For more information, visit www.richmond.cmha.bc.ca.
Mental Health First Aid Course Presentation
This presentation will look at the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s Mental Health First Aid Canada course. It will be held at CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch, 110-2425 Quebec St., 12-1pm. For more information, please call 604-872-4902 ext 233.
Resilient Minds in Tough Times Workshop
This interactive session will help participants tap into their strengths and increase mental fitness. Activities include laughter yoga and mindfulness meditation. It will be held at CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch, 110-2425 Quebec St., 5-6pm. For More information, please call 604-872-4902.
Events on May 9th, 2012
Walk for Mental Health in Deer Lake Park
Hosted by CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch, Progressive Housing Society and Fraser Health, this free walk with 1km and 5km options will take you around the lake in beautiful Deer Lake Park. Bring a friend or family member for the walk and enjoy hot dogs and drinks served afterwards, plus enter for a chance to win a door prize. The walk will happen rain or shine!
Time: Registration—10:30am. 11:15—Welcome and group warm up. 11:30—Walk. 12:30—Hot dogs and drinks. 1:30—Door prize awarded.
Location: Deer Lake Park, grass picnic area next to the boat house.
Registration: RSVP with your local agency or call the ECHO program at 604-526-9606.
WRAP Program for All
WRAP is a program aimed at helping people to take charge of their own recovery journey by developing an action plan for wellness. It’s not about illness. It’s about creating the life one wants to live. You will create your own recovery and crisis plan designed for you, by you. The program is open to anyone who has the lived experience of mental health issues. By attending WRAP, you will improve the quality of your life and achieve your goals and dreams, and find hope and feel more confident. This group will meet Wednesdays from 5pm-7pm for 8 weeks from May 9 to June 27 at the Central Office, Room B (main floor), 200-520 W. 6 Ave, Vancouver. Please call 604-708-5274 to register.
Self Harm in Young People
‘in the know’ is a monthly networking and information sharing session that will provide a topic expert on what parent/caregivers really want to know. This will offer an opportunity to share so that everyone is ‘in the know’. This event is hosted by The FORCE Society for Kids’ Mental Health and is open to all. You can attend a group viewing and parent networking in your community, view through your home internet, or attend in person at BC Children’s Hospital Telehealth Building. To RSVP, please contact forceintheknow@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.forcesociety.com.
CMHA Ontario Mental Health Week Video Launch
On May 9 from 4-5pm PST, CMHA Ontario is holding a live online video chat on their facebook page. The chat will be hosted by Arthur Gallant, an outspoken advocate for the rights of children & youth receiving government funded services and mental health services. The child of an intellectually disabled parent, Arthur has been very publicly sharing his story and struggles with the hopes of eliminated stigma and educating hte public about the challenges those with mental health difficulties face. Arthur will be taking and answering live questions via facebook and twitter @CMHAOntario during the chat. You can also follow Arthur at his new ‘mental health blog’ at www.arthurgallant.wordpress.com.
Events on May 10th, 2012
Your Wellness Day Fair
This free event focuses on the importance of taking time to celebrate oneself and improve one’s own mental wellness. The fair is hosted by CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch and the Motivation, Power & Achievement Society as well as local wellness businesses, salons and spas. Get mental health tips and learn how to create your own wellness plan. It will take place at the Shaldbolt Centre for the Arts, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., 2:30-4:30pm, with a special guest speaker 4-4:30pm. For more information, visit www.yourwellnessday.ca.
Events on May 11th, 2012
Laughter Yoga
Relieve stress and anxiety and enhance your mood with this technique, which uses simulated laughter and playful interactive exercises to help people re-connect with their inner spirit of joy. Held at CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch, 110-2425 Quebec St., 12-1pm. For more information, please call 604-872-4902.
Victoria: Stigma Stomp Day
This event focusing on reducing mental illness stigma will feature food, local music, speakers and information tables from local agencies. It will take place at Centennial Square, Victoria, 2-4pm. For more information, please call 250-590-9528.
Events on May 12th, 2012
CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch and Mood Disorders Association of BC Exhibit & Information Table
Learn more about the programs and services of CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch and the Mood Disorders Association of BC at their exhibit and information table at McGill Library, 4595 Albert St., 1-3pm. Visit www.mdabc.net or www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca to learn more about either organization.
Miles for Mental Health Run & Walk
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch is organizing the Miles for Mental Health Run & Walk, presented by Douglas College. This event will bring our community together in support of healthy minds, healthy bodies, mental health awareness, and stigma reduction. The 2.5km walk and 5km run will take place in Queen’s Park, New Westminster on May 12 and draw participants from throughout the Lower Mainland. The upbeat family event will feature music, food, an art exhibition, and keynote addresses.To register, and for more information, please visit www.mentalhealthrun.ca.
Other Events:
May 15 – Peer Support Group at the BCCPD
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) is having a peer support group for people living with a disability. What is “peer support?” An opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in a confidential, respectful environment. The group will explore many topics, such as “daily living and coping in a changed world”, and “personal wellness and finding joy”. Group size is limited to 15 people. The group will be led by trained facilitators and group members can participate as much as they feel comfortable. Bus tickets and snacks will be provided. The group meets on Tuesdays from May 15 to June 19 from 1pm to 3pm at The BC Coalition of People with Disability office, Suite 204-456 West Broadway, Vancouver. To register, contact Nicole at 604-875-0177 or nicole@bccpd.bc.ca.
May 17 – Courage to Come Back Awards Gala Dinner
The Courage to Come Back Awards is a province-wide campaign that celebrates people who have demonstrated extraordinary courage in their recovery from adversity. The awards are presented to one individual (BC resident) in each of the following categories: addiction, medical, physical rehabilitation, mental health, social adversity, and youth. The gala will be held on Thursday May 17 at Ballroom D, Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver. Reception begins at 5:30pm with dinner starting at 6:15pm. Tickets are $250 each or $2500 for a table of 10. To purchase tickets contact Devyani at 604-675-2323 or devyanib@coastmentalhealth.com, or contact Nikki at 604-675-2328 or nikkis@coastmentalhealth.com, or purchase online at www.coastmentalhealth.com.
June 5 – Book Launch: When Quietness Came
When Quietness Came: A Neuroscientist’s Personal Journey with Schizophrenia is the true story of Erin L. Hawkes, MSc who, in her final undergraduate year, has a psychotic break, attempts suicide and ends up in the hospital. Her struggles to get well and to pursue her PhD are described in this book. The book launch will take place on June 5 at 7pm at the Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye Room, Library Square Conference Centre, Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia, Vancouver. For more information call 289-260-0229, visit www.bridgeross.com or email info@bridgeross.com.
