tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64823449927067952182012-02-10T14:27:02.030-08:00One of 20 branches in BC, CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby delivers innovative programs and services that promote the mental well-being and specific needs of people living in our community. This blog is part of our mandate to promote mental health, encourage resilience and recovery, and beating stigma.CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.comBlogger531100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-85641029093790570342012-02-10T12:39:00.000-08:002012-02-10T12:39:23.447-08:00

Do you follow our twitter feed or regularly read our blog? If you always seem to find yourself looking for more information about mental health wellness, try our monthly newletter. Each month CMHA produces a newletter which is available for subscription free online. The newsletter is a convenient way to keep in touch with all that is going on at the CMHA. Check out past issues in our archive to

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-42398296093011495802012-02-10T11:46:00.000-08:002012-02-10T11:46:26.333-08:00

Love is in the air, and not just due to the rapidly approaching holiday Valentines day. This past Wednesday, February 8th, CMHA staff, affiliated services and community members came together at the community creekside centre to celebrate wellness at the event Love to Be Well. As guests entered the event they were invited to write their thoughts about mental health on hand cut hearts. They were

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-56041912544002870022011-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:002011-05-06T09:25:20.783-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know how much we are looking forward to the open house this afternoon. We hope you are able to join us! 1-4:30 pm Suite 110 - 2425 Quebec Street (Vancouver!) Happy Mental Health Week!

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-32041883737297760092011-04-21T16:31:00.000-07:002011-04-21T16:31:04.693-07:00

The CMHA Get Set & Connect Program is designed to help individuals living with mental illness, make connections and form meaningful relationships with other individuals through activities in the community. Community inclusion is the goal. What will the program include? One to One Leisure and Volunteer Community Access Coaching Connecting through Activity- small group matching with peers Travel

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-42484687811056217332011-04-20T13:43:00.000-07:002011-04-20T13:43:23.880-07:00

Please be our guest - We are celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Mental Health Week and welcoming you to check out our new space. CMHA Vancouver - Burnaby Branch , Suite #110 - 2425  Quebec Street, Vancouver (1 block west of Main Street). Hope to see you there!

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-5710565812201937822011-04-11T13:30:00.000-07:002011-04-11T13:30:23.595-07:00

If you are interested in knowing more about recovery in the mental health sense, consider checking this out this opportunity to: • Consider other perspectives • Build relationships • Discuss practice Let’s Dialogue: April 2011   What we’ve learnt from the dialogues so far THURSDAY, April 28th, 2011 12:15 – 1:45 pm Ravensong Community Health Centre – Basement Rooms 2450 Ontario Street (

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-61872399593126786532011-02-16T15:09:00.000-08:002011-02-16T15:24:11.382-08:00

To all the folks who participated in the great #mhsm tweet chat last night, we’d like to add a bit more info about the recovery philosophy which influences all of the work we do here. Given that there no one “right” definition of recovery in the mental health sense, one that always comes to mind - especially for its simplicity - is from a talk by Dr. Larry Davidson - “You can do it, we can help.

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-49837457618675145762011-02-11T16:54:00.000-08:002011-02-11T16:54:53.350-08:00

Made possible with the support of a group of great volunteers, CMHAVB put on a small public depression and anxiety screening event at our office on Monday evening - Blue Monday - and we were a bit disappointed by the small turnout. Not to be put off, we are seeking input from as viewpoints as possible to see how we can better meet the needs of our community. One thought is that the need for

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-56440168136033816152011-02-11T16:49:00.000-08:002011-02-11T16:49:07.488-08:00

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) March 1 2011 An Educational Evening: Self-Injury Uncovered Presenters: Seia Roots Lyn MacBeath, Psychiatrist TUESDAY MARCH 1ST 6:30-8:00PM CMHA Vancouver Burnaby Branch 175 West Broadway Vancouver Office # is 604-872-4902 This event is open to all by donation $5 RECOMMENDED

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-1880425964414384002011-02-07T13:08:00.000-08:002011-02-07T13:08:49.684-08:00

Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD) is March 1st.  We hope you will share our enthusiasm and circulate the attached poster. And maybe wear an orange ribbon or bracelet! On this day, and in the weeks leading up to it, people may be more likely to speak about this often secret behaviour, maybe for the first time. The idea is to reduce shame and stigma, and to replace misinformation with

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-9486565911193756122011-02-04T14:11:00.000-08:002011-02-04T14:11:32.622-08:00

Looking for inexpensive or free activities in Vancouver? Want to know what is happening around town? Check out these websites: Free Vancity: http://www.freevancity.com/ Tourism Vancouver: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/free_or_almost_free Find Family Fun: http://findfamilyfun.com/eventthismonth.htm Vancouver Public Library Events: http://www.vpl.ca/events/ The Georgia

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-88581154668614726872011-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:17:44.182-08:00

Stella Lee (CMHAVB Chinese Health Promotion Program Coordinator) has helped the Chinese radio AM1470 arrange a series of mental health topics for Cantonese interview programs starting this Friday, February 4, 2011, from 10pm to 11pm. The host of this evening interview program is ‘Hon Men 漢文’ February 4, Friday Help People in Recovery Back to Work 有关精神康复者复工或就業问题 Speaker: Alan Yien, Employment

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-16249720734825361642011-01-28T13:43:00.000-08:002011-01-28T13:43:02.732-08:00

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-76721601989715361052011-01-28T11:09:00.000-08:002011-01-28T11:09:50.798-08:00

February 24, 2011: CREST.BD…Invites you to a Community Engagement Night An evening focusing on Bipolar Disorder February 24th, 6:30-8:30pm UBC Robson Square: 800 Robson Street, Vancouver Featuring talks from CREST.BD members: Mark Lau (Psychologist), Rosalind Irving (Family Therapist), Victoria Maxwell (Actress and Mental Health Educator, and Erin Michalak (Psychologist). The evening will

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-70324397318111560152011-01-24T13:19:00.000-08:002011-01-24T13:19:19.278-08:00

Lisa Woods (CMHAVB Recreation Coordinator, BC Housing Program) has been co-chairing the (Canadian Therapeutic Recreation Association) CTRA 2011 conference planning committee for the past year and a half. This year’s conference (15th Annual) is being hosted by the (British Columbia Therapeutic Recreation Association) BCTRA in Whistler! May 25th to 27th, 2011. For more information about the

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-405661326386270882011-01-20T11:19:00.000-08:002011-01-20T11:20:46.319-08:00

If you are able to make it out to this tonight, it will certainly be worth your while. We always enjoy the presentations put on by the MDA. THURS, JAN 20, 7:00 PM MANAGING PANIC DISORDER ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM SUCH OVERWHELMING ANXIETIES OR FEARS THAT THEY INTERFERE WITH YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE? Speaker: ARTO TIENAHO Executive Director, Anxiety BC Arto Tienaho will present the new DVD

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-82882941736664600272010-12-23T14:27:00.000-08:002010-12-23T14:27:51.162-08:00

Great news for those of you who are considering opening, or already have, an RDSP! This note just in from the folks at PLAN who are organizing RDSP information sessions across the country. (CMHA VB is a local partner.) On March 4, 2010, the Government of Canada, through its Budget 2010, announced two enhancements to the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP), grant and bond. We are pleased

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-86385168647291371242010-12-16T11:58:00.000-08:002010-12-16T11:58:45.498-08:00

 The more the merrier!Please spread the word.Thank you

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-77884685008464990172010-12-14T17:14:00.000-08:002010-12-14T17:14:31.670-08:00

This came to us via the Monday Morning Motivator (12/13/10). Adam Drago always has good info, but this one particularly resonated for us - enjoy! Would You Have Smiled? Christmas is one of our favorite times of the year, a time to spend with family and close friends and reflect on the abundant blessings God has given us. Conversely, we also know that this time can be overly stressful for people

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-74199623681593840882010-11-23T15:43:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:43:50.505-08:00

Volunteer: to offer of one's own accord to do something* By Siobhan E. McCormick A number of years ago, I was approached by a neighbour and asked if I would be on the Neighbourhood Small Grants Program Committee. As a member of the committee I would have to donate of my time in order to review grant proposals and decide which projects would qualify for a $500 grant from the Vancouver

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-48940499623299553432010-11-23T15:29:00.000-08:002010-11-23T15:29:14.059-08:00

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-27553568745950038782010-11-19T17:06:00.000-08:002010-11-19T17:06:02.614-08:00

This week CMHAVB participated in a very thoughtful tweet chat hosted by the AFSP regarding suicide prevention awareness and especially getting the word out about the 12th Annual National Survivors of Suicide Day. On Saturday, November 20, 2010 Over 275 simultaneous conferences for survivors of suicide loss will take place throughout the U.S. and around the world. This unique network of healing

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-9198362448538346782010-11-03T13:03:00.000-07:002010-11-03T13:30:17.332-07:00

We have been busy preparing surveys for our current Leisure Redesign. These surveys will provide us with information from the mental health community at large. Please complete the appropriate survey and forward the surveys to as many appropriate individuals/agencies as possible.CMHA VB is undergoing a leisure redesign initiative to create an exciting new Leisure and Volunteer Program. The

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-60974039471192496022010-10-22T15:01:00.000-07:002010-10-22T15:16:36.390-07:00

So, Sue, you’re excited about depression screening. What is this all about? This is an opportunity; I would say a gentle opportunity, for people to get a snapshot of how they’re feeling. It works for a whole range of people. We find that often people come to a depression screening because they’ve already identified something’s wrong but they’re nervous about seeking help. Others are just curious

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-216550227669811862010-10-19T11:52:00.000-07:002010-10-19T12:12:18.620-07:00

Shirley Rogers, Vancouver Coastal Mental Health Services (VCMHS) Coordinator of Family Support & Involvement has given us the heads up that the VCH Family Advisory Committee (FAC) will be co-sponsoring the November 17th screening of "Family Matters: Surviving the Bi-polar Journey" This is a timely documentary on the impact of mental illness within the family unit. It is directed, produced and

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-53458975828680273822010-10-19T11:20:00.000-07:002010-10-19T11:40:49.509-07:00

We think this sounds like a great opportunitiy for healthy dialogue around this emotionally charged subject. If you are not able to attend, please consider other avenues to weigh in.SECURE CARE: PRO or CONTemporarily Incarcerating Our Most At-Risk YouthAn Open Dialogue from Different Perspectives…..what is yours?Wednesday, Oct 20 7:00 - 9:00 PMDouglas CollegeDavid Lam Coquitlam CampusRoom A1470No

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-82042682356323432542010-10-08T11:17:00.000-07:002010-10-18T20:36:58.632-07:00

CMHAVB is pleased to spread the word about this book. We were fortunate to work with one of its contributors, Seema Shah, on two Patient and Community Voices projects last year, and know that this book also promises to be thought provoking.

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-88746130371462369252010-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:002010-10-06T11:17:10.797-07:00

This just in from Australia...a new study on the effectiveness of e-mail strategies to help individuals living with depression. Very timely info too. CMHAVB participated in a tweetchat last night with a lively on-line mental health community. One of the questions discussed was the "how" of reaching out to folks who might have depression. The live event happens on-line every Tuesday night from 6-7

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-32630782022170704432010-08-03T14:21:00.000-07:002010-08-04T16:26:55.958-07:00

"Recreation's purpose is not to kill time, but to make life; not to keep a person occupied, but to keep them refreshed; not to offer an escape from life, but to provide a discovery of life." - Author unknown For a time, Vancouver’s Grandview Terrace, a public housing development run by BC Housing, was a hard place to live. Morale was low, and

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-17536319096550634492010-08-03T14:11:00.000-07:002010-08-03T14:19:41.923-07:00

Is Downtime a Thing of the Past?It’s been said that time is like water, in that neither can be compressed but both can evaporate. It likely seems to many of us that time, like fresh water, is in ever shortening supply. Job and family obligations fill our days. More than ever, we’re assailed by cell calls, emails and text messages from every direction and in each waking hour. So the question

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-19143620207612786332009-11-20T12:20:00.000-08:002009-11-20T12:53:04.500-08:00

On Tuesday, November 3rd, the CMHA's Participant Advosory Committee (PAC) hosted an educational forum, "Rising Up to End Stigma." We had two speakers for the event - Wayne Cho and Andrew Kellett. Wayne Cho, on his own initiative, and initially his own funds, ran across Canada to raise awareness about mental illness. He lives with anxiety and depression himself. His next major initiative is to

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-78398499092740257012009-09-10T18:49:00.000-07:002009-09-10T19:02:49.604-07:00

Today, September 10th, is Suicide Awareness Day. This is a public education campaign sponsored by The International Assocation for Suicide Prevention and the World Health Organization. In Canada, the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention has planned several events, many of which you can participate in privately.If you are concerned about a loved one, or are considering suicide yourself,

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-85347769565558336472009-09-10T18:36:00.000-07:002009-09-10T18:48:20.163-07:00

Besides Mental Illness Awareness Week, which is coming up in October, another event which raises awareness and gives you a laugh is the Stand Up for Mental Health Comedy Fundraiser at the Yale on September 30th. Featuring Mike Macdonald and David Granirer and the Comics of SMH, tickets are $20 and can be ordered on the phone - 604-707-0483 or by contacting pat@standupformentalhealth.com.

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-41787252794146851102009-09-10T18:09:00.000-07:002009-09-10T18:36:05.387-07:00

Oops.Just two days into the new 'schedule' of blogging, and we're already behind! Still, we can always pick up and keep on going, which is exactly what we are going to do (and we're going to tie two topics from the schedule together).Mental illness has too long been in the shadows, something that society has kept quiet about, and kept hidden out of shame and discomfort. That is why we are so

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-26356811173053609212009-09-08T16:52:00.000-07:002009-09-08T17:31:09.860-07:00

Fall always seems co-related with going back to school - new clothes, new backpacks, a fresh start and opportunity to learn something new. In the case of this blog, we are going to adopt our best "Back to School" attitude and try to post about mental health issues on a more regular basis.We've decided to post blogs somewhat thematically, although we will likely also post on issues and events as

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-35654825450485275532009-09-08T16:49:00.000-07:002009-09-08T16:52:28.415-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came out to support mental health by riding, volunteering or donating services on Sunday! It was a rainy ride, but everyone, through their assistance and support, help raise awareness of mental health issues. A longer update, and photos, will appear on this page soon!

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-15764415433825671162009-09-03T15:58:00.000-07:002009-09-04T09:40:00.901-07:00

Join us this Sunday for the first annual community bike ride to support mental health! It's a fantastic way to spend a Sunday of a long weekend - enjoying a fun bike ride and supporting a great cause.The scenic route starts at Central Park in Burnaby, makes its way past Queen E. Park and Trout Lake in Vancouver, before returning to Central Park. Snacks and refreshments will be provided for all

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-36021549829093991812009-06-23T13:58:00.000-07:002009-06-23T14:21:18.798-07:00

SCORE ANALYSIS - Strength, Challenges. Opportunities, Risks and EnvironmentThe board of directors met for 2 planning session in mid March to try and formulate the basis of our plan. We chose Debbi Salmonsen from Honu Consulting to lead us through the process.For our next step in our planning process, we wanted to put all the information together into some usable information. In general we knew

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-42058960387376993552009-06-22T11:47:00.000-07:002009-06-22T12:17:52.961-07:00

Screening is an effective early intervention strategy for many health concerns. Tomorrow we urge you to take time to participate in National Memory Screening Day.In the Greater Vancouver area, consider visiting a London Drugs location near you to participate in a brief 1:1 screening with a pharmacist.If you are interested in learning more about dematia and caregiving, Beyond Memory , a great

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-11761082428163167492009-06-09T11:00:00.000-07:002009-06-09T11:24:34.451-07:00

This headline and story from the Winnipeg Free Press is disturbing. I am disappointed that the media would perpetuate the impression that mental illness and violence automatically go hand –in –hand. I understand the desire to create snappy headlines but do not feel that this should take precedence over the use of respectful language. The stigma associated with mental illness is already profound

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-91651252557869900682009-06-08T15:53:00.000-07:002009-06-08T16:02:14.257-07:00

Wayne Cho began running across Canada (East to West) on May 23, 2008. This week he arrived in Vancouver. Wayne is running to raise awareness of anxiety and depression. Each day he is breaking down the stigma one foot in front of the other at a time. Today Wayne came and met with some staff at CMHA VB Branch. Tonight he will meet some participants of our Chinese Mental Health Promotion

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-23808561202764956482009-06-05T13:54:00.000-07:002009-06-05T15:12:57.343-07:00

Strategic Planning begins by trying to get as many voices as possible to share their views about the organization.This process can be long and extensive or more brief and focussed. Our branch had undergone a very extensive process for our 2005 -2008 strategic plan. So, we decided to build on that and use a more focussed but broad approach. Service User Surveys distributed through all programs and

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-26619855962846518832009-06-03T13:22:00.000-07:002009-06-03T13:44:43.192-07:00

Every non-profit either has, or should have a strategic plan. This plan outlines the vision of the organization and the goals, objectives and tasks to get there.This past Spring, our Branch began the process of developping our new 3 year strategic plan. This process led by our Board of Directors, sets the stage for our growth and will be the basis of our work and decision making.Over the next

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-1618122954185753422009-05-27T11:35:00.000-07:002009-05-27T15:37:13.698-07:00

I watched the premiere of Mental last night on FOX network. To be honest, I had no idea what to expect. Like any TV series it had its good and bad points.The acting was over-acting and the writing was heavy. I felt spoon fed the entire episode. In many ways the show felt typical of all medical dramas: the earnest residents, the slick doctor in bed with the drug companies more than the patients,

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-16075840379385081872009-05-20T16:54:00.001-07:002009-05-20T17:12:19.262-07:00

On May 29th, I am asking you to book a spa or salon treatment for yourself or you and your friends to celebrate “Your Wellness Day.” If you are familiar with the successful “Dine Out For Life Event,” we are organizing an event of similar structure but instead of restaurants donating to HIV/AIDS charities, we have partnered with spas and salons in support of mental health.The two charities

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-42807892243663884302009-05-20T12:05:00.000-07:002009-05-20T12:59:15.841-07:00

Some photos and a few words that commemorate the start of an incredible journey, The Ride for Mental Health, to open hearts and minds and to create awareness and acceptance for those living with mental illness.The cyclists arriveThe Xerox Organizing Team: Andre, Sharon, Kevin, Rob, Naz, Andy, Steve and CatherineMerrill Shepard - CMHAVB Past President, Dr. Art Hister, Pervez Siddiqui - CMHAVB

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-49008733132698416652009-05-14T13:48:00.000-07:002009-05-14T17:34:02.110-07:00

Did you know that a partner is four times more likely to leave you because of a mental health condition like depression than because of a physical disability?Considering that 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, chances are pretty good that you or someone you know with grapple with this experience.How can you help?For starters, we would like you to

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-74197648460217314302009-05-13T12:16:00.001-07:002009-05-13T12:45:47.128-07:00

Last week, CMHA VB staff and volunteers headed to downtown Vancouver to do a little one-on-one mental health promotion. We handed out over 1000 stress-test cards that contain work-life balance tips on the back.I'll admit, some people wouldn't even look at us as the rushed by and some people politely declined our free information. But more people accepted our cards with a smile. Given that we

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-75335726671001464072009-05-12T16:36:00.000-07:002009-05-12T16:51:18.803-07:00

Tuesday May 19th Kick Off Celebration Our branch is pleased to be a community partner in one man's dream to make a difference. Mel Thompson is going to start his journey to bicycle across Canada to raise awareness and acceptance of mental health issues. Now is your chance to be part of this incredible journey by showing your support and sending him on his way with a true Vancouver send off.11:00

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-63042059137727054402009-05-12T10:55:00.000-07:002009-05-12T11:03:31.912-07:00

This is your last chance to vote. If you have not had a chance to visit the CMHA website that has compiled lots of useful information on the candidates positions on mental health related issues - please do it now. Mental health matters! http://www.supportedhousingnow.ca/

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-82765917109224698042009-05-11T16:10:00.001-07:002009-05-11T16:36:33.690-07:00

Last Tuesday May 5th, 2009, His Worship the Mayor of Vancouver, Gregor Robertson proclaimed Mental Health Week for the City of Vancouver.This event was notable for several reasons. First, because it was my first opportunity to address council on the importance of mental health promotion for all its citizens. Secondly, because the MPA Society, represented by their Executive Director, David

R. Shields, Executive Directorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335061739992087832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-28707856407111784172009-05-05T09:37:00.000-07:002009-05-05T10:08:38.620-07:00

Gregor Robertson, Mayor of Vancouver, will be officially proclaiming Mental Health Week in Vancouver today at 2 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. It's a rainy Vancouver spring day, but we're hoping a great many will come out to show support for mental health awareness!Mental Health Week is about awareness, not only of issues around mental health, such as stigma and myths, but also

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6482344992706795218.post-43795162377441266832009-04-25T07:57:00.000-07:002009-04-25T08:00:40.487-07:00

Well, we're finally in the blogosphere...We are going to be adding more content soon, but meanwhile we hope people will check out the Mental Health Camp, happening today.

CMHA-VBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07743541592192915561noreply@blogger.com0