After five years of extensive consultation, the Mental Health Commission of Canada presents a first for the country
Changing Directions, Changing Lives is the first mental health strategy for Canada. Its purpose is to help improve mental health and well-being for all people living in Canada and to create a mental health system that can truly meet the needs of people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses and their families. It was released on May 8, 2012. (more…)
Art project for women builds community spirit while raising awareness about women’s issues
Nanaimo Women’s Centre, with the help of artists from the community, offered women and girls the opportunity to create art in a project called herArt. The purpose of the project was to build community connections—among and between girls and women—through access to art education and creative expression.
Workshops took place during the last weeks of April and into the beginning of May 2012. The Nanaimo Women’s Centre provided the materials, space, and participants, and local artists volunteered to give workshops using their own particular methods and approaches. (more…)
Social media, in the form of Facebook, Twitter, cell phones, and texting, etc. are sweeping through the world, much like a tsunami. Thrashing about in this churning sea, many of us struggle to find our bearings. Are we being herded around by social media, or are we in command of these new tools? What does this mean for vulnerable people: are they being left behind, swept away into uncharted depths, or riding the wave?
Sherry Turkle, a professor at M.I.T., has described a radical change in the nature of social relationships, brought on by social media. She describes the change as a slide from full-bodied conversation to electronic connection. (more…)
Canada’s first strategy to improve the mental health of all Canadians was publicly released Tuesday May 8, 2012 by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (Commission) during Mental Health Week. Following extensive consultations with thousands of Canadians through regional dialogues, online surveys, roundtables on key topics, and discussion groups with stakeholders, Changing Directions, Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada will bring about real change for people from coast to coast to coast.
The Strategy focuses on improving mental health and well-being for all people living in Canada and on creating a mental health system that can truly meet the needs of people of all ages living with mental health problems and illnesses and their families. (more…)
The Senate’s human rights committee has launched a study into cyber bullying, and it needs and invites youth input
The traditional archetype associated to bullying is becoming outdated. The face of bullying is changing—it’s moving from classrooms and playgrounds and entering into homes. Canada’s Senate committee on human rights has launched an in-depth study into a national initiative, in cooperation with provincial and territorial governments, for the prevention of cyber-bullying as an issue of child protection. (more…)
Program utilizing a series of facilitated classes was created by psychiatrist frustrated by the limited time he had for patients
A course called Living Life To The Full was created by Glasgow psychiatrist Dr. Chris Williams, when he wanted to maximize the effectiveness of the limited time he had to spend with patients. The course is based on cognitive behavioural principles, and is designed for people who want to maximize their ability to deal with life’s challenges. The Canadian Mental Health Association’s British Columbia Division holds the exclusive license to present Living Life to the Full in Canada. The program presents cognitive behavioural techniques in an adult learning model, delivered by trained facilitators. (more…)
