Experiential workshop for students and frontline workers provides a personal glimpse into mental health problems
Pat Deegan is a clinical psychologist and also a psychiatric survivor, having first been diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager. During her journey to recovery, she coined the term “personal medicine” which she defines as “the things that give life meaning and make life worth living.”
Pat has given keynote addresses, lectures, and workshops around the world. One of these workshops provides an effective and direct experience for students, frontline workers, and others who are interacting with people who are ‘hearing disturbing voices.’ The workshop is now being offered in Nanaimo by Columbian Centre Society. (more…)
In the second of a three-week series, From Compassion to Action, we talk with some of the volunteers who are making a difference in our community about their experiences, thoughts, and observations. We’re joined by Canadian Red Cross volunteers Linda Sampson and Jennifer Jenkins and by Habitat for Humanity volunteer Jim Eagles.
As national volunteer week approaches, we focus on volunteerism…and speak with organizers and some of the volunteers in our community. What is the reality? What are the hopes? What are the trends? 
Local frontline services are under increasing demand or are experiencing specific challenges. We’ve convened a frontline services roundtable to explore and update recent events ranging from the reported closing of a Salvation Army lunch program to reports that VIHA will be unable to fund support programs at the Balmoral Hotel building redevelopment. 