People First Media program archive
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On keeping dads in their kids’ lives

March 24th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on On keeping dads in their kids’ lives)

Support programs and peer networking help dads to become better fathers and stay in their kids’ lives

At the age of 24, Brandon Hay discovered he was about to become a dad for the first time. He’d been raised by a single mother without the presence of a consistent father figure and was filled with anxiety about his own ability to be a good father. Brandon knew that he wanted to be great father but he wasn’t quite sure how.

Brandon Hay went on to establish the Black Daddies Club in Toronto, an ongoing support system for Black fathers to share their challenges and or experiences. He has also organized parenting workshops, some in barbershops, a popular gathering place for black men. (more…)

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On best intentions, quitting quitting, and how-tos for quitting smoking

December 16th, 2010 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on On best intentions, quitting quitting, and how-tos for quitting smoking)

picture 269Quitting smoking is among the top ten in most lists of new year’s resolutions, but nicotine, the drug in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco, is one of the most addictive substances known. It is considered to be as addictive as cocaine or heroin.

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On the psychiatric experience

September 30th, 2010 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on On the psychiatric experience)

A roundtable discussion with three people who have experienced the system, first-hand

Anti-psychiatry and mad pride movements have been questioning and assessing the role of psychiatry in health care and society—from the “patient’s” perspective—for decades now, but recent concerns about what appears to be a resurgence in the use of electroconvulsive therapy and questions about the growing use of psychiatric medications has added impetus to the debate. (more…)

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Helping men and men’s organizations

September 2nd, 2010 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Helping men and men’s organizations)

A look at the need for men’s groups and some upcoming programs for men on Vancouver Island

Cowichan Men’s Centre works to “provide resources and support groups for men to better improve their relationship with themselves, their families, and with their community.” The organization, started in 2004 and located in Duncan, operates in a funding-scarce environment, with governments either unwilling or unable to provide sufficient grants.

Internationally, there has been increased interest in providing specific supports for the needs of men. This year, for example, the Australian government issued a new National Male Health Policy [opens to PDF], a policy first for the country, which was aimed at males of all ages. (more…)

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A whole family response to mental illness

March 11th, 2010 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on A whole family response to mental illness)

A local Nanaimo organization is about to launch a program for family members and friends of people experiencing mental illness

A ten session education program for family and friends of people with serious and persistent mental illnesses begins April 7, 2010 in Nanaimo. The course deals with five major mental health disorders: schizophrenia, clinical depression, bipolar, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorders.

The series provides support, awareness, and tools for problem-solving, advocating and coping. (more…)

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Men’s centres face ongoing challenges

January 7th, 2010 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Men’s centres face ongoing challenges)

How men’s centres are, or aren’t, weathering the times

Men’s centres in Nanaimo and Cowichan have experiences to share as 2010 gets underway. From funding crises to start-up challenges, organizers continue to agree on the importance of offering men’s counseling and support services from men’s organizations.

What do men’s centres do? Why are they important? What are some of the issues facing men these days? (more…)

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