Telling our story of Living Mentally Well

With the work being done at the FAME Toronto Office, the importance of Narrative and resilience through story telling has been an effective practice for families; particularly those who have experienced trauma in the family . With that, I was asked to speak last Wednesday,at the 3rd Annual Mindfest Seminar hosted at the University of Toronto. Mindfest is a collective meeting of professionals, speakers with lived experience and community agencies providing discussion on the various aspects and treatments of mental health challenges active in Toronto. Below is a copy of the talk given: 

Discussion of mental health had changed in recent decades. Though, a great deal of stigma and discrimination still exists. Our acknowledgment of mental wellness as a component of health has been accepted. Additional to the advancements in therapies and available treatments has been inclusion of the subjective and personal experiences of those who live with mental health challenges. This inclusion within the dialogue of practice has promoted advocacy and awareness.

Young Carers Program

Growing up in a family with mental health issues can be challenging and at times isolating. Often times, such responsibilities place on individuals from childhood transition into adulthood. Family members grow up to be care givers to siblings, parents and partners. Feelings of isolation, excess stress from additional responsibilities can lead to our own mental health challenges. At FAME, we home to prevent, support and empower young carers to tap into the resilience by creating a community of shared experience.

FAME's Toronto Office is excited to restart our Young Carers Program this September 16th.
Carers between 18-25 years are welcome to attend the group.

Our program aims to educate, empower and promote connection for a group of people whose experiences often go unheard from. 

September 16th at 6:30pm 

Sherbourne Health Centre (333 Sherbourne St) 

Room 2008, 2nd floor

Young Adults Wellness Drop in Group

Having a sibling, parent or partner with mental health challenges often leaves young people feeling overwhelmed and alone in their experiences. We here at the Toronto office aim to explore and empower young carers in the experience with mental health.

FAME's Toronto office, housed at Sherbourne Health Centre, in partnership with jack.org, are pleased to announce the starting of our Young Adults Wellness Drop in Group. 

If you are between the ages of 18-25 seeking a safe space to share, learn and engage in discussion about mental health we welcome you!

January 19th 6pm-8pm

Sherbourne Health Centre (room 2008)

For inquiries please contact:

Dennis McDermott, FSW at (416) 324-5060 or 

dennism@fameforfamilies.com 

Video about "When a Parent has a Mental Illness..."

This is a YouTube video clip about children's experiences of having a parent with a mental illness. They touch on key experiences of being young carers, children not getting an explanation of their parent's mental illness that they could understand, and common feelings children experience. The video also talks about similar topics that are covered in the FAMEkids program.