Rexdale Community Health Centre Annual Community Health Day Event

 Rexdale Community Health Centre is an agency that provides primary care services and many community programs.
The theme for this event is "Mind, Body, and Soul". It will be an enjoyable time for the whole family and will include an interactive health fair, cultural entertainment, family friendly games, a barbeque and information displays. 
DATE/TIME:  SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 20
                          12:30 - 4:00PM
LOCATION:  8 Taber Rd.(North of Rexdale Blvd., off Kipling Ave.)

Great idea, San Antonio!

"Texas ranks 49th out of 50 states in how much funding it commits to mental health. But San Antonio has become a model for other mental health systems. It has saved $50 million over the past 5 years."

When I first read that statement, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the information behind it.  A lot of us know that to make our mental health systems more productive, compassionate, accessible and efficient, it will take a lot of time and A LOT of money.  The cost is one of the most common reasons I hear as a barrier for improvement of preventative services.  I've always been one to advocate for paying more for community services at the beginning, knowing that in the long run it will decrease even greater costs in the following areas: Emergency room visits, hospital stays, ambulance calls, incarceration etc.   These are HUGE long terms costs.  

Please click on the links provided to hear about how San Antonio has revamped its entire mental health system, outlook, and accessibility; and how the Police are helping to provide a social safety net for the community.

Mental Health Treatment System Saves San Antonio Millions

Mental Health Cops Help Reweave Social Safety Net in San Antonio

Welcoming Our New Placement Student!

This year, for the first time in many years, we will be having a student complete her internship placement with us at FAME.  I would like to welcome Karen Naismith, who is a second year Child and Youth Worker (CYW) student at Humber College.

Karen will be joining us in our FAMEkids program, where we hope she will gain valuable knowledge and experience in working with children and families impacted by mental health issues.  She will have the opportunity to co-facilitate our next FAMEkids group program in Mississauga this fall, as well as sit in on some individual sessions.  Karen will also be helping with the Strengthening Families for the Future program at Jean Tweed Centre.  Karen will have many other opportunities to learn and grow with many new experiences until her placement ends in April 2015.

Karen attended the University of Windsor for the Psychology Thesis program with a minor in Family and Social Relations. She also brings experience from her previous placement at the Christine Ossington Neighbourhood Centre, specifically with the Nook Children's Program.

We hope Karen will enjoy her time with us at FAME.  Welcome to the team :)

Vote for Toronto's Most Inclusive Spaces

Several mental health programs and CAMH have teamed up to hold a competition identifying welcoming spaces (not-for-profit organizations and for profit businesses) which help to create a sense of inclusiveness, and being treated fairly and with respect. Information about this competition and voting can be found at TMIS.
Let's celebrate people who work to make our communities a better place to live.

NAMI Family to Family Education Program

Are you interested in a 12 week educational program for families who have a loved one living with a mental health challenge? 

If so, do I have good news for you!!!

CMHA Toronto will be holding the NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family to Family Program this fall! The program is taught by trained family members and is FREE OF CHARGE!!

The group will be running on Monday nights from September 22nd to December 15th from 7-9pm at CMHA's North York location (700 Lawrence Ave W. Suite 480).

CLICK HERE 

for more details on course content and how to register!

Happy Friday Everyone!

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis

Is your loved one bothered by hearing voices? Would they be interested in learning more?

The Community Resource Connections of Toronto (CRCT) has a 16 week Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis group starting in September!

The group is for individuals who hear voices, and are distressed by their voices.

Course Content:
*What it means when someone hears voices. How can we explain voice hearing
*The relation between stress and hearing voices, and understanding the meaning of the voices
*How to decrease the voices’ impact on your day-to-day life
*Keeping track of the voices: when are they worse, when are they better?
*Sharing and learning new strategies on how to cope – developing a tool box of strategies

When: Every Tuesday of the month for 16-weeks

Date: Tuesday, September 9th to Tuesday December 23rd, 2014

Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Where: 210 Dundas Street West, 4th Floor, Boardroom 

TTC, Refreshments & group resources will be provided.

Registration is based on eligibility. To register please contact Deqa at 416-482-4103 ext. 223 or dfarah@crct.org

Resource for Depression

This website helps with informed choices about depression including treatment, supports, a young adults journey towards recovery and much more. There is also a section on about helping a friend or family member with depression.