I wanted to be able to give back, after having been on the receiving end of community supports for many years. I wanted to help people find their hope again, after having lost hope myself. I was excited and terrified when I first learned about peer support and was so grateful to find something that […]Continue readingFaces of CMHA: Kayleigh Hilborn
I am passionate about this work. I have been from that very first intervention on the phone so many years ago. However, the one thing that I am most proud of is that I have consistently advocated for those with lived experience to be a central part of this work. As part of the development […]Continue readingFaces of CMHA: Cecilia Marie Roberts, Suicide Prevention Project Lead
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, in the latest edition of our Mental Health Checkup segment with 570 News Mike Farwell our Executive Director Helen Fishburn and Cecilia Marie Roberts, Suicide Prevention Lead talk about how suicide is about pain, how to see the signs of suicide, start a conversation and connect to support. What […]Continue readingSeptember Mental Health Check-up Mike Farwell Show
The CMHA joins the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) in inviting all individuals and communities to find a way to recognize and support World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on September 10th. It can be as simple as sending a message to those who are in despair, those who are grieving, and those who are supporting […]Continue readingCMHA recognizes World Suicide Prevention Day
As people, we can all struggle with our mental health at some point. Whether it’s stress, neglecting our self-care, dealing with trauma from a loss, illness and addiction, or thoughts of suicide – none of us are immune. We need more mental health literacy in our communities in order to reduce the stigma that surrounds […]Continue readingFaces of CMHA: Laura McShane, Mental Health Promotion and Education Coordinator
I share knowledge in a way that I would have found helpful when I was struggling. I recognize that I can’t be an expert in every issue, so I rely on my clients to provide their expertise and feedback too. Building a mutual understanding also builds confidence and trust. Irvin Yalom wrote, “It’s the relationship […]Continue readingFaces of CMHA: Keehan Koorn: Mental Health Clinician
Waterloo Wellington is the seventh community to sign on to the national Roots of Hope suicide prevention project. The five-year partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, which will be led by the Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council (WRSPC), aims to significantly reduce suicide rates in the area. Every year, 4,000 people in Canada […]Continue readingWaterloo Wellington signs on to Roots of Hope National Suicide Prevention Project
As students and parents prepare for back-to school-season, CMHA Waterloo Wellington is reminding people to keep mental health in mind during the transition. While a new school year can be exciting, it can also cause stress and anxiety. CMHA suggests maintaining positive mental health during this seasonal shift with the following strategies: Take care of […]Continue readingBack to school mental health tips
100 shirts sold and a $100 donation to CMHA WW, with the hopes of many more donations. Tom Harman is the Founder of ‘Home By Nine’ a clothing company with a purpose to make an impact on waitlists and awareness about mental health. At age 28, Harman experienced his first panic attack, this was also […]Continue readingStories of Support: Home By Nine – A Clothing Company with a Purpose
Children and youth are supported through a compassionate, non-judgmental lens, where they are provided with supportive listening, validation, and somebody to bear witness for them in their experiences. We work together as a team to identify barriers, build on strengths, and also help families gain insight and attunement for a holistic approach. I am proud […]Continue readingFaces of CMHA: Amber Hussey, Child and Adolescent Crisis Worker