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Faces of CMHA: Monica Van Adrichem, Here 24/7 Service Coordinator

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I provide a safe space where an individual can talk about their pain and find a plan that works for them to keep them safe. I am proud to be able to help someone and potentially have an impact on their life, sometimes all it can take is one small conversation that can make a life changing difference.

1. What is involved in your role?

As a Service Coordinator on the Here 24/7 team my role is to be the front door for CMHA WW. Here 24/7 is the first place to call when looking for mental health and addictions information in the Waterloo and Wellington area, it is also the first place to call when in need of support. As a Service Coordinator I provide information about our internal services at CMHAWW, provide information about our partners, complete intake and referrals, assess risk, and provide crisis support. All members of the community connect with Here 24/7 each day to get support for themselves or their loved ones. As part of my role with Here 24/7 I also support people by going into the community to meet with individuals after a traumatic event has occurred.

2. Why did you become involved in the mental health field?

When I went to school I studied sociology because I loved people, and loved getting to know people, however I did not have a plan to work in mental health. At that time I just knew that I wanted to work in the helping profession. For several years I worked in customer service and knew I needed to do something more fulfilling. I came to work at CMHA WW and began with a position within Intake. I loved being the first contact, the welcoming voice over the phone, and getting people connected. Intake developed into Here 24/7 where the role and responsibility grew. Within this role I have the opportunity to work with people during different stages of their life and their needs. I love the challenge and surprise of not knowing what the next call or request will be.

3. How do you support people in your role?

Within my role I support people by helping them to find the resources they need, connecting them to those resources, providing an assessment to determine next steps in times of substance use needs or in times of crisis. I also support people by creating a plan to keep themselves safe or to ensure safety of others. I provide a safe space where an individual can talk about their pain and find a plan that works for them to keep them safe.

4. What are you proud of during your time in your role?

I am proud to be part of team that the community can connect with at all hours of the day, and on any day of the year. I am proud to be working on a diverse team: every member on the Here 24/7 comes from a different place, with different strengths and work experiences, some with personal experiences. I love that we can be so different but work so cohesively together. I am also proud to be able to help someone and potentially have an impact on their life, sometimes all it can take is one small conversation that can make a life changing difference.

If you are in crisis or wish to discuss whether CMHA has the right service for you, call Here 24/7: 1-844-437-3247 (HERE 247).

Learn more about mental health, read inspiring stories and news, find out about upcoming workshops and training sessions, sign up for our newsletter here

Follow the ‘Faces of CMHA’ series for a glimpse into the lives of the people who spend each day at the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington working to inspire and support people to achieve the quality of life they desire. Join our team, click here to view current employment opportunities at CMHA WW.

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