Faces of CMHA WW: Jane Fawcett, Recruitment and Training Coordinator, Children’s Mental Health

My work at CMAH allows me to meet wonderful people and give them opportunities to support families in a meaningful way. The Strengthening Families program is helping families learn to communicate well and develop resilience in both children and parents. I’m very proud to hear feedback from parents about how much the group helped them understand their child and improved their relationships.

1. What is involved in your role?

My role involves recruitment of respite workers, organization of educational events and coordination of the Strengthening Families program.

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

I became involved with Developmental Services through the Special Services At Home (SSAH) program as the Recruitment and Training Coordinator. I grew up with a parent and sibling with physical disabilities so had a good understanding of respite needs and resilience and how support can make a real difference to families.

3. What brought you to CMHA?

It was a bit of a happy accident. I emigrated from the UK and having a degree in Personnel and Development and began looking for work that utilized my skills in recruitment and training. I was lucky to gain the opportunity to work for Developmental Services as a Recruitment and Training Coordinator for Family Support Options.

4. Have you always worked in mental health?

I have worked with for-profit organizations in the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries before working with Mental Health and Developmental Services.

5. How do you support people at CMHA in your role?

The three main areas I provide support is to recruit respite workers to provide care for children with Special Services At Home (SSAH) funding one of CMHA WW’s Developmental Services Programs. SSAH Respite workers support children with physical and or developmental disabilities working on personal goals to develop skills and provide relief for families. I also work with Children’s Mental Health Flex Funding to support families who are involved with Children’s Services. Staff request funding for a respite worker to support a family with identified needs working on goals or providing parental relief. I organize educational events to promote inclusion and understanding about developmental disabilities including Autism, physical disabilities and mental health. In the past year topics have included, Body Breaks, Healthy Sexual Behaviour in Children, Strengthening Children’s Mental Health and Children’s Yoga. I coordinate the Strengthening Families Program, which provides free education to families looking to improve communication to reduce risk-taking behavior in children and youth. This program is available to families who live in Wellington County and provided in both city and rural locations. It is a closed group format and is open to any family looking to improve parenting skills. Click here to learn about our upcoming session in Fergus.

6. What are you proud of during your time at CMHA?

My work at CMAH allows me to meet wonderful people and give them opportunities to support families in a meaningful way. The Strengthening Families program is helping families learn to communicate well and develop resilience in both children and parents. I’m very proud to hear feedback from parents about how much the group helped them understand their child and improved their relationships. I am also proud when I hear from respite workers, group facilitators or volunteers about how much they learn from the work they do. Many of those people end up working in the field of mental health or developmental services and the programs I coordinate provide them with much needed practical experience.

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).

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.