CMHA-BC

Supported Housing election campaign and website launched

According to a recent CMHA commissioned poll, 8 in 10 British Columbians agree that supported housing for people with mental illness or addictions should be an urgent priority for the provincial government. If you're one of those 8, join our Home for Good: Supported Housing Now campaign at www.supportedhousingnow.ca. Our new website has templates, issue sheets and other resources to help you engage the candidates and leaders before and after the election. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Mental Health Week is around the corner!

CMHA kicks off the 57th annual Mental Health Week across BC and Canada with activities and tips to improve well-being in tough times. This year's theme is "Now more than ever, invest in yourself." See our news release and take part in dozens of CMHA branch events across the province May 3rd to 9th. CMHA National's Invest in Yourself website has more great tools.

Bounce Back now offered by 18 CMHA branches in BC

CMHA has just launched the last of its three phases of Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health, a new two-year program to help people with chronic physical conditions better cope with low mood and anxiety. The program is also open to family caregivers who are caring for a family member with a chronic condition. For more details, see the press release.

Bottom Line 2009 a huge success

Sincere thanks to the many supporters, participants, staff and volunteers for contributing to the success of the 7th annual conference on March 11. Award-winning Canadian musician, author and activist Matthew Good was one among several keynote speakers at Bottom Line 2009: Workplace Mental Illness and the Family. The conference looked at what happens when work, family and mental illness collide, especially in uncertain economic times. Watch for the final report and event photos at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Mental Health Information

Do you know what the symptoms of depression are? Who to talk to if you suspect a family member needs help? The best ways to prevent mental illnesses before they start? The more we learn about mental health and mental illness, the better equipped we become to promote and maintain good health in ourselves and others. Our Mental Health Info section is a place to share information, stories, and resources.

Here you will find information on:

  • How to recognize specific disorders.
  • How to seek information on mental health and substance use problems.
  • Risk factors, self-care techniques, and available professional help.
  • Mental health issues, such as housing, stigma, and mental illness in the workplace.
  • The experiences of people with mental illness, their families, friends, and people working in the mental health field.
  • Navigating BC's mental health system.
looking for cmha national or a branch outside BC?

The national office of CMHA has a wealth of information on its site at www.cmha.ca including national educational materials, research projects, and a branch/division locator for all of Canada.

Remember the BC Branch locator on this site is your best bet for finding current contact information for the 20 local CMHAs across BC, and also a description of their services.