Search this site


6days since
The next instalment of Beautiful Minds is coming!

Community Events and News

Vancouver mental health treatment facility
VANCOUVER - A new Vancouver mental health treatment facility will be named for Joseph and Rosalie Segal and their family, who donated $12 million to the project in one of the largest-ever personal gifts for mental health in Canada's history, Health Minister Margaret MacDiarmid announced.  posted March 23, 2013
Sharing Stories an Eight Week Workshop
Details here                                                                                                             posted December 20, 2012
CMHA Health and Wellness 2013 Seminars 
Details here                                                                                                              posted December 20, 2012
Cross Cultural Mental Health Program presents 
Trauma Recovery and Empowerment - a group for immigrant women
Details here                                                                                                               posted December 5, 2012
Recovery to Practice call for articles 
...that focus on recovery from substance abuse, addiction, and/or co-occurring disorders. We welcome vignettes, articles, poems, and personal stories that embody recovery principles. 
Submit your story here                                                                                                posted December 3, 2012
There is still space available in our upcoming orientation for CMHA's Get Set & Connect Program
Details here                                                                                                               posted December 3, 2012
Changeways Group in Cantonese
Details here English                                                                                                    posted December 3, 2012
Mental Health Monthly Family Educational Workshops in Mandarin
Detail here                                                                                                                 posted December 3, 2012
Free Computer Tutoring at Britannia Library
Details here                                                                                                                posted December 3, 2012
Frames of Mind
Is She or Isn’t He?
Wednesday, December 19, 2012 - 7:30pm
New Zealand 2011. Director: Justin Pemberton
Post-screening discussion with Dr. Chris Booth and Gwen Haworth.
At Pacific Cinematheque Theatre 1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC                             posted December 3, 2012
Space is available in the upcoming orientation for CMHA’s Get Set & Connect Program:
Thursday August 16th, 5 PM, Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver

Get Set & Connect is a program designed to help adults living with mental illness make connections and form meaningful relationships with others through activities in their community. Community inclusion is the goal. Some current activity group examples include: walking groups, bowling groups, coffee groups, writer’s group, sign language group, photography group, health/beauty/fashion and wellness group, travel group and more!!!

For more information on the Get Set & Connect program, please visit www.vb.cmha.bc.ca
More here                                                                                                                     posted August 13, 2012 
The Cross Cultural Mental Health Program 
is pleased to announce the upcoming Changeways Group.
Starts Wednesday September 12th – 12 weeks – 2:00m – 4:00 pm
3rd Floor, 2450 Ontario Street - Vancouver
Karla Maranhao, Msc, RCC
Cross Cultural Mental Health Program
Phone: (604) 709-6501
More here                                                                                                                     posted August 13, 2012
Sharing Stories
Mental Illness and Recovery
an eight week workshop in Vancouver through out July and August
see poster                                                                                                                        posted June 27, 2012
Call for Writers
Are you a client of mental health services? Are you a family member of someone who has used mental health services? Providence Health needs your help!
    We are developing a new internet website for our Mental Health Program at St. Paul’s Hospital. One part of this site is geared toward Clients & Families.    
    We are seeking clients and family members to develop material for the “Transitions & Discharge” section of the “Clients & Families” part of the site.
    If you would like to help us write material for clients and families, please contact Alice Chan, RN
awchan@providencehealth.bc.ca
604-682-2344 Ext. 62588
DEADLINE Friday, July 6, 2012                                                                                          posted June 22, 2012
Laughter Yoga! Every 3rd Monday of the Month
Lead by a certified Laughter Yoga Leader, the session is a great way to relieve the stresses of the morning and start your afternoon feeling rejuvenated and joyful.
Get details                                                                                                                      posted June 20, 2012  
The Consumer Initiative Fund Education & Leisure Fund Accepting Applications
Please note that the fund is open to residents of Vancouver only.
Deadline Monday June 30, 2012
Criteria Application                                                                                                         posted June 20, 2012 
CMHA's  Get Set  & Connect Program
Get Set & Connect is a program designed to help adults living with mental illness make connections and form meaningful relationships with others through activities in their community. Community inclusion is the goal. Some activity group examples include: walking groups, bowling groups, movie groups, coffee groups, swimming groups, sign language group, photography group, health/beauty/fashion and wellness group, hiking groups, travel group and more!!!
Tuesday June 12th, 6:30 P.M, Barclay Manor, 1447 Barclay Street, Vancouver
Tuesday June 26th, 3 P.M, Marpole-Oakridge Community Centre, 990 West 59th Avenue, Vancouver
Read more                                                                                                                        posted June 4, 2012 
4th ANNUAL COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE - Burnaby, BC
Battling Mental Illness Stigma
Register now for our 4th Annual Community Bike Ride
Sunday, June 24th, 2012                                                                                                   posted May 29, 2012
Learn More About Social Anxiety Disorder in Adults
at this FREE event:
Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
Brighouse Performance Hall
Richmond Cultural Centre
7700 Minoru Gate
Richmond, B.C.
7:00 - 9:00 pm Read more                                                                                                 posted May 28, 2012
Cosmos Cafe
...for the weird, the wonderful and the rest of us
Every first Saturday of the month, 7:30 - 9:30 pm - sign up at 7pm
2950 Laurel St @ West 14th in Vancouver
Live songs, stories, poetry
Bring your acoustic instruments, songs, stories and poetry
Poster                                                                                                                             posted May 24, 2012  
Explorations in Healing Childhood Memories
With Renate Jung: International Healer, Intuitive Group Catalyst
Friday, June 1, 2012 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
By donation - Please give generously! (No one turned away for lack of funds) 
Read more                                                                                                                        posted May 18, 2012  
COMEDY AT GACHET
with Stand Up For Mental Health
Friday May 18, 7:00 pm at Gallery Gachet, 88 E Cordova Street, Vancouver
Admission by donation!!!
Website                                                                                                                            posted May 15, 2012 
4th ANNUAL COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE TO MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
Sunday, June 24th, 2012 
Starts in Central Park in Burnaby, BC
Read more                                                                                                                        posted May 15, 2012 
Mental Health Week - MAY 7th-13th, 2012 - Events
Mental Health Week is an annual national event that takes place during the first week in May to encourage people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.
Read more                                                                                                                           posted May 2, 2012  
UBC Health Mentors Info Session
The Division of Health Care Communication and Vancouver Community Mental Health Services invite you to attend an upcoming information session about the UBC Health Mentors Program. Read more                posted May 2, 2012 
External Review - Mental Health (Vancouver General Hospital and St.Paul's Hospital)
Your support is requested to participate in an upcoming review that is underway to consider the experiences of individuals and family members who have accessed Vancouver General Hospital or St. Paul's Hospital for mental health care.

There will be two focus groups held on Tuesday, May 1st one at 4:30 pm with consumers and at 6:00 pm with family members. The location is 520 West 6th in Room B (on the main floor). This address is directly across from the Olympic Village Canada Line station. There is also free and metered street parking on West 7th. Refreshments will be served and your travel will be reimbursed.

If you are able to attend or know of other individuals or family members that may be able to attend please contact me to confirm - Belinda Boyd at 604.244.5101. Your support is important and appreciated. Many thanks.
                                                                                                                                         posted April 25, 2012 
Stand Up for Mental Health Comedy's Society Kick Off for Mental Health Week
Monday May 7, 2012 at the Shadbolt Centre in Burnaby, BC
Read more                                                                                                                        posted April 13, 2012 
Vancouver Coastal Health
Consumers in Action Leadership Skills Training Program
Time: Tuesdays, 12:30-4:30pm
Location: 200–520 W. 6th Avenue Vancouver
Please call 604-708-5274 to register
Sign up for as many modules as you like 
May 1: Maintaining Your Mental Health
May 8: Policy & Standards Development
May 15: Leadership Skills
May 22: Advocacy Skills
May 29: Steps to Starting a Self-Help Group
June 5: Community Participation
June 12: Preparing & Delivering Presentations
June 19: A Guide for Writing Funding Grants/ Proposals
June 26: Seeking Employment                                                                                             posted April 11, 2012 
Book Launch of
When Quietness Came:
A Neuroscientist's Personal Journey
With Schizophrenia
by Erin L. Hawkes MSc
June 5, 2012, 7:00 PM
Library Square Conference Centre
Vancouver Public Library
350 West Georgia
Alma VanDusen and Peter Kaye Room
Vancouver, BC Read more                                                                                                    posted April 10, 2012
Non-Violent Communications Workshop
Saturday May 12, 2012 9am to 4:30pm
Hollyhock Room 304 - 163 West Hastings Vancouver
Tickets and Contact Ellen Hansen 604-985-2347                                                                   posted April 5, 2012
3rd Canadian Clubhouse Conference Invitation
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
July 4-7, 2012
This conference promises to be a wonderful event for Clubhouse colleagues and is expected to attract participants from across Canada and the eastern United States.  As usual, the conference will provide a quality forum for the sharing of information, ideas and developing new friendships. With its positive theme of ‘Partnership – Empowerment – Inspiration’, its fine array of presentations and its blend of cultural and social events within the rich backdrop of a Prince Edward Island summer, all participants should enjoy a very rewarding experience.  
Register                                                                                                                                posted April 2, 2012
Want to Crew a Dragon Boat?
Dragonboat season is here and we still have some room in our boats! Whether you’re a veteran paddler or a curious newcomer, we would love to have you join our team. The Conquering Waves dragon boat team has been challenging the stigma of mental illness by bringing together individuals living with mental illness, their staff, friends and families to compete in the dragon boat festival. Come down and check it out this Saturday!
When: Saturdays 1-3
Where: Paddling Centre at Creekside Community Centre (Address: 1 Athlete’s Way, close to Main and Terminal, on the sea wall near Science World in False Creek)
Contact a Recreation Therapist at Open Door Group (Leisure & Education Services) for more information and to register: 604-876-0773                                                                                                       posted March 30, 2012
Mental Health First Aid Canada
Spring Schedule                                                                                                             posted March 26, 2012
Check out the Spirit of Recovery Discussion Group
Funded by the Vancouver Coastal Health Consumer Initiative Fund
Go there                                                                                                                           posted March 21, 2012
Art Therapy Group (in English)
For Immigrant and Refugee Men and Women
Starts on May 8th, 2012, 10 Tuesdays, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
3rd Floor, 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver
For Registration, please call Christina Seo, MSW, RSW @ 604-709-6501 (Ext. 3)                  posted March 21, 2012
ATIRA WOMEN’S RESOURCE SOCIETY
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP WITH JILL GOLDBERG Every 2nd Friday 2:00PM - 4:00PM Enterprising Making Art Studio (EWMA) 54 East Cordova Street
In this workshop you will learn the basics of camera function and photo composition with an emphasis on creating original and powerful images. Students will be given weekly assignments to practice their skills, and each class there will be time allotted for students to show a small selection of their work and to receive feedback. At the end of this workshop series students will have the opportunity to participate in an exhibition at EWMA studio. Please refer to EWMA Calendar for exact workshop dates!                                                                         posted March 19, 2012
7th Annual Family Conference
Family Involvement in the Mental Health System
Saturday April 28, 2012 8:30am to 4:30pm Read more                                                     posted March 19, 2012 
Participate in a study on work and 
benefit systems for people living with episodic mental 
illnesses
A group of researchers at the University of Toronto and McMaster University are conducting a study on work and benefit systems. They are interested in hearing about your experiences with employment, the impact of benefit systems and other influences on your work-related decisions. This research will help us understand how benefit systems impact the decisions people living with episodic mental illnesses make regarding employment. Read more                  posted March 12, 2012
Wear Purple May 254th
The Schizophrenia Societies across Canada have come together in a collaborative venture to raise awareness of schizophrenia and psychosis. Every year on the 24th of May we want to paint the country purple! We ask that you wear purple to show unity in bringing awareness to schizophrenia, and to show support for those affected by the illness. Joining in the show of support in 2011 was one of Toronto’s most important monuments! On the evening of May 24th, the CN Tower was lit purple in support of the 1 in 100 people in Canada who are living with schizophrenia.
                                                                                                                                       posted March 11, 2012 
Child and Youth Mental Health Matters Conference
06 May 2012 (Sunday) (All day) - 08 May 2012 (Tuesday) (All day)
Coast Plaza Hotel, 1763 Comox Street
Read more
Visit the Spirit of Recovery Website 
Child and Youth Mental Health Matters
Three Conferences in One:

First National Family Mental Health Conference
First International Young Carers Congress
Third International World Congress on Children of Parents with Mental Illness
Conference Dates:

May 6-8, 2012
http://www.interprofessional.ubc.ca/CYMHM/ 
Frames of Mind
A monthly mental health film series
Changeways Group in English for Immigrant Men and Women.
This group starts on Monday, March 26th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
3rd Floor, 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver – 12 weeks
For Registration, please contact Karla Maranhao at 604 709 6501 Ext.2 or Karla.Maranhao@vch.ca
Wear Purple on May 24
May 24 is National Schizophrenia Awareness Day. More info....
March dates: Mental Health First Aid Training
More info...
Calling All Aspiring Actors
We invite you to enter this modern fable void of woodcutters, princes and evil queens and
explore with us through humour, pathos, and gut wrenching drama, (ok maybe not so gut wrenching) the realms of myth, magic and psychology in the twisted labyrinth of the human mind. If you have always wanted to be a fish, raven, mouse, raccoon, termite or bumblebee and learn how to make your own mask through a paper maché art adventure, then BUG LIGHTS is the right place for you! More info...

We're looking for volunteers to join our collective and help produce the show. Co-op Radio provides training. Please e-mail: applications@beautifulmindsradio.org.

The Lion’s Gate Hospital will be getting a new acute mental health facility, partly paid for through fundraising. The Lions Gate Hospital Foundation’s website is www.lghfoundation.com. Therapy Dogs International is a volunteer organization dedicated to regulating, testing and registration of therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers for the purpose of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, other institutions and  wherever else therapy dogs are needed. The group’s website is www.tdi-dog.org.

Vancouver Coastal Health provides a monthly caregiver support group for anyone who provides unpaid care and/or support to a family member or friend who is aging, ill, or living with a disability. The free support group gives people the opportunity to:

•                    Connect with others who are dealing with a similar situation

•                    Explore the challenges

•                    Learn new skills & resources

•                    Share Ideas

•                    Feel supported by knowing you are not alone!

The Renfrew Park Group meets the Second Tuesday of each month from 1 - 3 pm. The group meets at Renfrew Park Community Centre 2929 East 22nd Ave.

Another Caregiver Support group is held at the Raven Song Community Health Centre, 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver on The last Thursday of each month from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm.

To register and for more information, call 604-877-4699 or email caregiversupport@vch.ca.

The At Home Project, recently launched by the Mental Health Commission of Canada at the Bosman Hotel in downtown Vancouver, seeks to determine what services and systems would best help mentally ill homeless people. The project is seeking participants in five Canadian cities, including Vancouver. Participants receive rent subsidies and care from nurses, doctors and a psychiatrist. With three meals a day, tenants can receive acupuncture, enroll in a yoga class or participate in a First Nations program. Funded by the federal government, the trial project will run until March 2013.

Comments