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Welcome to MIND MATTERS, an electronic newsletter produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association's BC Division office (CMHA) and delivered monthly to your mailbox. In MIND MATTERS, we provide new resources and programs offered by CMHA BC Division, 20 CMHA branches across BC and news from partner agencies and like-minded organizations committed to the mental health of British Columbians.

MIND MATTERS is completely free and your e-mail address is not shared with any third party nor is it used for other purposes other than delivering the e-newsletter. If you would like to know more about our efforts to ensure your privacy is maintained, please contact our office. Mind Matters wouldn't be possible without support from donors and the help of gaming revenue from the Province of British Columbia.

CMHA NEWS:

Supported Housing Election Campaign and Website Launched
Mental Health Week is Around the Corner! – May 4 – May 10
Healthy Minds Healthy Campuses Conference - Call for Proposals – Due May 1

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace - May 7

Workplace Addictions and Mental Health Issues - May 28

Ride for Mental Health
Health Lecture Series

NEW HONORARY PATRON:
Broadcaster Shelagh Rogers Joins CMHA as Honorary Patron

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Report Calls for Corrections Strategy that Includes Mental Health and Illness
Mental Health Promotion Important to Improving the Health of Canadians

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Strategies for Schools to Help Youth with Mental Health
Mental Health and Addictions Research Colloquium Presentations Now Available Online
Presentation Slides from Healthcare Networking Conference are Now Available
Psychology Today Article Features “Bi-Polar Princess” Victoria Maxwell
Support Group for Family Members and Friends of People with Serious Mental Illness

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

MHCC Seeks Anti-Stigma Projects for Health Care Professionals and Youth - Due May 15
MHCC Seeks Proposals for Workplace Mental Health Project - Due May 25
Keep MindYourMind.ca Running – Show Your Support
Judge Awards $500,000 to Woman Emotionally Abused by her Supervisor

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS:

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

CONFERENCES:

CMHA NEWS

Supported Housing Election Campaign and Website Launched [back to top]
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. Our new supportedhousingnow.ca website has templates, issue sheets and other resources to help you engage the candidates and leaders before and after the election on May 12. Also be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook. We are surveying all the candidates on supported housing issues. Check results on www.supportedhousingnow.ca on May 4.
>> Learn more about the issues around mental health, housing and homelessness in BC in the Housing and Homelessness issue of Visions at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Mental Health Week is Around the Corner! – May 4 – May 10 [back to top]
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." Get involved! See our news release and take part in dozens of CMHA branch events across the province May 3-9. CMHA National's Invest in Yourself website has more great tools.

Healthy Minds Healthy Campuses Conference - Call for Proposals – Due May 1 [back to top]
CMHA BC is calling for proposals for workshops or presentations for the Healthy Minds Healthy Campuses Conference. The purpose of the conference is to showcase the initiatives and programs taking place on BC campuses to promote mental health, reduction of harmful substance use, and prevent suicide on BC post-secondary campuses. If you have an idea for a conversation or presentation for any of the above issues, CMHA BC invites you to submit details for the presentation. The conference will be held on June 22 to June 23 at University of Victoria. For details on submission for presentations or workshops contact Jonny Morris (Project Coordinator) at 250-721-6474 or e-mail at jonny.morris@cmha.bc.ca
>> Interested in the topic of mental health and substance use on campus? Read the Campuses issue of Visions at www.heretoehelp.bc.ca.

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace – May 7 [back to top]
Mental Health Works in an initiative of CMHA BC to help employees become aware of mental health and to help managers develop knowledge regarding mental health concerns and how to accommodate employees.Hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, this presentation will provide practical strategies for business owners and managers on how to identify mental illness, including emotional distress and burnout at work. There will also be a multi-media presentation and resources for effective performance management where mental health is a concern. The workshop will be held in Board Room B3011, Douglas College David Lam Campus on 1250 Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. Cost: $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Coffee and muffins will be provided. Registration is required. Deadline for registration is May 1. For more information or to reserve a seat contact Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce at 604-464-2716 or e-mail at info@tricitieschamber.com.

Workplace Addictions and Mental Health Issues – May 28 [back to top]
Mental Health Works in an initiative of CMHA BC to help employees become aware of mental health and to help managers develop knowledge regarding mental health concerns and how to accommodate employees. This workshop will include two sessions. Session 1 will deal with addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling might lead to a loss in productivity, and how to balance between accommodating the employees and keeping the other employees safe. Session 2 will teach how to identify mental health problems and strategies on how to deal with it. The workshop will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites at 19500 Langley Bypass in Langley from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Cost: Earlybird - $141.75 for members, $220.50 for non-members. Regular - $183.75 for members, $257.25 for non-members. Deadline for earlybird is May 14. Deadline for registration is May 22. For more information and to register visit www.bchrma.org.

Ride for Mental Health – May 20 - August 29 [back to top]
Ride for Mental Health is a cycling event that will start in Vancouver on May 20 and end in St. John’s on August 29th. The purpose of the bike ride is to raise awareness and reduce stigma that surrounds mental illness, while raising funds to support the cause. Some of the funds raised will be donated to various branches of CMHA. CMHA Vancouver Burnaby will be present at the kick-off event in Vancouver. Other CMHA branches will be present in nine cities across Canada where events will be held. Ride for Mental Health is also accepting donations for the cause. For more information or to donate visit www.TheRideForMentalHealth.org.

Health Lecture Series [back to top]
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch is presenting a series of Health Lecture on Wednesdays. The series will include some meditation and yoga practices and conversations. All sessions will be held at John Braithewaite Community Centre on 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver. Admission is by donation. For more information on any of the following sessions call 604-987-6959 or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca
May 13 - Vipassana Meditation – Art of Living
May 20 - Conscious Breathing – The Way to a Balanced Life
May 27 - Bio Feedback and Neurotherapy

NEW HONORARY PATRON

Broadcaster Shelagh Rogers Joins CMHA as Honorary Patron

CMHA BC Division is honoured to welcome Shelagh Rogers as our newest honorary patron. Shelagh is a broadcast journalist and producer, recognized across Canada for her willingness to talk about mental health issues.

Shelagh Rogers began her radio career while hosting a classical music program at the Queen’s University radio station—she was offered a job as the program director for a local country and western station. She joined CBC in 1980, and it was at this station that she interviewed Canadian broadcaster, writer and reporter Peter Gzowski, and accepted his invitation to read listener mail on his program, Morningside. She would go on to become Deputy Host of the program.

Shelagh also hosted local current affairs programs and visual and performing arts programs; she was part of the humorous CBC show, Basic Black; and worked with the likes of Canadian radio greats such as Max Ferguson. In 2000, Rogers began hosting CBC Radio’s flagship daily current affairs program This Morning, which paved the way for her own morning show, Sounds like Canada. In 2008, Rogers became the host of The Next Chapter, a weekly program devoted to Canadian writing.

In addition to several awards for her devotion to literacy and broadcasting, a passionate mental health speaker, Rogers has received the Tranforming Lives Award from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and was named as a Champion of Mental Health by the Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health. In 2008, CMHA National honoured her with with their Media Award for her outstanding contributions to to the coverage of mental health issues in Canada.

Learn more about our honorary patrons at www.cmha.bc.ca.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Report Calls for Corrections Strategy that Includes Mental Health and Illness [back to top]
A recently released report by the federal correctional investigator on the death in prison of Ashley Smith stresses the need for an interdepartmental national corrections strategy that addresses the needs of people with mental illnesses. Ashley Smith, was a troubled 19-year-old known for reactive physical behaviour and repeated attempts to commit suicide, tied a ligature around her neck and asphyxiated in front of federal prison guards on suicide watch. The report states that keeping Ashley Smith in solitary confinement without review and continually transferring her without conducting a proper psychiatric assessment violated the law and concludes with 16 recommendations, many of which have been made in the past. See "A Preventable Death," at www.oci-bec.gc.ca. For background information about the case, see the interim "Report from the New Brunswick Ombudsman on the Ashley Smith Case," New Brunswick Ombudsman and Child and Youth Advocate, at www.gnb.ca. See the CMHA National press release, "Canadian Mental Health Association Urges Governments to Develop More Appropriate Solutions for the Mentally Ill Housed in Today's Prisons," at www.cmha.ca.

Mental Health Promotion Important to Improving the Health of Canadians [back to top]
A new report from the Canadian Population Health Initiative of the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) provides a comprehensive review of positive mental health and mental health promotion in Canada. This is the third in a series of reports on mental health. The first two looked at mental health issues among people who are homeless, delinquent, or involved the criminal justice system. In these reports, the authors found that upstream approaches that promote positive mental health are as necessary as treatment and management strategies for mental health problems and mental illnesses. The report explores ways to measure positive mental health, the role of positive mental health in overall health, and the evidence and opportunities for mental health promotion. See "Exploring Positive Mental Health," at www.cihi.ca. See also the CIHI news release, "New CIHI Analysis Shows Positive Mental Health Linked to Better Physical Health," at www.cihi.ca.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Talk Therapy Reduces Depressive Symptoms After Heart Surgery [back to top]
According to a study reported in the Archives of General Psychiatry, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) lifts depression after a bypass surgery. The study included 123 depressed bypass patients. The researchers sent 41 patients for CBT, 42 patients for supportive stress management and the remaining 40 patients received usual care. Three months later, 71% of the CBT group, 57% of the supportive stress management group reported that their depressive symptoms had reduced. Whereas, only 33% of the patients that received usual care saw their symptoms reduced. In this study CBT worked best to reduce depressive symptoms, whereas antidepressants did not affect the outcome of depression. See ‘Talk Therapy Improves Mood After Heart Surgery’ at www.reuters.com. An abstract with paid access to full article is available at archpsyc.ama-assn.org
>> CMHA's Bounce Back program teaches simple skills and techniques based on CBT principles to help people combat low mood and worry. Learn more at www.bouncebackbc.ca.

Mental Illness Does Not Predict Violent Behaviour [back to top]
Mental illness is not a significant risk factor in predicting violent behaviour in the US, according article in the Archives of General Psychiatry. The study examined the strength of possible risk factors in predicting violent behaviour. More than 34,000 adults across the US participated in two sets of interviews in 2001-2003 and 2004-2005. The study concluded that the likelihood that a person with a serious mental illness will commit a violent act is approximately the same as a person without a mental illness when other factors are not considered. However, co-existing substance use or a history of violence increased the risk of a person with a mental illness committing a violent act. Close to half of the study respondents who were identified as having a major mental illness also reported a lifetime history of substance abuse. See "The Intricate Link between Violence and Mental Disorder: Results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions," Archives of General Psychiatry (2009; 66[2]: 152-161), available at archpsyc.ama-assn.org.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Strategies for Schools to Help Youth with Mental Health [back to top]
Mental illness among the youth population has a severe impact on learning and the youth’s behaviour in school. Schools can play a bigger role in promoting and maintaining the students’ mental health. This article provides strategies that schools can implement to prevent and detect mental disorders among young people. To read ”A barrier to learning: Mental health disorders among Canadian youth,” visit www.ccl-cca.ca

>> Read more on mental health in high school and elementary students in the Schools issue of Visions at www.heretohelp.bc.ca.

Mental Health and Addictions Research Colloquium Presentations Now Available Online [back to top]
Speaker presentations from the 4th Annual Research Colloquium, In Your Eyes, held by BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network are now available online for post-event viewing at www.mhanet.ca. The colloquium focused on innovations in community engagement and community-based research to design treatment and prevention efforts that is empowering and culture-centered. A professionally edited DVD of the Colloquium is also available free of charge for educational purposes. To obtain a copy of the DVD contact Cathy Huth at chuth@psha.ca

Presentation Slides from Healthcare Networking Conference are Now Available [back to top]
Presentation slides from Healthcare Networking Conference: Depression in the Workplace, are now available online. The conference focused on the organization, communication, engagement and depression in the workplace, promoting mental health in the workplace, and how to improve outcomes in the workplace. CMHA BC’s Margaret Tebbutt also gave a presentation at the conference. To access the presentation slides visit www.ohsah.bc.ca

Psychology Today Article Features “Bi-Polar Princess” Victoria Maxwell [back to top]
The April issue of Psychology Today profiles five individuals who have learned to find a balance in the midst of severe depression. One of the five individuals is BC-based mental health educator, actor and writer, Victoria Maxwell. The article titled ‘Good Morning, Heartache’ takes a frank, yet an optimistic look at the disease and various strategies that can be used to combat the illness. The article opens a window into five personal stories that offer hope and inspiration. To read the full article visit www.psychologytoday.com

Support Group for Family Members and Friends of People with Serious Mental Illness [back to top]
Join family members and friends of loved ones who have a serious mental illness for a monthly support group. This is an opportunity to share, listen, give and receive support from others who are in a similar situation. The support group is held on fourth Monday of each month in the Partnership Room at Raven Song Community Health Centre at 2450 Ontario Street, Vancouver, BC . There is free parking and is close to transit. The support group is offered by BC Schizophrenia Society. For more information contact Linda Proudfoot at 604-247-1884 or e-mai lproudfoot@bcss.org

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MHCC Seeks Anti-Stigma Projects for Health Care Professionals and Youth - Due May 15 [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is issuing two requests for interest (RFIs) related to their 10-year Anti-Stigma/Anti-Discrimination Initiative. The first year of the initiative will target youth aged 12 to 18 and health care professionals. Through these RFIs, the commission seeks to identify existing programs aimed at helping these two groups reduce stigma and discrimination and choose some of the most promising to serve as pillot projects. The deadline for RFIs is May 15, 2009. For details and applications visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

MHCC Seeks Proposals for Workplace Mental Health Project - Due May 25 [back to top]
The Workforce Advisory Committee of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for its "Improving Mental Health in the Workplace Project." The proposed study will identify models for improving mental health in the workplace and undertake a critical analysis of these models. The successful investigator or team will identify "promising practices" that help employers detect, prevent and intervene in mental health problems in the workplace. The research will also involve the development and dissemination of an "Employer's Guide to Mental Health in the Workplace." The deadline for full proposals is May 25, 2009. For more information about the project and how to submit a proposal, visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

Keep MindYourMind.ca Running – Show Your Support [back to top]
MindYourMind.ca will be closing on May 1, due to lack of funding. MindYourMind.ca is an interactive online resource, provides tools and information for youth who are experiencing mental illness, as well as help reduce discrimination and stigma that surrounds mental illness. As the Ministry of Youth and Children has not made a commitment to support the project with funding, the site must shut down and cease all youth engagement programs as of May 1. To help the site keep running and to show your support, send an e-mail to Deb Matthews office at dmatthews.mpp@liberal.ola.org. To read the full press release visit MindYourMind.ca

Judge Awards $500,000 to Woman Emotionally Abused by her Supervisor [back to top]
A woman in Ontario was awarded $500,000 by the judge as she developed post traumatic stress disorder and long-term depression after being abused by her supervisor and was in no condition to return to any kind of employment. The employer was liable for intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress, mental suffering and psycho-traumatic disability. To read the full report visit www.lancasterhouse.com

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30pm, Bruce Saunders' Movie Monday project presents free movies at the Eric Martin Pavilion at the 1900 block of Fort Street in Victoria. More details at www.islandnet.com/mm
May 4 – Hearing [our] Voices
May 11 – Ishtar
May 18 – Last Chance Harvey
May 25 – Shooting Indians – A Journey with Jefferey Thomas
June 1 – Bolt

Art Studios Mother’s Day Sale – May 1 [back to top]
The Art Studios provides individuals with mental illness a safe, respectful and accepting environment in which to explore and develop interests and strengths in the creative arts. The Art Studios is hosting its Mother’s Day Sale on May 1. Items such as jewellery, textiles, prints, cards, paintings and pottery are available for sale. The sale will be held at the Art Studios at 2005 East 44th Avenue in Vancouver from 9:30 am to 4 pm. For more information visit www.vch.ca

Chilliwack Mental Health Week Events – May 4 – May 9 [back to top]
Chilliwack’s Mental Health Week Committee has organized several free events and prize draws. For more information on any of the following events contact Loretta Gorman at 604-703-0143 or e-mail lgorman9@telus.net
May 4 – Mental Health Forum - The forum will consist of a presentation on Psychosis and Violence, followed by a stand-up comedy. The event will be held at the Evergreen Hall, 9291 Corbould Street, Chilliwack from 6:30 to 9 pm.
May 7 and 8 – Mental Health Displays at Cottonwood Mall - There will be large displays of mental health information and valuable Chilliwack organizations that provide health and mental health services. Displays will be showcased at Cottonwood Mall, 45585 Luckakuck Way, Chilliwack from 12 noon to 9 pm
May 9 – Observing and Interpreting Behaviour and Knowing When Intervention is Necessary - Part of University of the Fraser Valley facilitator training program, developed by professional facilitator and senior UFV Psychology students and hosted by Chilliwack Mood Disorders Group. The event will be held at the Evergreen Hall, 9291 Corbould Street, Chilliwack from 1 to 3 pm

CMHA Art Show in Duncan – May 2 – May 16 [back to top]
An art show will be held to celebrate Mental Health Week in Duncan. The art show will feature visual arts, sculptures, videos, literacy, crafts, found art music and more. Art works are submitted by CMHA Cowichan Valley clients, participants and recipients. The show will be held at the Youth Craft & U-Fix It Bikeworks located at 51 Trunk Road, Duncan. An opening reception will be held on the May 2 from noon to 8 pm. Art show will be displayed from May 2 to May 16. Drop by from Tuesday to Friday between 2:30 to 5:30 pm and Saturday May 16 from noon to 4 pm. For more information contact CMHA Cowichan Valley branch at 250-338-8287.

CMHA Thrift Store Sale in Vernon – May 4 – May 10 [back to top]
CMHA Vernon is having a thrift store sale at the Georgette Shop all week to support local programs and services in the community through the shopping dollar. CMHA staff will also be distributing pamphlets and posters throughout the city to promote mental health. Displays will also be showcased at the Vernon Public Library For more information call 250-542-3114.

Mental Health Awareness Week Movie Night - Out of the Shadow – May 4 [back to top]
To celebrate Mental Health Week, the movie Out of the Shadow will be screened. The movie is about a family’s struggle with schizophrenia. Information booths will also be set up before the screening and a panel discussion will follow the movie. The screening is free and open to general public. The movie is presented by several mental health groups including CMHA Simon Fraser Branch. The screening will take place in Room 2201 in Douglas College New Westminster campus on 700 Royal Avenue. Booths will set-up at 6:30 pm and screening will begin at 7 pm. For more information contact David Dickinson at 604-523-1072.

CMHA Thrift Store Sale in Richmond – May 5 – May 8 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Pathways Clubhouse will be holding a thrift store sale to promote Mental Health Week. Everything in the store will be 50% off. Come see what treasures you can find! The sale will be on from 10 am to 2:30 pm. For more information call 604-276-8834.

CMHA Delta Branch Mental Health Forum – May 5 [back to top]
CMHA Delta branch is hosting a free public forum. The forum will feature a guest panel and will highlight the topic of mental health and the economy and will also incorporate the national theme on “Invest in Yourself.” The event will be held at the George Mackie Library at 8440 112th Street in Delta from 7 to 9 pm. For more information call 604-943-1878.

Funny…You Don’t Look Crazy – May 6 [back to top]
“Funny…You Don’t Look Crazy” is a high energy, one woman show by Victoria Maxwell. The show is about Victoria’s experience of romantic relationships, the work world and untreated bi-polar disorder and after diagnosis. The show will be held at John Braithwaithe Community Centre at 145 West 1st Street, North Vancouver. Registration is required as seating is limited. To reserve your space call 604-987-6959.

CMHA Wild Wednesday in Cranbrook – May 6 [back to top]
CMHA Kootenays is organizing a youth team presentation for high school students at Mount Baker Senior Secondary School. The presentation will be on mental health awareness and positive coping mechanisms. There will also be positive mental health education seminars in children, youth and adult programs. For more information contact Janice Bradshaw 250-426-5222.

CMHA BBQ in Trail – May 6 [back to top]
CMHA Kootenays is organizing a BBQ for the Silvery City residents to support and celebrate Mental Health Week. The BBQ will be held at the Silvery City Gardens Senior Housing’s dining room at 5 pm. For more information contact Janice Bradshaw 250-426-5222.

Managing Uncertainty Presentation– May 6 [back to top]
Managing Uncertainty is a free event, where you will learn to identify perspectives and strategies that will help you handle change in more constructive and creative ways. The event will be held on 2nd Floor Program Room in Richmond Public Library Brighouse located on Minoru Gate in Richmond. The program will be held from 7 to 9 pm. For more information call 604-231-6413 or visit www.yourlibrary.ca/whatson.cfm

CMHA Mental Health Public Film Screening - Lars and the Real Girl – May 6 [back to top]
CMHA Richmond, Richmond Mental Health Services, and Richmond Mental Health & Friends Society present a free mental health public film screening. The film that will be screened is Lars and the Real Girl, starring Ryan Gosling. The event will also feature information tables and a post screening discussion with Dr. H. Karlinsky, psychiatrist. The screening will be held at Ralph Fisher Auditorium in Richmond Hospital located at 7000 Westminster Highway in Richmond. Doors will open at 7 pm and light refreshments will be served. Screening will begin at 7:30 pm. For more information contact Barbara Fee at 604-276-8834 or e-mail at barb.fee@cmha.bc.ca or contact Barb Bawlf at 604-214-9709 or e-mail at Barbara.bawlf@vch.ca

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Mental Health Works Workshops for Workplaces [back to top]
Approaching an employee who seems to be unwell, managing performance issues where mental health may be an issue and addressing the concerns of co-workers are all issues we can help with. Mental Health Works, a multiple award-winning initiative of CMHA, provides organizations with the tools and resources they need to effectively address issues involving mental illness in the workplace. Educational presentations and skills-building workshops are available for various audiences in the workplace - employees at all levels, union representatives, operational managers, and senior executives. Learn more at www.mentalhealthworks.ca or contact Margaret Tebbutt at 1-800-555-8222 or mentalhealthworks@cmha.bc.ca for more information.

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace – May 7 [back to top]
Mental Health Works in an initiative of CMHA BC to help employees become aware of mental health and to help managers develop knowledge regarding mental health concerns and how to accommodate employees.Hosted by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce, this presentation will provide practical strategies for business owners and managers on how to identify mental illness, including emotional distress and burnout at work. There will also be a multi-media presentation and resources for effective performance management where mental health is a concern. The workshop will be held in Board Room B3011, Douglas College David Lam Campus on 1250 Pinetree Way in Coquitlam. Cost: $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Coffee and muffins will be provided. Registration is required. Deadline for registration is May 1. For more information or to reserve a seat contact Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce at 604-464-2716 or e-mail at info@tricitieschamber.com.

ADHD in Children and Adolescents – May 9 [back to top]
This aim of this workshop is to identify the primary characteristics of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The workshop will also provide detailed information about the impact of the mental disorder, the risks of the disorder, how to control ADHD with medication, management strategies in classroom and at home. The workshop is for psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, teachers, child neurologists, primary care and family medical practitioners, speech pathologists, pharmacists, social workers and parents. The workshop will be held at Cascade Community Church on 34190 Delair Road in Abbotsford from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Cost: $250. For more information and registration visit www.psychiatry.ubc.ca.

Workplace Addictions and Mental Health Issues – May 28 [back to top]
Mental Health Works in an initiative of CMHA BC to help employees become aware of mental health and to help managers develop knowledge regarding mental health concerns and how to accommodate employees. This workshop will include two sessions. Session 1 will deal with addictions such as alcohol, drugs and gambling might lead to a loss in productivity, and how to balance between accommodating the employees and keeping the other employees safe. Session 2 will teach how to identify mental health problems and strategies on how to deal with it. The workshop will be held at the Hampton Inn & Suites at 19500 Langley Bypass in Langley from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm. Cost: Earlybird - $141.75 for members, $220.50 for non-members. Regular - $183.75 for members, $257.25 for non-members. Deadline for earlybird is May 14. Deadline for registration is May 22. For more information and to register visit www.bchrma.org.

CONFERENCES

4th Annual Family Conference – May 2 [back to top]
The 4th Annual Family Conference is sponsored by Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) and Mood Disorders Association (MDA). The conference’s aim is to promote family involvement in the mental health system. The day will be filled with opportunities to hear from professional health providers, family members and consumers. Conference will be held at the Vancouver General Hospital’s Paetzold Theatre on 899 West 12th Avenue between 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Cost: $25 each, and $30 family. Seating is limited. To reserve your ticket email familyconference4@gmail.com. For more information contact Shirley Rogers at 604-708-5289 (Vancouver Coastal Health), Linda Proudfoot at 604-247-1884 (BCSS) or Vicki Rogers at 604-873-0103 (MDA).

Body Image and Self Esteem: Shades of Grey Conference 2009 in Toronto – May 11 – 12 [back to top]
National Eating Disorder Information Centre is holding its biannual conference on body image and self esteem. The conference will cover topics such as boys and men, the youth engagement, physical activity, new media and representation and obesity. The conference will be informational and the audience will gain new skills and strategies to overcome eating disorders. The conference is for educators, health care professionals, fitness and lifestyle personnel and the general public including those who are interested in the topic. Cost: $325 full day, $185 one day, $190 for student (full day), $90 for student (one day). The conference will be held at the Chestnut Conference Centre at University of Toronto. For the complete conference program and more details visit www.nedic.ca.

17th Annual David Berman Memorial Concurrent Disorders Conference – May 25 – May 27 [back to top]
This conference is designed to provide an interdisciplinary group of clinicians/delegates with advanced training in concurrent disorders, including in-depth exploration of integrated treatment. The conference is for managers, drug and alcohol counselors, nurses, peer support workers, physicians, policy-makers, psychiatrists, psychologists, researchers, social workers, students and all those who are interested in mental health and addictions. The conference will be held at The Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites on 1763 Comox Street in Vancouver from 8 am to 5 pm. Cost: $525 for the full program (May 25 – 27), or $210 for one day. Deadline for registration is May 1. For the program of the conference, more details and registration visit www.interprofessional.ubc.ca.

DISCLAIMER

This newsletter contains information collected from a wide variety of sources, individuals and organizations which we consider reliable. However the content of the news delivered as well as referred to does not necessarily represent the official view of CMHA, BC Division. Under no circumstances shall CMHA, its employees, directors, volunteers, or the authors of information provided in this newsletter, be liable for damages, losses, demands, or claims.

If you have any ideas or content for MIND MATTERS, please send them to mindmatters@cmha.bc.ca.

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), BC Division is a provincial non-profit charitable organization which has, for the past 50 years in BC, been concerned with promoting the mental health of all British Columbians and changing the way we view and treat mental illness in BC. We are part of a national association with over 80 years of experience in Canada. CMHA staff and volunteers focus on four major responsibilities: policy, public education, community-based research, and mental health service and support resources. We are located at: 1200-1111 Melville St., Vancouver BC, V6E 3V6 Phone: 604-688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222 (free within BC); Fax: 604-688-3236.

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