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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, 19 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:

Coming Together Conference: First Response to Mental Health Crisis
CMHA BC Responds to Proposed Assistance to Shelter Act
Visions Magazine on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Now Available Online
CMHA Richmond Branch Awarded Canada Post Grant
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in November
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch Hosting a Fundraiser Dinner
CMHA Vernon's Gift of Hope Campaign Starting

FEATURED PROGRAM:

Forum on Primary Health Care Brings Sectors Together

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Chief Public Health Officer Identifies Children's Mental Health As Area for Concern
WorkSafe BC Releases Video Module on Caring for People with Dementia

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:

Study Suggests Mediterranean Diet Lowers Risk of Depression
Antidepressants in Early Pregnancy May Increase Risk of Heart Defect in Newborn
Antidepressants Effective for Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
US Guide Explores Mental Health Courts

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The Centre for Well-Being Launches in the Lower Mainland
Mood Disorders Association Entertainment Book Fundraiser
2010 Grounding Trauma Conference Calls for Submissions
Survey to Assess Need for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES:

Support Group Reaches Out to Men With Depression in Vernon
Magazine Showcases Creative Works of People with Mental Illness
Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness TV Series

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS:

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace in Abbotsford
Mental Health Works Full-day Workshops "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions"
Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace

CONFERENCES:

Coming Together: First Response to Mental Health Crisis
Into the Light National Mental Health Conference
Annual Aboriginal Mental Health Conference

CMHA NEWS

Coming Together: First Response to Mental Health Crisis - November 25 [back to top]
This one-day interactive conference explores research and best practices in first response to a mental health crisis. The event is for mental health practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, police officers, correctional officers, criminologists and other criminal justice and mental health personnel. Presenters include academic researchers, police, community mental health practitioners, and people with mental illness and their families. Conference participants will have an opportunity to engage in discussion of best practice and community need. Hosted by the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) and SFU’s School of Criminology, CMHA BC is one of several partner agencies involved in the conference. Free to attend, but seating is limited. To register, visit www.jibc.ca or email advancedpolicetraining@jibc.ca.

CMHA BC Responds to Proposed Assistance to Shelter Act [back to top]
CMHA BC is speaking out against BC's proposed Assistance to Shelter Act. There is worry that if the law to force homeless people into shelters in the winter is passed, it could push the more vulnerable into further hiding, as shelters can be a very distressing choice for many homeless people with mental illness. Long term solutions are also needed to provide housing and social supports for homeless individuals in the community, and shelters are a temporary solution. To read CMHA BC’s letter to the editor on this issue, see "Assistance to Shelter Act" at cmha.bc.ca.

Visions Magazine on Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy Now Available Online [back to top]
This issue of Visions: BC's Mental Health and Addictions Journal examines the role cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) plays in mental health care, and the possibilities it offers for the future. CBT is considered to be the one of the most effective talk-therapies, and asks people to look at the connections between their thoughts, behaviours and feelings. CBT is also adaptable for self-help and guided self-help formats. Read first-hand and practitioner accounts of this effective therapy, and how it can be used for a variety of mental health issues. Visions is produced by CMHA BC on behalf of the BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. Visit heretohelp.bc.ca to read this exciting new Visions.

CMHA Richmond Branch Awarded Canada Post Grant [back to top]
CMHA Richmond Branch was one of three organizations in BC to receive a Canada Post Foundation for Mental Health grant this year. The $41,000 grant will be used to implement a wellness program for people with mental illness. Research shows that people with serious and persistent mental illness have a 25 year shorter life expectancy due to conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease and cancer. CMHA Richmond branch’s wellness program hopes to address the overall well-being and improve the quality of life of people with mental illness through programs such as a structured fitness program, nutritional planning, tobacco cessation support and a community fitness centres access/subsidy, which would remove barriers to community fitness that exist for people with mental illness. To learn more about the Canada Post grants visit www.canadapost.ca.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in November
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch’s Recreation Services Program offers recreational and leisure activities for adults living with mental illness. All events take place at, or depart from, the Vancouver Recreational Office at 175 W Broadway. To register for a maximum of two events, call 604-872-3148.
November 16 - Richmond Olympic Oval Tour. 11:30 am. Cost: $3
November 20 - UBC Women's and Men's Basketball. 5 pm. Cost: $4
November 23 - Fraser River Eagle Viewing. 10 am. Cost $2
November 24 - Vancouver Art Gallery. 5 pm. Cost: $2

CMHA Simon Fraser Branch Hosting a Fundraiser Dinner - November 18 [back to top]
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch is hosting a fundraiser dinner to raise funds for their annual Client Christmas Dinner. Dinner involves your choice of roast beef, chicken penne marinara or teriyaki salmon fillet, along with raffle prizes and a 50/50 draw. Dinner will be held at the Golden Spike Pub, 3224 Johns Street, Port Moody. Cost: $15. To reserve tickets, call Simon Fraser branch at 604-516-8080.

CMHA Vernon's Gift of Hope Campaign Starting [back to top]
CMHA Vernon Branch's Gift of Hope Campaign aims to provide consumers with the feelings of celebration and fellowship associated with the holidays. The campaign collects gifts, wraps and distributes them for people who may not otherwise receive them, are hospitalized or are isolated over the holiday season due to a mental health issue. Last year they distributed gifts to approximately 200 people. For more information on how you can contribute to the gift of hope campaign, contact CMHA Vernon Branch at 250-542-3114.

Featured Program

Forum on Primary Health Care Brings Sectors Together  [back to top]

Moderator Rivian Weinerman, left, with panelists Dr. Christopher Ryan, Heidi Johns and Dr. Jim Ketch.

Stakeholders from across BC gathered to participate in an October forum to address ways to improve mental health in primary care. The invitation-only event, "Serving More People, More of the Time: Advancing high capacity mental health programs through partnership with primary care," was co-hosted by CMHA BC and Primary Health Care (PHC), BC Ministry of Health Services. The objective of the forum was to to stimulate thinking and promote public policy that will contribute to improved access to evidence-based mental health interventions for the substantial number of individuals with mild to moderate mental health conditions in British Columbia.

"When people get together we bring our multiple roles to this kind of work, and our varied experiences to this forum," said CMHA BC executive director Bev Gutray who emphasized the importance of working together to promote good public policy. She noted the challenges of creating innovation in our current economic environment.

Val Tregillus, executive director of PHC, emphasized the role participants would play in the future of mental health in primary care in BC. "We have a real opportunity to accelerate mental health in primary healthcare today," said Tregillus.

Dr. Chris Williams

Morning speakers were Dr. Chris Williams, Director of Glasgow Institute for Psychosocial Interventions at the University of Glasgow in Scotland, and Dr. Patrick McGrath, Vice President Research at the IWK Health Centre in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Williams provided an overview of programs for anxiety and depression that he has developed in Scotland, which offer a number of different low intensity self-help and supported self-help interventions based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles. Program delivery models include workbooks, booklets, telephone and web-based formats all of which are cost-effective and reach a very large number of people.

"It’s very much about increasing access," said Dr. Williams. For example, he has found that labelling resources in positive ways, such as his UK website Living Life to the Full, attracts more people than titles that highlight mental health problems. The website attracts 1.7 million hits a month.

Dr. Patrick McGrath presented on the Family Help Program based in Nova Scotia, Canada. Family Help is a patient-centered program designed to address mental emotional behaviour disorders including anxiety. Parents receive a handbook and DVD that is supplemented with telephone coaching. Coaches provide support and encouragement while reinforcing the messages outlined in resources.

The telephone-based CBT program is designed to meet the demands of a predominantly rural population who have limited income and access to psychologists and health specialists in the area of child and youth mental health. 17% of children have a diagnosable mental health issue, yet 84% of kids don’t receive timely care due to reasons such as living in rural locations, poverty, and stigma. Thrity-eight per cent of parents said they would not seek help for their child with mental health problems because of stigma.

Dr. Patrick McGrath

Studies of the program demonstrate its effectiveness in alleviating child and youth mental health problem. This evidence-based program saves growing costs associated with continued, long-term mental health problems while addressing the immediate mental health needs of children and families. Participating parents are highly satisfied with the program.

The two keynote speakers were followed by a panel of individuals with lived experience in mental health problems. The panel was chaired by Kelly McQuillen, Director of Patients as Partners, Ministry of Health Services. One of the panelists, Linda from Powell River, spoke to the audience about her experience with bipolar disorder. She shared her personal story, including how having a long-term relationship with her family doctor enabled her to reach a comfort level where she felt safe sharing personal information about her life, and how that relationship also allowed her doctor to make the right calls when it came to her care. "If you’re just seeing a walk-in doctor you can’t have that same type of relationship," she said. Another panelist, Lynn from Gabriola Island, was referred to CMHA’s Bounce Back telephone coaching program by her doctor. She related that the self-help materials and the coaching help her successfully deal with depression. She had experienced many physical illnesses before being diagnosed with depression.

A provider panel, chaired by Dr. Rivian Weinerman addressed the forum. Panelists included Dr. Jim Ketch, a GP from Kelowa, Heidi Johns, Coordinator Care North Resource Coordinator for Mental Health, Northern Health Authority, and Dr. Christopher Ryan, a GP from Vancouver. Dr. Ketch described how a new mental health module designed for physicians has affected his practice. Dr. Ketch said he’s learned how he can help his patients with techniques like CBT. "These are tools that I did not have prior to this module," he said. "It’s making me a better doctor."

Heidi Johns, who works with family physicians all over Northern BC, noted that the module is
"something tangible – it allows for more interactions between the physicians and the patients,". She added that having primary care physicians more involved with mental health care can reduce stigma. She added that GP's need timely access to mental health care for their patients, and a better understanding of the system.

Dr. Ryan had several suggestions to improve a GP’s ability to help patients with mental health issues, including continuing and refining the mental health module, improving communication between GP’s and specialists, increasing the number of mental health beds, and having more support from psychiatrists, such as getting patients in quickly.

Afterwards, participants were assigned to breakout groups to address three questions: How could BC be more creative in response to high prevalence conditions? How could innovation be pursued in this economic climate? And what is the next step the public or private sector could take?

Conference delegates welcomed the self-management principles and skill-building approaches shared by presenters. The Living Life to the Full and Family Help Programs are proven high-capacity, low-intensity initiatives for people with mild to moderate mental health conditions. Physician and patient panellists supported these types of programs as they offer health care professionals referral options and patients, timely alternatives in managing their conditions. An integrated approach that values both physician and patient experiences and needs is necessary in further developing initiatives and resources in this area.

Closing comments were provided by three forum delegates: Peter Coleridge, BC Mental Health and Addiction Services, Sandy Wiens, Ministry of Children and Family Development, and Jayne Barker, Mental Health Commission of Canada closed the forum.

"There were many, many great ideas and presentations today," said Coleridge. "We do know what needs to be done; the big question is how to get there."

"I really appreciate as well that we were given a lot of food for thought," added Wiens. "We’re challenged with that information – not just to look at it and say ‘oh isn’t that interesting,’ but also to do something about it."

Barker closed the commentary with a challenge to participants."We can’t just keep doing more of what we’ve already been doing – that’s not the solution," she said. "I hope before you leave the room today you take five minutes and think what action you’re going to take."


CANADIAN RESEARCH

Chief Public Health Officer Identifies Children's Mental Health As Area for Concern [back to top]
Children's mental health is one of six areas of concern for children's health and well-being, according to the recently released Chief Public Health Officer of Canada's report. The report was focused on identifying early-life factors that have lifelong impacts on health. The report said international data suggests more than 15% of children may be experiencing symptoms of a mental disorder, yet more than one in three parents would be embarrassed to admit their child has a mental illness. According the report, children's mental health can be promoted through education and awareness, community support, and a broad mental health strategy. The report endorses the broad mental health strategy being developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. To read the report, see "The Chief Public Health Officer's Report on the State of Public Health in Canada 2009: Growing up well - priorities for a healthy future" at www.publichealth.gc.ca.

WorkSafe BC Releases Video Module on Caring for People with Dementia [back to top]
WorkSafe BC has recently released a video module for caregivers who work with people with dementia. The first module contains general information on depression, while the subsequent modules show situations a caregiver may encounter, and how caregivers should respond. To view the module, visit www.worksafebc.com

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Study Suggests Mediterranean Diet Lowers Risk of Depression [back to top]
Following a Mediterranean diet may lower risk of depression up to 30%, according to a recent study. Researchers studied 11,000 people and found that people following a Mediterranean diet the most closely had a 30% decrease in the risk of depression over people whose diet was farthest from Mediterranean style, although they are unsure as to why. The study judged how closely people followed a Mediterranean diet on 9 components: a high ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as in olive oil, to saturated fatty acids; a moderate intake of alcohol and dairy; a low meat intake; and high intakes of legumes, fruit, nuts, cereals (whole grains), vegetables and fish. For more information, see "Association of the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern With the Incidence of Depression" in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Antidepressants in Early Pregnancy May Increase Risk of Heart Defect in Newborn [back to top]
A recent study suggests that using antidepressants in early pregnancy may double the risk of a heart defect in the newborn. Using SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, during early pregnancy doubled the risk of a particular heart defect in the tissue that separates parts of the heart. Certain SSRIs, like fluoxetine, citalopram and sertraline, as well as taking more than one SSRI, further increased the risk. However, researchers cautioned that patients should weigh the risks of the defect against the risks associated with not treating a patient's depression. For more information, see "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in pregnancy and congenital malformations: population based cohort study" in the British Medical Journal.

Antidepressants Effective for Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder [back to top]
Antidepressants may be effective for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), according to an article published in the Harvard Mental Health Letter. The article discusses many treatments for PMDD and their associated pros and cons. PMDD is when a woman experiences premenstrual symptoms so severe they cause significant mental distress and interfere with work, school or relationships. Symptoms can include depression, anxiety or tension, sudden mood changes, irritability, loss of interest in daily activities, difficulty concentrating, decreased energy, food cravings or appetite changes, insomnia or sleepiness, and physical symptoms such as breast tenderness or bloating. PMDD is currently listed as a condition that needs further study in the DSM-IV. To read more about the treatments for PMDD, see "Treating Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder" in the Harvard Mental Health Letter.

US Guide Explores Mental Health Courts [back to top]
The US recently released a guide on mental health courts designed to help policymakers and practitioners. "Mental Health Courts: A guide to research-informed policy and practice" examines studies on mental health courts and presents them in a way that helps policy makers and practitioners understand their design, function and success, and reviews how mental health courts address the issues surrounding people with mental illness and the criminal justice system. For more information, or to download the guide, visit www.consensusproject.org.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Support Group Reaches Out to Men With Depression in Vernon [back to top]
A new support group in Vernon aims to reach out to men with depression who may find it difficult to ask for help. The Men's Depression Support Group is a confidential, all-men group that provides a safe setting for men to meet and talk about depression. The group will offer useful information on depression, community programs and resources for men. CMHA Vernon Branch is partnering with the group to provide information and a meeting space. Any man who is concerned about depression is welcome to attend. The support group runs Thursdays from 7-9pm at Albert Place, 3610 25th Ave. The first meeting of the support group is November 5. For more information, see "Group reaches out to men with depression" in the Vernon Morning Star, or contact Ken Spotswood at 778-475-5660 or spotswood@shaw.ca.

Magazine Showcases Creative Works of People with Mental Illness [back to top]
men-tal’-i-ty, a full-colour quarterly publication showcasing the artistic works of individuals withy mental illness, is going national. Over the past year, men-tal’-i-ty, produced by the Missing Lint co-op, published its first five issues. As part of their efforts to go national, the Missing Lint co-op is selling subscriptions and advertisements for men-tal’-i-ty, and putting out a call for submissions. Subscriptions are $20 + gst for individuals. For more information, or to subscribe, visit www.mentalitymagazine.ca.

Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness TV Series [back to top]
Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness is a TV series being run on PBS during the month of October. The program follows the fictional stories of John and Olivia, and focuses in on situations happening everyday in emergency rooms, school campuses, court rooms and jails, and on city streets for Americans living with mental illness. The program showcases obstacles people may face, such as family dilemmas and certain medical practices, as well as where policies fall short. The program is moderated by Frank Sesno, and features panelists’ such as Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Nobel-Prize-winning neuroscientist Eric Kandel and Pulitzer-nominated journalist Pete Earley. Many of the program’s panelists have lived experience of mental illness. To watch the series online, visit www.mindsontheedge.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Centre for Well-Being Launches in the Lower Mainland [back to top]
A new non-profit, The Center for Well-Being, aims to create change from the inside out. The centre's goal is to educate people on three principles that lead to understanding prevention, health promotion, intervention and recovery in a new way. The centre hopes to engage the human spirit, and has simplified the language used in their approach to issues. The centre is looking for people to participate in their principle-based research. For more information on the centre, call 604-551-1787 or visit them at www.thecenterofwellbeing.ca.

Mood Disorders Association Entertainment Book Fundraiser  [back to top]
The Mood Disorders Association of BC (MDA) has 2010 Entertainment Books for sale. Entertainment books contain coupons for restaurants, events, shopping, travel and other local products and services. Coupons can be used starting immediately, and don’t expire until November 2010. The original large book is $46, but a smaller book is also available for $20. Last year the MDA sold out quickly on this fundraiser. If you would like to order a book, contact Pat Merrett at media@mdabc.net or 604-873-0103.

2010 Grounding Trauma Conference Calls for Submissions – Due November 30 [back to top]
Submissions are open for the 2010 Grounding Trauma, a national conference on traumatic stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, loss and grief. Anyone may submit a presentation, as the conference is looking for presenters from across all sectors, ministries, academia, service providers and people with lived experience. Presentations should be designed to appeal to all stakeholders, from family and friends to policy makers. The 2010 conference will be held June 21-23 in Moncton, New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.cast-canada.ca.

Survey to Assess Need for Psychosocial Rehabilitation Program [back to top]
Douglas College is conducting a survey to determine if there is support for a psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR) training program. The program would lead to certification as a Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP), which would create a workforce with the skills and knowledge to implement PSR. If Douglas College determines there is support for this program, they would likely start offering it in 2011. Douglas College is looking for people in mental health agencies to complete a brief feasibility assessment on these proposed training programs. The assessment is available at www.surveymonkey.com.

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Movie Monday in Victoria [back to top]
Every Monday at 6:30 pm, 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
November 16 - Owning the Slave
November 21 (Saturday) - The Reena Virk Story with special guests Suman and Manjit Virk
November 23 - TBA
November 30 - The Gathering Storm

Mental Health and Addiction Education Series in the Cowichan Valley [back to top]
CMHA Cowichan Valley branch has started their annual mental health and addictions education series. The series is designed specifically for the needs of Cowichan Valley community, based on issues noticed by the local mental health and addictions office and evaluations from previous years. Sessions run Monday nights from 7-9pm at the CMHA office, 371 Festubert St. Presentations are free, but it's a good idea to reserve a seat by calling 250-746-5521.
November 16 - Child and Youth Mental Health: Who we are and what we do
November 23 - Caring for the Caregiver
December 7 - Homeless Outreach
December 14 - Coping with Holiday Stress

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Events in November
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch’s Recreation Services Program offers recreational and leisure activities for adults living with mental illness. All events take place at, or depart from, the Vancouver Recreational Office at 175 W Broadway. To register for a maximum of two events, call the Rec Line at 604-872-3148 starting at 10am November 4.
November 20 - UBC Women's and Men's Basketball. 5 pm. Cost: $4
November 23 - Fraser River Eagle Viewing. 10 am. Cost $2
November 24 - Vancouver Art Gallery. 5 pm. Cost: $2

After Homelessness: A Forum Theatre Performance - November 20 - December 6 [back to top]
After Homelessness, presented by Headlines Theatre, is a forum theatre production created and performed by people who have struggled with homelessness. Forum theatre acts as a means to discussion. The play is performed once in its entirety, ending at a crisis rather than a solution. Then it is performed again with audience members able to "freeze" the action and replace a character when they see them struggling. The production will involve three days of community dialogue followed by several performances. All community dialogue sessions are at 1:30, and all performances start at 8pm. Tickets for the performances are $10; community dialogue events are free. For reservations, call 604-871-0508. For more information, visit www. headlinestheatre.com.
Nov 20-29 – After Homelessness, Firehall Theatre, 280 E Cordova St. Vancouver
November 24-26 – Community Dialogue sessions, Firehall Theatre, 280 E Cordova St. Vancouver
Dec 1-6 – After Homelessness, Holy Trinity Cathedral, 514 Carnarvon St., New Westminster

CMHA Simon Fraser Branch Hosting a Fundraiser Dinner - November 18 [back to top]
CMHA Simon Fraser Branch is hosting a fundraiser dinner to raise funds for their annual Client Christmas Dinner. Dinner involves your choice of roast beef, chicken penne marinara or teriyaki salmon fillet, along with raffle prizes and a 50/50 draw. Dinner will be held at the Golden Spike Pub, 3224 Johns Street, Port Moody. Tickets cost $15 and need to be reserved by November 11. To reserve tickets, call Simon Fraser branch at 604-516-8080.

Frames of Mind: It's Not Me, I Swear! (C'est Pas Moi, Je le Jure!) - November 18 [back to top]
Frames of Mind is a monthly movie series designed to promote education and awareness surrounding mental health issues. This month's movie, It's Not Me, I Swear! (C'est Pas Moi, Je le Jure!), is the story of a 10-year-old hellraiser whose parents' marriage is crumbling. The movie documents the escapades of Léon including failed suicide attempts, vandalism, theft and running away. There will be a post-screening discussion with Dr. Myles Blank, an infant psychiatrist who works at BC Children's Hospital and with a community mental health team. The film starts at 7:30pm at Pacific Cinémathèque Theatre, 1131 Howe Street. Eligible for 1.0 hour Section 1 of the Royal College's Maintenance of Certification Program. An adult ticket is $9.50. For more information and additional ticket prices, visit www.framesofmind.ca.

About Face: Cultivating a Community Perspective on Addiction and Mental Health in Richmond - November 19
About Face, a free community event presented in partnership by the City of Richmond, Richmond Addiction Services, Richmond Supporting Families with Parental Mental Illness Initiative for National Addictions Awareness Week, is being held as part of National Addictions Awareness Week. The event will feature stand-up comedian Melanie Rose from the Laugh Lines comedy circuit, followed by a panel personal stories from citizens of Richmond who are impacted by addictions and/or mental illness. The panelists will be joined by service providers, and will be taking questions. The event runs from 6:30-9:30 pm in the Council Chambers of Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road, Richmond. Refreshments will be provided.

The Art Studios Winter Sale and Silent Auction - November 26 [back to top]
Vancouver Coastal Health's Art Studios program is having its winter sale and silent auction. The Arts Studious program provides a safe and accepting community where people with mental health issues can grow through art. The show will run from 12-8pm at Heritage Hall, 3102 Main Street. For more information, call 604-871-9788 or visit www.vch.ca

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace in Abbotsford – November 26 [back to top]
Abbotsford Community Services is hosting "Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace," a Mental Health Works workshop. This three-hour workshop provides managers, employers and business owners with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. The session will run from 9am-12pm at Abbotsford Community Services, 2420 Montrose Avenue, Abbotsford. Cost is $15. To reserve your spot, call Lois at (604) 859-7681 x. 224 or email loism@paralynx.com. Mental Health Works is an initiative of CMHA endorsed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada with funding from Great-West Life. For more information on Mental Health Works, visit www.mentalhealthworks.com.

Mental Health Works Full-day Workshops "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions" – December 8 and January 13 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is hosting two sessions of "Complex Issues. Clear Solutions," a Mental Health Works workshop. These full-day workshops are open to managers, supervisors and union representatives, and provide participants with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Registration is $275 (group rates are available) and closes November 24 for the December 8 workshop and December 23 for the January 13 workshop. Both workshops run from 9am-4:30pm at Volunteer Vancouver, 1183 Melville Street, Vancouver. Registration includes refreshments and lunch. To register, call Rose Chen at 604-688-3234 ext. 248 or 1-800-555-8222. For more information, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace – December 8 [back to top]
Claire Sutton Consulting Inc. is hosting "Issues and Solutions: Managing Mental Health in the Workplace," a Mental Health Works workshop. This three-hour workshop provides small-to-medium sized business managers, employers and owners with strategies for identifying and addressing mental health issues in the workplace. The session will run from 8:30 - 10:30am at #1200 - 1090 W. Georgia, Vancouver. Cost is $20 in advance, $30 at the door. To reserve your spot, call 604-742-1148. Mental Health Works is an initiative of CMHA endorsed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada with funding from Great-West Life. For more information on Mental Health Works, visit www.mentalhealthworks.com.

CONFERENCES

Coming Together: First Response to Mental Health Crisis - November 25 [back to top]
This one-day interactive conference explores research and best practices in first response to a mental health crisis. The event is for mental health practitioners, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, police officers, correctional officers, criminologists and other criminal justice and mental health personnel. Presenters include academic researchers, police, community mental health practitioners, and people with mental illness and their families. Conference participants will have an opportunity to engage in discussion of best practice and community need. Hosted by the Justice Institute of BC (JIBC) and SFU’s School of Criminology, CMHA BC is one of several partner agencies involved in the conference. Free to attend, but seating is limited. To register, visit www.jibc.ca or email advancedpolicetraining@jibc.ca.

Into the Light National Mental Health Conference – November 29 – December 1 [back to top]
Into the Light: Transforming Mental Health in Canada, a national mental health conference, is coming to Vancouver. The conference, which is presented by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Vancouver Coastal Health and Simon Fraser University, will bring together members of the mental health community in Canada. There will be representatives from policy and planning, service provides, consumers, family and community representatives. The conference will showcase the emerging Canadian Mental Health Strategy, as well as feature a policy forum. Delegate fees are $650 or $250 for students. For more information, or to register visit www.intothelightcanada.com.

Annual Aboriginal Mental Health Conference - January 21 - 22 [back to top]
The 2010 Aboriginal Mental Health Conference will be focused on the theme of self-care. Bill Mussel will be the keynote speaker for this conference. The first day is open to Vancouver Coastal Health staff and caregivers, and the second date is open to all. The conference is being held in the gymnasium of the Vancouver Aboriginal Friendship Centre, 1607 East Hastings, Vancouver. To confirm your attendance, please call 604-875-6601.

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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