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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 the help of gaming revenue from the Province of British Columbia and support from donors. Your gift helps CMHA continue to provide services and make mental health a priority in BC.

CMHA NEWS:

Register Now for the 2012 Bottom Line Conference - February 29-March 1

Canadian Mental Health Association Applauds BC Legislation on Mental Health in the Workplace

Job Posting: Strongest Families BC Coach Supervisor - Deadline December 7

Job Posting: Program Manager - Bounce Back/Strongest Families - Deadline December 7

Join Us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Mental Health First Aid Training - December 5+6, 8+9

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Laughter Yoga - December 19

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Get Set and Connect - December 1 & 15

CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch Health and Wellness Seminars
CMHA Kelowna Branch: Help Needed for Annual Christmas Party
CMHA Kelowna Branch Mental Health First Aid Training - January 19 & 20
Vote to Raise Funds for CMHA Cariboo Chilocotin Branch Transitional Housing

FEATURED PROGRAM:
Mental Health Advocate Michael Schratter Completes Epic Worldwide Cycling Journey

CANADIAN RESEARCH:

Lack of Mental Health Care in Hospitals: Canadian Mental Health System Survey Report

No Relief for Stressed Employees as Office Complaints Rise

Successful Housing Initiatives for People with Mental Illness

Soldiers Experience Mental Health Problems After Afghanistan

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
Depression in Young People Increases Risk of Heart Disease

Possible Link between Heavy Use of Methamphetamines and Schizophrenia

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Public Consultation for Workplace Mental Health Standard Underway

Survey for People with Mental Illness in the Workforce

Families Needed for Cross-cultural Mental Health Literacy Video
Call for Nominations: Quality of Life Award - Deadline December 14
Call for Participants: Schizophrenia Research Study

NEW PROGRAM AND RESOURCES:

Mood Disorders Association of Canada Mental Illness Resources

West Coast Mental Health Network Society's Peer Support Groups
Mental Health And Addictions Radio Series: Taking Crazy Back
Family Caregivers' Network Video Series on YouTube

Provincial Home and Community Care Policy Manual Online

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Updated Help Sheets

Leave Out Violence's Media Arts Program for Youth Experiencing Violence
Canadian Index of Wellbeing Launched

Non-Profit Online Microvolunteering Community Launched

Psychopia: Documentary on Recovery from Mental Illness

Interview with Kevin Hines: Survivor of Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Attempt

I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help Best-Seller Book Available for Pre-Order

PUBLIC EDUCATION:
Changeways Groups in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Farsi and English

Movie Mondays in Victoria
Pinwheel Education Series: Social and Emotional Development in the Early Years - December 1
Money Skills Financial Literacy Program - January 19-February 9, 2012

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS:
Mental Health Works Workshops and Presentations

Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute Public Workshops

CONFERENCES:

Register Now for the 2012 Bottom Line Conference - February 29-March 1

CMHA NEWS

Register Now for the 2012 Bottom Line Conference - February 29-March 1 [back to top]
The theme for CMHA BC Division's 2012 Bottom Line Conference is ‘Practical Steps to a Psychologically Healthy Workplace’. This conference has become the signature event for CMHA, creating awareness of the importance of psychologically healthy workplaces and finding strategies and solutions that benefit both employers and employees. CMHA’s 9th annual conference will gather 300 executives, managers, union leaders, as well as HR and health professionals from workplaces to learn steps everyone can take towards building a psychologically healthy workplace. The conference takes place from February 29 to March 1, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Early bird deadline ends January 11 and is $470+HST. Regular rate is $495+HST. CMHA staff rates are also available. Register now at www.bottomlineconference.ca.

Canadian Mental Health Association Applauds BC Legislation on Mental Health in the Workplace [back to top]
The introduction of Bill 14 will encourage BC employers to actively promote mental health in the workplace and support workers with mental health issues. This new legislation will allow BC Residents to claim worker's compensation for mental stress conditions and also acknowledges that employers have responsibilities for occupational health and safety. According to Conference Board of Canada report, 44% of Canadian employees report experiencing mental health issues. Mental health can be affected by many factors, both positive and negative, in our personal lives, genetics, as well as societal and workplace environments. For more information on the new legislation, read the press release at www.cmha.bc.ca.

Job Posting: Strongest Families BC Coach Supervisor - Deadline December 7 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is accepting applications for the role of the Strongest Families BC Coach Supervisor. Strongest Families BC is a program designed to help families/caregivers deal with childhood behavioural problems of mild to moderate severity. The program uses standardized learning materials complemented by weekly telephone support from a coach. The Coach Supervisor is responsible for training and supervision of coaches. Successful applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Early Childhood Education or equivalent and have at least two years experience in a supervisor position and in a related child or youth focused field. The position is for 37.5 hours per week in the CMHA BC Division office in Vancouver. Send in your cover letter and resume by December 7. For further information, please see the posting at www.charityvillage.com.

Job Posting: Program Manager - Bounce Back/Strongest Families - Deadline December 7 [back to top]
CMHA BC Division is accepting applications for the role of the Program Manager for their Bounce Back and Strongest Families programs. The program manager provides overall program management for two protocol driven, evidence based initiatives, Bounce Back: Reclaim Your Health and Strongest Families BC. The Program Manager ensures that the program/project is successfully meeting its mandate; monitors fidelity with program policy and procedures; and uses program data to inform program chance and improvement. Successful applicants should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or related discipline, training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and research methodology and five years experience in program management role. The position is for 37.5 hours per week in the CMHA BC Division office in Vancouver. Send in your cover letter and resume by December 7. For further information, please visit www.charityvillage.com.

Join Us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube [back to top]
Do you use Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube? Make sure you catch all of the important news and events in between issues of Mind Matters: find us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube. Also check out CMHA branch twitter pages for Kelowna, Simon Fraser, Victoria and Vancouver-Burnaby. Show your support of mental health in BC and stay in touch.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Mental Health First Aid Training - December 5+6, 8+9 [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch is pleased to announce that Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are available for registration. The MHFA courses can teach participants how to provide initial help to people who are showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. There are two types of MHFA course available: MHFA Basic and MHFA for adults who interact with youth. Topics include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders and substance-related disorders. MHFA for adults are available on December 5 and 6. MHFA basic are available on December 8 and 9. Cost to register for MHFA basic $150+HST per person. Cost to register for MHFA for adults is $175+HST per person. For more information or to register please visit www.vb.cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Laughter Yoga - December 19 [back to top]
Join the CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch for laughter yoga! Laughter yoga was developed in India in 1995 and combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. Laughter is stimulated as a body exercise in a group that soon turns into real and contagious laughter. Experience the scientifically proven health benefits of laughter with laughter yoga every third Monday of the month from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Participation is by donation and the next event takes place on December 19 at the CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch located at #110-2425 Quebec Street, Vancouver. For more information, please contact Leanne McLeod at 604-872-4902 extension 233.

CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch Get Set and Connect - December 1 & 15 [back to top]
CMHA Vancouver-Burnaby Branch's Get Set and Connect Program is designed to help individuals living with mental illness make connections and form meaningful relationships with other individuals through activities in the community. The five components of the program include: one-to-one leisure and volunteer community access coaching; connecting through activity; a volunteer preparation course; monthly networking sessions; and the travel club. There is no cost to register. The next orientations are on December 1 at 2 pm at the Killarney Community Center, located at 6260 Killarney Street and on December 15 at 5 pm at the Firehall Public Library Branch, located at 1455 West 10 Avenue. Please visit www.vancouver-burnaby.cmha.bc.ca for more information.

CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch Health and Wellness Seminars [back to top]
CMHA North and West Vancouver Branch's Health and Wellness Weekly Seminars include presentations on a wide range of mental health and wellenss topics. Everyone is welcome to these seminars which take place every Wednesday evening at 7:00 pm at the second floor of John Braithwaite Community Centre located at 145 West 1st Street in North Vancouver. Admission is by donation. Contact Janyse Hrynkow at 604-987-6959 or visit www.northwestvancouver.cmha.bc.ca for more information. Below are dates and topics of upcoming sessions.

• Dec 7 - Preparing for the Holidays
• Dec 14 - My Artist's Corner: Art for the Heart, Art for the Mind

CMHA Kelowna Branch: Help Needed for Annual Christmas Party [back to top]
CMHA Kelowna Branch is looking for help to host their annual Christmas party. Each year, in partnership with the Mental Health Department of Interior Health Kelowna, CMHA Kelowna Branch hosts a Wellness Development Centre Christmas party for all of their program participants. The Wellness Development Centre (WDC) is a program that provides wellness and community for adults experiencing mental health concerns. For more information about WDC, please visit www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca. If you are able to donate gift baskets, gift cards or cash (over $20 is eligible for a tax receipt), please contact Candace at 250-861-3644 or candace.giesbrecht@cmha.bc.ca.

CMHA Kelowna Branch Mental Health First Aid Training - January 19 & 20 [back to top]
CMHA Kelowna Branch is pleased to announce that Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses are available for registration. MHFA is a 12-hour, two day training course that teaches participants how to provide initial help to people who are showing signs of a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Cost to register is $168 per person and $112 for full-time students. For more information or to register please visit www.kelowna.cmha.bc.ca/mental-health-first-aid.

Vote to Raise Funds for CMHA Cariboo Chilocotin Branch Transitional Housing [back to top]
CMHA Cariboo Chilocotin Branch is participating in the Aviva Community Fund and is now asking for your support by voting! Their idea is to turn an old kitchen into a fully functional kitchen at Jubilee Place. Jubilee Place is a transitional housing facility that houses people who are homeless or at risk of being homeless and supports them by providing services such as life skills training, access to job skills training or education upgrading. The kitchen would operate with the help of Jubilee staff, Jubilee tenants and other community partnerships such as local high schools and restaurants. The vision is to enable tenants to improve their quality of life through learning basic work-related skills and providing meals to low income members of the community. Learn more about CMHA Cariboo Chilocotin Branch’s idea or vote for them at www.avivacommunityfund.org.

FEATURED PROGRAM

Mental Health Advocate Michael Schratter Completes Epic Worldwide Cycling Journey
  [back to top]

After a courageous solo bicycle trek around the world, crossing six continents and 33 countries, mental health advocate and Vancouver school teacher Michael Schratter is finally home.

Michael began his “Ride Don’t Hide” campaign on August 1, 2010 with the goal of cycling 40,000 km around the globe, and raising $100,000 for the CMHA BC’s child and youth mental health programs. All he had was a bike, a knapsack and a determination to live out a dream to create awareness and help empower people dealing with mental health challenges. He started out in Vancouver, rode down through the west coast of the United States, Mexico and South America, flew over to the east coast of Australia and cycled up through Asia and then hopped over to Europe. He did all of this by taking a year off from his job as a grade 5 teacher, using his funds to finance the journey as he travelled the globe.

November 12, 2011 marked the last day of Michael's 469-day around-the-world journey. A police escort and over a hundred cyclists including Vancouver Canucks GM Mike Gillis and several of Michael’s Grade 5 students rode with Michael from either Tsawwassen, the Richmond Oval or Langara College towards the Welcome Home Celebration held at Rogers Arena. Hundreds of family, friends and supporters came out to the arena to celebrate and enjoy the delicious food and festivities that took place.

Many were moved to tears by the speeches of Senator Larry Campbell, Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, Hon. Mary McNeil, Mike Gillis, two of Michael's students and finally, Michael Schratter, who received a standing ovation. Michael, donning his new Kevin Bieska Canucks Jersey given to him by Mike Gillis, thanks all his supporters and speaks about his campaign and the motivation behind his dream.

"If we can get people who are mentally ill to start having conversations at coffee shops, we can start putting the humanity back into an affliction that is so large that it's arguably not an affliction," Michael Schratter said, hence the reason why Michael called his campaign "Ride don't Hide". Bev Gutray, CEO of CMHA BC said Schratter is inspirational. "He's now in the business of changing people's attitudes towards mental health." she said.

CMHA BC and the Ride Don’t Hide Team would like to thank the hundreds who braved the wet weather to welcome home Michael and also thank the amazing sponsors who helped made the ride possible. Michael’s Ride Don’t Hide campaign has raised over $70,000 for CMHA’s child and youth mental health programs. Make a donation, view Michael’s around-the-world blog, see pictures of the Welcome Home Celebration and stay tuned for videos coming soon to www.ridedonthide.com.

CANADIAN RESEARCH

Lack of Mental Health Care in Hospitals: Canadian Mental Health System Survey Report [back to top]
In September, the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) released a public survey asking Canadians on their opinions of the Canadian mental health care system. After analyzing data from 3,125 respondents, MDSC produced a survey report which would be sent to the Federal and all Provincial/Territorial Ministers of Health. The report provides an overview of how persons with mental illness, their families and caregivers view the services they receive from their family doctors, their community, clinics and emergency rooms. Key findings show that while there has been some improvement in the mental health care system, there are many areas where there are significant gaps or shortage. 35% of respondents with a mental illness waited more than 12 months for a diagnosis while 65% indicated that their hospital does not provide adequate care for patients with mental illness. Read the final report at www.mooddisorderscanada.ca.

No Relief for Stressed Employees as Office Complaints Rise [back to top]
Employee stress is a major and growing issue that affects the productivity of Canadian and U.S. Companies. A study shows that nearly nine in ten employers - 89% - reported heavy workload as a complaint amongst staff. This figure rose 25% from a similar study by the same firm that took place two years ago. The survey was completed by 335 human resources and health benefit managers at Canadian and U.S. companies with 1,000 or more employees. Mental health issues ranked as the number one cause of both short-term and long-term disabilities in Canada. Read more about the study at www.metronews.ca.
>> Improve the mental health of your workplace! Learn more about our Mental Health Works workshop series.

Successful Housing Initiatives for People with Mental Illness [back to top]
The Center for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH), along with other partners, recently released a new report on a national scan of the current housing and community support needs of persons with mental illness. The report indicates that well over 500,000 people with mental illness are inadequately housed in Canada, and more than 100,000 are homeless. The report also describes the reasons for housing vulnerability among those with mental illness, identifies those who are most vulnerable and explains the connection between inadequate housing and health status. The authors urge funders, policy makers and service providers to create a system of coordinated housing and supports that cross health and social services. Read the full report Turning the Key at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.

Soldiers Experience Mental Health Problems After Afghanistan [back to top]
The Canadian Forces recently released a new study that reveals almost 25% of soldiers who fought in Afghanistan during 2007 have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. The study, which analyzed data from 792 soldiers, also found that one in five of those soldiers have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a different study that analyzed more than 30,000 soldiers, findings show that 13% of soldiers sent to Afghanistan were diagnosed with a mental illness such as depression, anxiety and mood disorders or substance abuse problems. The rate of PTSD was 8%. Read more about the studies at www.thestar.com.

RESEARCH FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Depression in Young People Increases Risk of Heart Disease [back to top]
Results from a nationwide study from Emory University revealed that depression or a history of suicide attempts in people younger than 40, especially young women, increases their risk for dying from heart disease. The study, which was published on the November 2011 issue of Archives of General Psychiatry, analyzed data from 7,641 people between the ages of 17 and 39 in a nationwide survey between 1988 and 1994. Women with depression or a history of attempted suicide had a three times higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a 14 times higher risk of dying from a heart attack. For men, they were at a 2.4 times higher risk of dying from CVD and at a 3.5 times higher risk of dying from a heart attack. View the full article at www.sciencedaily.com.
>>Feeling Blue? Learn about CMHA's Bounce Back Program for adults experiencing mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety and depression

Possible Link between Heavy Use of Methamphetamines and Schizophrenia [back to top]
A study by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) finds that there may be a link between heavy use of methamphetamines and schizophrenia. Researchers discovered the link after reviewing 42,412 hospital records of patients who were admitted between 1990 and 2000 with a diagnosis of drug dependence or abuse. These patients did not have a diagnosis of psychotic symptoms at the start of the study but had a one and a half to threefold risk of later being diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared with non drug users. Read more about the study by visiting www.psychiatryonline.org.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Public Consultation for Workplace Mental Health Standard Underway [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada is pleased to announce that a new standard for workplace mental health is underway and scheduled to be released in the second half of 2012. By 2012, Canadian employers will have increased support for improving the psychological health and safety of their employees with the development of a National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. Meanwhile, all Canadians are welcome to participate in a public consultation that will provide organizations with the tools to achieve measurable improvements in psychological health and safety. The consultation ends December 31, 2011. To read more about this standard or participate in the public consultation please visit www.mentalhealthcommission.ca.
>> Promoting psychological health is essential to building workplaces that thrive—but how do we get there? Join the conversation at the 2012 Bottom Line Conference!

Survey for People with Mental Illness in the Workforce [back to top]
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) would like to invite people living with mental illness to share about their experiences in the workforce in a short survey. The survey is part of MHCC’s Aspiring Workforce Project, which was developed to examine the existing and innovative practices that help people living with mental illness secure and sustain meaningful employment and/or sustainable income in Canada. The survey is 15 to 30 minutes long and is currently available in English only. To take the survey, please visit www.survey.camhx.ca. For more information about the survey and/or the project, please contact Reena Sirohi at reena_sirohi@camh.net.

Families Needed for Cross-cultural Mental Health Literacy Video [back to top]
BC Mental Health and Addictions is creating a cross-cultural mental health literacy video and is asking for three or four families of various cultural backgrounds to participate. The purpose of the video is to: help illustrate that mental health challenges can occur within families of all cultural backgrounds; help break down stigma and misconceptions about mental health and illness; and help direct viewers to where they can obtain information and resources on mental health. If you are interested in reflecting on your family’s experience and in encouraging other families experiencing mental health challenges to seek information and support, please contact Meredith Woermke at Meredith.woermke@bcmhs.bc.ca.

Call for Nominations: Quality of Life Award - Deadline December 14 [back to top]
The Canadian College of Health Leaders has launched its call for nominations for the 2012 National Awards Program. The Quality of Life Award honours those who work to improve the lives of their patients and their families, as well as the community, through their desire, creativity and dedication. This award is presented to an individual or team for an initiative that improves the quality of life for patients. Nominations is due on December 14, which requires a 250 word summary. The summaries will then be reviewed and shortlisted for a second round that will begin on February 1, 2012. To view the full details of the nomination process, please visit www.cchl-ccls.ca.

Call for Participants: Schizophrenia Research Study [back to top]
Do you have schizophrenia? The Office of Research Services at the University of British Columbia has reviewed and allowed ethics clearance for a new study on schizophrenia. The study will be looking at the effects of a new medication to treat the negative symptoms of schizophrenia sponsored by Hoffman-La Roche Ltd. To participate, you must meet with the study coordinators to determine your eligibility, sign a consent form, complete 19 visits, complete a series of questionnaires and provide blood samples. Participants will be remunerated. The study will be conducted out of the Vancouver General Hospital, Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic located at 715 West 12th Avenue, Health Centre, Ground Floor, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M0. The study will be recruiting participants until December 2012. For more information call Boris Feldman at 604-875-5823.

NEW PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES

Mood Disorders Association of Canada Mental Illness Resources [back to top]
The Mood Disorders Association of Canada (MDSC) believes that consumers, families and caregivers are entitled to clear, accurate information about mood disorders and mental illnesses and continues to provide mental illness resources to Canadians. The MDSC have distributed over 250,000 copies of their Depression Booklet; 100,000 copies of their Bipolar Brochure and 150,000 copies of their Quick Facts on Mental Illness and Addictions in Canada. Please visit www.mooddisorderscanada.ca to view these resources.

West Coast Mental Health Network Society’s Peer Support Groups [back to top]
The West Coast Mental Health Network Society is a non-profit society that offers peer support, referral and information to the public and members who experienced treatment in the mental health system. Network peer support groups strive to offer a compassionate, encourage environment where members can benefit from fellowship and social interaction. Find out more about the different peer support groups or join a group at www.wcmhn.org.

Mental Health And Addictions Radio Series: Taking Crazy Back [back to top]
Tod Maffin, a digital marketing strategist, is hosting a radio series about mental health and addictions. Tod experienced a devastating depression and addiction during his time as CEO of a multi-million dollar technology firm. Tod now speaks about the importance work-life balance and mental health in the workplace. The series Taking Crazy Back aired on Great Talk AM 1110 KWDB and is available online at www.todmaffin.com.

Family Caregivers’ Network Video Series on YouTube [back to top]
The Family Caregivers’ Network Society has launched a series of 60+ short videos on family caregiving on YouTube. This series is designed for busy, stressed, or overwhelmed family caregivers. Each video is about 1-3 minutes in length. View these videos at www.youtube.com/rickinvictoria1.

Provincial Home and Community Care Policy Manual Online [back to top]
The Provincial Home and Community Care Policy Manual is available online on the Ministry of Health website. The manual outlines healthy authorities’ responsibilities for providing home and community care services and includes information on client access, performance management, home health services, housing and health services, residential care services and client rates. Please visit www.health.gov.bc.ca to view the manual.

BC Coalition of People with Disabilities Updated Help Sheets [back to top]
The BC Coalition of People with Disabilities (BCCPD) has recently updated two of their Help Sheets. The series of 15 Help Sheets describes key disability programs and benefits in BC and is available in English, Chinese and Punjabi. The updates were made to Help Sheet 7: Health Supplements for People with Disabilities, where the updates reflects changes the government has made to its policy on orthotics and Help Sheet 12: Income Assistance Application Process for People with Disabilities, where the update focuses on the Ministry of Social Development’s practice of asking new applicants to complete the first part of the application process online. To access the Help Sheets, please visit the BCCPD’s Library/ Money & Income Supports page at www.bccpd.bc.ca.

Leave Out Violence's Media Arts Program for Youth Experiencing Violence [back to top]
Leave Out Violence’s (LOVE) Media Arts Program is a free after-school referral program for youth ages 13-18 years old who identify as having been affected by violence. The program participants will receive their own digital camera where they will work collaboratively with their peers to develop a variety of multimedia and media literacy skills including: film-making, photography, music, poetry and journalism. Food and bus tickets are also included. The program takes place at the Broadway Youth Resource Center located at 2720 East Broadway, Vancouver. To register or for more information, please call 604-709-5728 or email Vancouver@leaveoutviolence.com.

Canadian Index of Wellbeing Launched [back to top]
Canadian Index of Wellbeing (CIW) is a new tool to better understand levels of wellbeing and quality of life in Canada. The tool is designed to look at factors beyond economic measures, such as Gross Domestic Product, that contribute to wellbeing. The CIW assesses how Canadians are doing in eight different areas, also known as the domains of wellbeing: living standards; community vitality; democratic engagement; education; healthy populations; environment; time use and leisure and culture. For more information and to access the CIW, visit the website at www.ciw.ca.

Non-Profit Online Microvolunteering Community Launched [back to top]
Koodonation is a non-profit, grassroots community the allows volunteers and Canadian charities to work together through online microvolunteering. Microvolunteering gives web savvy Canadians the opportunity to make a contribution to Canadian nonprofit and charity organizations, right from their computer, in 15 minutes or less. For more information visit www.koodonation.com.

Psychopia: Documentary on Recovery from Mental Illness [back to top]
Sandra MacKay is an accomplished writer and painter who has been living with schizophrenia for over 30 years of her life. Psychopia is a 6½ minute documentary on Sandra’s experience and recovery with schizophrenia and how living with this mental condition has opened doors of opportunities for her and also made her into a stronger person. View the short documentary at www.vimeo.com.

Interview with Kevin Hines: Survivor of Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Attempt [back to top]
Kevin Hines was 17 when he was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder in 1998 and in 2000, made a suicide attempt by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He is one of the 31 Golden Gate Bridge jump survivors - less than 2% of people have survived the jump and regained full mobility like Kevin. In present time, Kevin is a speaker of suicide prevention and has spoken to over three hundred thousand people about his experience as well as the message of living mentally well. Read the recent interview that Kevin had with Mind Your Mind at www.mindyourmind.ca.

I am Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help Best-Seller Book Available for Pre-Order [back to top]
The author of the national best seller I am not sick, I don’t need help, Xavier Amador, PhD, is coming to the BC Schizophrenia Society (BCSS) Powell River Branch in February 2012. Xavier is a world-renowned clinical psychologist and professor at Columbia University Teachers College in New York City. Get your advance copy of the book for $20 from BCSS by contacting Danita Senf at 604-485-8266. Stay tuned for more updates about Xavier’s community visit!

PUBLIC EDUCATION EVENTS

Changeways Groups in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Farsi and for Immigrants- Open for Registration [back to top]
Vancouver Coastal Health is pleased to announce that the Changeways Program in Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Farsi and for Immigrants is open for registration. Changeaways is a psycho-educational group for people suffering from anxiety and/or depression. The program is designed to help reduce anxiety, strengthen personal capacities and improve lifestyles. Content includes learning about stress, recognizing signs, symptoms, and causes of depression, or preventing mood problems from becoming unmanageable. Registration is free. See below for a list of dates for each program and contact person if you are interested in registering or to find out more information.

• Mandarin: January 31 to April 3, Tuesdays 9:30am-11:30am (Contact: Denise Kan at 604-709-6501 ext #4)
• Cantonese: February 6 to April 16, Mondays 9:30am-11:30am (Contact: Denise Kan at 604-709-6501 ext #4)
• Japanese: starting January 31, Fridays 1:30pm-3:30pm (Shimpei Chihara or Yukiko Yasuda at 604-800-6647)
• Farsi: starting January 16, Mondays 10:00am-12:00pm (Goli Shifteh at 788-388-3692)
• For Immigrants: starting January 16, Mondays 1:30pm-3:30pm (Norma Sanchez at 604-709-6501)

Movie Mondays in Victoria [back to top]
Movie Mondays is a weekly event in Victoria supporting those with mental health issues and bringing together the community, providing a positive interface for individuals to learn more about mental health. Movies are shown at 6:30 pm at the Eric Martin Pavilion, in the 1900 block of Fort St. and are free to attend. For more information on Movie Mondays, visit www.islandnet.com/mm.

• December 5 - Journey on the Wild Coast
• December 12 - The concert
• December 19 - Buck
• December 26 - The People vs George lucas

Pinwheel Education Series: Social and Emotional Development in the Early Years - December 1 [back to top]
The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre is proud to present the Pinwheel Education Series! Every month, a panel of experts will share their knowledge and experience about a mental health topic. Discussion will follow after each session and there will be a chance to interact with speakers and ask questions. Join the December panel on December 1 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm to learn about social and emotional development in the early years (0-3 years) and how these years are impacted by certain factors. To participate, call 1-877-291-3022 and enter code #4611577.

Money Skills Financial Literacy Program - January 19-February 9, 2012 [back to top]
The Money Skills Program is offered by the Family Services of Greater Vancouver and is intended to help people on limited income access objective money management information; to develop good money management skills; and to build a sense of confidence in making money decisions. This is a four week program where participants will learn about banking, budgeting, consumerism and credit. The program is free and begins from January 19 to February 9, 2012 during 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities, located at #204-456 West Broadway, Vancouver. For more information, call 604-875-0188 or email feedback@bccpd.bc.ca.

COURSES AND WORKSHOPS

Mental Health Works Workshops and Presentations [back to top]
Mental Health Works offers year-round workshops about mental health in the workplace in one- to seven-hour presentations. Workshops include award-winning Complex Issues, Clear Solutions, a workshop for managers about how to identify and help employees living with a mental illness, and Awareness of Workplace Mental Health, to help employees speak out and support each other to reduce fear and stigma. Each presentation is delivered by a Mental Health Works Certified Trainer. To learn more about CMHA BC's Mental Health Works program, visit www.cmha.bc.ca/mentalhealthworks, and for upcoming Mental Health Works workshops visit www.cmha.bc.ca/workshops.

Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute Public Workshops [back to top] 
The Crisis and Trauma Resource Institute (CTRI) provides professional training and consulting services for individuals, schools, communities and organizations affected by or involved with issues of crisis and trauma. CTRI is holding a variety of public workshops in BC this fall with topics including addictions and mental illness, anxiety, gender and sexual identity in youth and crisis response planning. Workshop fees are $160 + HST for the early rate and $190 + HST for the regular rate. Please visit www.ctrinstitute.com/fall11bc.html for more information about the different workshops and how to register.

CONFERENCES

Register Now for the 2012 Bottom Line Conference - February 29-March 1 [back to top]
The theme for the 2012 Bottom Line Conference is ‘5 Steps to Building a Psychologically Healthy Workplace’. This conference has become the signature event for CMHA, creating awareness of the importance of psychologically healthy workplaces, and finding strategies and solutions that benefit both employers and employees. CMHA’s 9th annual conference will gather 300 executives, managers, union leaders, as well as HR and health professionals from workplaces to learn steps everyone can take towards building a psychologically healthy workplace. The conference takes place from February 29 to March 1, 2012 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Early bird deadline ends January 11 and is $470+HST. Regular rate is $495+HST. CMHA staff rates are also available. Register now at www.bottomlineconference.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 59 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 90 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. Learn more and donate at www.cmha.bc.ca.

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