Meeting Thurs June 5 2014

Upcoming Meeting June 5 7-9pm

We are starting to get into the swing of things. I have approached Brent, a pharmacist from our Smiths Falls Shoppers Drug Mart and was pleasantly surprised to find out how eager he was to come and present to us and answer our questions. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about different classes of medications and ask questions that you may not even know you have. :)
Join us at the Link.

Next Meeting July 3

I plan on approaching some local banks to have someone from their investment arm come and break down the ins and outs of Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSP). I just read on the news that the major banks have agreed to eliminate the fees on basic banking accounts for students, youth and low income seniors. I noted they also mentioned that this would apply to those who have an RDSP. This is of importance for most of the people who struggle to make ends meet while also struggling to maintain their wellness.

Shameless Promotion!

Look for an article in June 5th's EMC about our support/education group. I want to thank Heddy Sorour for helping to make sure that people are able to learn about the supports available to them in our community.

Ideas and inspiration from the Summit On Children and Youth Mental Health

Welcome!

I have returned from the Summit On Children and Youth Mental Health. It was fantastic to connect with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds, all of whom where passionate about Mental Health.

2 tidbits that I wanted to share are:

Dare to Dream Program by the Ontario Centre for Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health.
Dare to Dream is a unique youth-led funding program that supports youth in partnering with adult mentors and front-line service providers to make a big difference in their schools and communities.
Youth can apply for up to $5000 to create and implement a project idea that promotes mental health and well-being. Application deadlines are 2/year in October and March.
See their website for more info.
www.daretodreamprogram.ca


The Ontario Centre for Excellence for Child and Youth Mental Health had a wonderful handout that I believe could be used in a variety of ways. It is a dry erase decal that could be put on a persons bedroom door, on their school agenda, etc. to help them consider their mood and help them communicate it to family, friends and service providers.

 

 

 

I was fortunate to listen to Dan Hill speak at the conference. He spoke about his mother's, aunt's, sister's and son's serious mental health issues throughout his life. He is an inspiring and brutally honest person who is looking to do what he can to de-stigmatize mental illness. After listening to him speak and perform, I looked up his webpage. www.danhill.com He is coming to Smiths Falls ON to perform on April 26 2014. Please take the opportunity to go and listen to him at the Galipeau Center.

 

Melinda Long