UPCOMING EVENTS

January - March 2010

- “Families Caring, families sharing”  2010 is an ongoing support group for families dealing with mental health issues. The group is facilitated by family members who face the same challenges. The group provides families with coping strategies and provides a support network. The group is held on the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at the Versa Care Retirement Community, (Main Entrance) 425 Park Road North, Brantford,  Group commences, Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. The 2010 schedule is as follows:

  -Tuesday, February 9, 2010

  -Tuesday, March 9, 2010

  -Tuesday, April 13, 2010

  -Tuesday, May 11, 2010

  -Tuesday, June 8, 2010 - Potluck Picnic

  There will be no groups in July & August

  -Tuesday, September 14, 2010

  -Tuesday, October 12, 2010

  -Tuesday, November 9, 2010

  -Tuesday, December 14, 2010 - Christmas Potluck

For more information, please contact the Canadian Mental Health Association at 519-752-2998, ext. 112 or Pat Buckley, Support Group Coordinator at   519-754-0134. E-mail: familiessupportingfamilies@hotmail.com  Families Caring Families Sharing 2010.pdf

safeTalk Suicide Alertness Training, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 from 1:00  p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Stoney Creek United Church, 1 King Street West, Stoney Creek, ON. See above information for training description and registration fees. To register or for more information, e-mail: asist@spcch.org

Strengthening and Healing Families through the Mental Health Journey, Saturday, March 6, 2010  from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Grand Valley Golf& Country Club, 1910 Roseville Road, Galt, ON. This 7th Annual one-day family conference is sponsored by family members for family members providing support to those living with mental illness. Topics include: "Family Dynamics and Coping With Emotionally Intense Issues" presented by Doug Jones, Family Therapist; "How Families Can Work with Police in a Mental Health Emergency" , with Mark Koiter, Community Resource Officer, Waterloo Regional Police; Psychologist, Lynette Eulette, who will be speaking on the role of a psychologist in dealing with mental illness in the family. Judith Rosenburg from "Spark of Brilliance" will be speaking about the program and Sue Lewis from "Minds in Motion" will lead us in a break activity. There will also be a Family Member panel who will share their experiences and discuss what was helpful in supporting their loved ones living with mental illness. The cost of the workshop is $30.00 per person, which includes continental breakfast, coffee break refreshments and lunch. To register, or for more information, call 519-752-2998, ext. 112. This workshop is hosted by the Family Initiatives Project, which is comprised of family members and Family Support staff of the Canadian Mental Health Associations  from Waterloo Region, Wellington, Dufferin, Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk Counties. It is funded by the Ministry of Health and Longterm Care.

 Suicide Bereavement Support Group of Brant A support group for persons who have lost family or friends to suicide. The third Wednesday of each month, beginning Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Stedman Community Hospice by St. Joseph's Lifecare Centre. (on Wayne Gretzky Pkwy), Brantford. For more information, or to register into the group, call 519-752-2998, ext. 112 .

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (A.S.I.S.T), Thursday, March 25 & Friday, March 26, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Wyndfield Community Church, 33 Diana Ave, Brantford, ON This workshop provides practical training of caregivers seeking to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Participants often include: persons concerned about family members, natural helpers and advisors, emergency service workers, counsellors, teachers, ministers, mental health professionals, workers in health, welfare or justice, and community volunteers. The emphasis of the ASIST workshop is on suicide first aid, on helping a person at risk stay safe and seek further help. You will also learn how to: recognize invitations for help, reach out and offer support, review the risk of suicide, apply a suicide intervention model and link people with community resources. Cost of the workshop is $140.00 per person and includes, lunch, coffee breaks, materials and Certificate of Completion. For more information, or to register, call 519-752-2998, ext. 112.