With a guitar slung across his shoulder and in a room full of his peers, Mark Bottomley feels at ease. Sitting in a quiet room at PoCo’s New View Society headquarters, Bottomley wants others to feel that same way — about him and others like him.
Simon Fraser University’s campus radio station will put the national spotlight on both the struggles and success stories of homeless people in the Tri-Cities. CJSF 90.1 FM is partnering with PoCo’s New View Society for the National Homelessness Marathon, slated for Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Research shows that at some point in their lives, mental health problems affect one in three Canadians.
So the chances are good that each of us knows someone with a mental health problem such as a substance related disorder, depression, anxiety, or a psychotic disorder.
Community awareness of mental health issues is part of New View Society’s mandate and, to that end, the long-serving advocacy organization is offering a course to teach people skills so they can assist someone facing a mental health problem or crisis.
Strengthening family connections and helping people gain knowledge and understanding of mental illness are the goals of a new course being offered to Tri-City residents by the New View Society.
Graphic images of high profile criminal acts perpetrated by mentally ill individuals are pervading the news networks these days. These incidents are usually blown out of proportion by media that seem to revel in pornographing sordid tales to their paying customers, all the while omitting the far more numerous honourable deeds. What results is a general public misled into generalizing that mentally ill individuals are violent and dangerous, when – as far as generalizations go – nothing could be further from the truth.
Another voice has been added to the chorus demanding the provincial government reopen Riverview Hospital — and this one has direct experience helping people with mental illness.
The New View Society is preparing for its May Day community breakfast on Saturday, May 11.
Mental health problems will affect one in three Canadians — it could be you, a family member, friend or co-worker.
But would you know what to do in the event of a mental health crisis?
New View Society is celebrating Mental Wellness Week May 1 to 5 with the theme Reflect, Reveal and Renew and is hosting three events to raise the profile of the organization that has provided support for individuals and families challenged by mental illness.
