CMHA HKPR Open Nominations for Community Mental Health Awards
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) have opened nominations for the Annual Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary.
File Photo.
Peterborough Blogs
CMHA HKPR Launches Second-Annual 'Change the Cycle' to Raise $25,000 For Mental Health Initiatives
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched the second-annual 'Change the Cycle' fundraising event at Nicholls Oval on June 15.
Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education (left) and Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president (right) after the latter kickstarted the fundraiser with a $7,000 donation. Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.
This year's funds support Youth and Family Mental Health programming.
“By supporting Change the Cycle, you are supporting youth and family mental health services in our region and ensuring that the mental health needs of our youth and caregivers are met," said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Youth and caregiver supports are an important factor in fostering a healthier and more supportive community for all.”
Last year, the funds went to CMHA’s Garden Homes Project, an initiative of their Supportive Housing program. It aims to support vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.
“This year we changed our focus and we're focusing more on youth and family mental health care,” said Veitch. “Our goal being $25,000 to support the program, to support youth mental health and family caregiver mental health supports.”
While the event raised $40,000 last year, 2024’s goal is $25,000 which Veitch believes can easily be reached. To help kickstart the fundraiser, Tom’s Heating & Cooling donated $7,000.
“I've had a lot of friends that really seen the impacts mentally when our whole country went on lockdown,” said Ryan Waudby, Tom’s Heating & Cooling president. “Seeing that impact literally change them socially, I thought it was important to help out in some way, shape or form. I was presented with this as an opportunity and I took full advantage of it.”
Cyclists can register for a 4k, 12k or 26k ride along the Rotary Trail in Peterborough. They can register online as individuals or teams. Registration is $20 per person, and children 12 and under can register for free. Registration includes the ride, a t-shirt and a BBQ lunch.
To become an event sponsor or volunteer, contact Veitch by emailing him at jveitch@cmhahkpr.ca.
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CMHA to Welcome New CEO On Feb. 10 After Current CEO to Retire After 32-Year Tenure
/Ellen Watkins has been appointed the newest CEO of the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR’s) by their Board of Directors to be welcomed on Feb. 10, announced on Monday.
Watkins completed her Executive MBA at Queen’s University in 2021 and in October of 2023 completed the Advanced Leadership for Social Impact Fellowship at the Smith School of Business. Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.
Watkins steps into the role after Mark Graham’s retirement on Jan. 31 with the latter assisting in the transition through April 2024.
Graham announced his retirement in June after a 32-year tenure while the Board of Directors began the search for his successor. There were more than 100 initial conversations and applications during their nationwide search.
“I look forward to the opportunity to continue to grow and develop our team from the solid foundation built by Mark Graham over the past 32 years,” said Watkins. “I appreciate each member of our CMHA HKPR community, who demonstrate daily the capacity to think about our system in new ways, with the courage to shift to maximize our potential.”
Watkins has been with CMHA HKPR since April 2021 as Director of Corporate Services. She has been involved with the agency’s engagement with the Strategic Plan Art project, Restructuring the Crisis Program and launching 9-8-8, Reevaluating and Renewing the Finance Processes in the Agency.
Prior to CMHA HKPR, Watkins worked at PRHC in Quality and Process Improvement, designing and launching the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic and Assessment Centre and various other quality projects. Watkins has lots of experience in the private sector, working in managerial roles at Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, Frito Lay and Quaker, according to a press release.
“Ellen is a collaborative, empathetic, visionary leader who will utilize accountability, intentionality, and bravery every day in the CEO role,” said John Lyons, CMHA HKPR Board President.
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Herod Financial Services Donates $25,000 to CMHA HKPR’s Journeying Together Program
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has received $25,000 from Herod Financial Services towards the Journeying Together program that supports caregiver mental health.
Over the past nine years, Herod has brought in over $150,000 to CMHA HKPR. File Photo.
It provides education and support to caregivers and family members of individuals with mental health concerns. The program supports approximately 250 individuals annually, helping them learn how to better support their loved ones and themselves, according to a press release.
“We understand that mental health concerns are at an all-time high in our community, and we recognize the heavy burden this has placed on caregivers of loved ones with mental health issues,” said Jack Veitch, CMHA HKPR manager of community engagement and education. “Programs like our 'Journeying Together' program are more necessary now than ever.”
“It is so important for individuals experiencing a mental health concern to have a strong support system,” said Kevan Herod, Herod Financial Services CEO. “Journeying Together helps sustain the people who love and support their family member, friend or loved one who is having challenges. We are so blessed to be able to help the CMHA deliver this important service.”
“The Herods continue to lead the way in supporting the mental health of caregivers in our community,” said Veitch. “Their on-going generous support has been instrumental in the success of the program and has ensured that families are able to receive essential mental health care.“
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9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline Launched Nationwide With CMHA HKPR As Local Provider
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR) new 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline has launched and is available nationwide as one of 40 national 9-8-8 partners announced on Thursday.
TRACY GRAHAM, CMHA DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND SERVICES during the initial announcement of the suicide crisis helpline at the Peterborough and the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
“We are incredibly excited about the launch of 9-8-8 and a proud partner,"“ said Mark Graham, CMHA HKPR CEO. “Individuals in crisis now have access to a three-digit, easy-to-remember number for support available to them 24/7. We believe this will have a huge impact on access to support in our region and across Canada.”
9-8-8 is for anyone across Canada thinking of suicide or who is worried about someone they know. CMHA HKPR will have six 9-8-8 responders on standby to listen and provide confidential support without judgment and are available 24/7.
Individuals calling from a local area code in Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland, or Kawartha Lakes, will be routed to local call takers at the CMHA HKPR call center in downtown Peterborough and connected with local supports.
CMHA HKPR’s Four County Crisis, widely known as ‘4CC’, has been rebranded into the Integrated Crisis Intervention Services Model. Individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress or who are worried about someone they know can now call 9-8-8 instead of Four County Crisis.
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CMHA HKPR Becomes Provider For National Suicide Crisis Helpline Launching On Nov. 30
/The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) will be a local provider for the new 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline launching on Nov. 30.
Tracy Graham, CMHA Director of Programs and Services (left); Ellen Watkins, CMHA Director of Corporate Services (middle) and Mark Graham, CMHA CEO. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The progrma launch officially starts at 3 a.m. on Nov. 30. Anyone can can call or text 9-8-8 to access the helpline.
“We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as one of nearly 45 national providers for the new 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, which will launch on November 30th, 2023,” said Mark Graham, CMHA CEO.
The helpline has been federally funded nationwide for $156 million. It is for anyone in Canada thinking of suicide or those concerned of someone contemplating it. CMHA will have six 9-8-8 responders on standby to listen and provide confidential support without judgement and are available 24/7.
9-8-8 is a national helpline but anyone calling from a local area code in Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and surrounding Six Nations reserves (Curve Lake, Hiwartha, Scugog and Alderville) will be routed to local call takers at the CMHA HKPR call center in downtown Peterborough.
As a result of the helping, CMHA HKPR’s Four County Crisis — widely known as ‘4CC’ — has been rebranded and is growing into the Integrated Crisis Intervention Services Model. Individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, or who are worried about someone they know, can now call 9-8-8 instead of Four County Crisis.
It becomes the direct line for their Safe Beds program and after-hours housing support. If individuals call the line (705-745-6484) in crisis, they will receive a message to hang up and call 9-8-8.
“Through our strategic planning process, we learned that our community, clients, and staff were all looking for an easier to navigate crisis system with the opportunity for more meaningful connections,” said Graham. “With the launch of the new helpline, we will also be restructuring our current crisis services to provide easier to navigate, streamlined crisis support to individuals in Peterborough and County, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton.”
The Model includes adding an additional eight Brief Services Mental Health Workers who will be distributed across the four counties. It also includes moving the Safe Beds facility from a residential neighborhood to downtown Peterborough and increasing bed capacity at Safe Beds with an opportunity for transitional housing according to a press release.
Individuals who are looking to access Safe Beds can call 705-745-6484. Community partners can send referrals for Safe Beds to safebeds@cmhahkpr.ca.
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Peterborough County OPP Funded Over $60,400 to Deploy Trained Mental Health Crisis Workers From Emergency Calls
/Peterborough County OPP has received $60,401.08 from the Ontario government to provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, announced at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch (CMHA) on Tuesday afternoon.
Andrew Reynolds of the CMHA (left) hs been dispatched with OPP officer Roy Maddan (right) to address mental health calls. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The funding goes towards the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program that has police utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.
“Our police are increasingly confronted with the need to assist vulnerable people in a mental health crisis,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding will assist the Peterborough County OPP deliver appropriate services focused on de-escalation. Meeting the unique needs of an individual who is in crisis will help ensure a better outcome for everyone involved.”
Anyone calling 9-1-1 can request a mental health crisis worker and they will be accompanied by an OPP officer.
“Our unit will make our best efforts to make it out there in a timely manner and get you the help that you need,” said Roy Maddan, OPP officer.”
In 2023-24, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), to help strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.
“We will be working with community partners to deliver a MCRT that will meet the unique needs of the communities,” said Mark Graham, CMHA CEO. “The team responds to calls from individuals experiencing a mental health crisis that will provide immediate support and follow-up.”
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Second-Annual 'Show and Shine for Spencer Devine" Raises $4,300 for CMHA
/Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch (CMHA HKPR) has received a donation of $4,300 from the 2023 Show and Shine for Spencer Devine held on Sept. 10.
Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.
The event was created after the passing of Devine in Sept. 2021. It was created to honour his memory and love of cars and support mental health initiatives in the community.
Organized by Devine’s mother and brother, Liz Jeffries-Bradley and Chase Devine, the event brought car and motorcycle enthusiasts from as far as Barrie and Trenton to showcase their vehicles and support the initiative.
This year had a record number of participants and spectators. It featured a display of classic cars, vintage vehicles and custom rides.
The proceeds help develop mental health promotional tools and resources and CMHA's mental health crisis response services. As a result, CMHA can expand its reach and enhance its programs, ensuring that those struggling with mental health challenges receive the support they deserve according to a press release.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in the 2023 Show and Shine for Spencer Devine event and contributed to this remarkable fundraising effort," said Jack Veitch, manager of community engagement and education. "It’s incredible to see all the hard work that was done to make this event happen and is a testament to the generosity and compassion of our community.”
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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan Announced as Co-Recipients of CMHA's 'Champion of Mental Health Award'
/Douro professional boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan are co-recipients of the ‘Champion of Mental Health Award’ from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting that took place Wednesday.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER LIN / SHOWTIME.
Crowley has actively advocated for mental health as launched a campaign in memory of his father. Irt raised close to $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness for youth mental health. CMHA HKPR says that his dedication to changing the narrative around mental health is exemplary and aligns with their mission of fostering knowledge, hope and belonging for mental health for all.
This year’s Annual Meeting at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club celebrated the organization's growth and success over the past year according to CMHA HKPR.
Other award winners include:
Kristi MacMillan, co-winner of the Champion of Mental Health Award
Wanda Findlay, recipient of the Exemplary Values through Direct Service Staff Award
Tracy Graham, honored with the Administrative Service Staff Award
Miles Leech, who received the Achievement Through Adversity Award
Sherryl and Matt Wyatt, winners of the Caregiver Champion Award for Family Members
Johnathan Hauser, presented with the Maurice Lovnes Volunteer Award
Impact Recovery and Century Theatre, recipients of the Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award
