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Courtney Ukrainetz, Executive Director, for Canadian Mental Health shared how they play a major role in addressing the education, housing, income, and support needs of our community for those experiencing difficulties with mental wellness. The focus is on proving a whole-person approach- offering hope. Mental wellbeing is affected by situations around safety, housing, relationships, and feeling of having a purpose in life. Early supports and community connections can reduce situations that could end in a crisis.
Housing represents stability and is more than just a building. It makes many other supports possible and is often the foundation for the start of recovery. CMH provides a bridge to supporting those experiencing challenges with landlords, accessibly housing, and access to home care. It can provide support for appointments, necessary documentation, and connecting with education and employment opportunities. The Alberta Brain Injury Network supports those with an acquired brain injury that are experiencing challenges with memory, planning, communication, and emotional regulation. It can help coordinate supports for legal matters, income benefits, and advocacy. CMH can assist those in recovery with education and connections that will help build a meaningful life while navigating challenges. Connecting with others and establishing a group to belong to is just as important to recovery as receiving information.
Current challenges to providing services include a rising demand and client needs that are becoming increasingly complex. Housing and healthcare access, mental health and supports for addiction all impact the services that are provided. There is also difficulties associated with uncertain funding and fragmented systems. Despite these challenges, CMH is seeing opportunities to build stronger partnerships and coordinated services. There is also a greater understanding of mental health and social conditions as information sharing and community educations increase.
We thank Courtney and CMH for their work in ensuring that our community grows stronger as we help each other.