Mental health Promoting healing, resilience and recovery for the individuals living with mental health issues

Why does United Way of London & Middlesex focus on mental health?• One in five of us will experience a personal mental health issue

during our lifetime (Canadian Mental Health Association)

• 40% of homeless shelter users in London show sign of mental health and addiction issues (City of London, London CAReS)

• It is estimated that addictions cost our community more than $240 million in health care, law enforcement, social assistance, and lost productivity (City of London, London CAReS)

With one in five of us experiencing a mental health issue at some point in our life, it is essential that community services are available to help individuals and families heal, recover and emerge more resilient.

From short-term crisis to more chronic conditions, mental health issues not only impact individuals and families, but our entire community. For individuals, a mental health issue, addiction or violence-related trauma can impact your relationships, your family and your ability to maintain housing and employment. In our community this translates to services such as policing and health care that are not adequately resourced to keep up with the demand. This is creating a widening rift, especially for those with mild to moderate mental health concerns who are falling through the cracks.

At United Way, we believe that prevention and support for a wide range of mental health issues are important investments for a strong and resilient community. By offering early interventions and timely support, we can help individuals maintain a better quality of life and prevent issues from escalating.

Through investment, advocacy and the mobilization of resources United Way will work toward a community where:

• Stigma and discrimination related to mental illness is reduced

• All individuals dealing with a mental health issue, addiction or violence-related trauma will be able to seek support and access assistance at their point of need

To do this, we have established multi-dimensional strategies to reduce stigma and barriers while providing critical services for individuals dealing with a mental health issue, addiction or violence related trauma. In a community where everyone matters, we help individuals and families not only cope with the stress of mental health issue, but also heal and emerge more resilient.

To learn more about our strategies visit www.uwlondon.on.ca to view our Community Impact Agenda.

15////////////////////////////////////

Mental health Impact Council:Barrie Evans

Beth Mitchell

Beth Powell

Cheryl Forchuk

Janet Grantham (chair)

Jennifer Francis

Lorna Bulgin

Maria McFadden

Reid MacKay

Waltraud Knott

Providing support and assistance at the time of need:

• Recognizing a rising need for children’s mental health services, United Way was pleased to provide funding to Vanier Children’s Services for the first time this year. United Way funding will provide earlier intervention for up to 120 additional families - supporting not only the child but leading to significant improvement in the family’s overall functioning. United Way’s investment will also leverage the expertise of mental health professionals who are in training or who are new Canadians wishing to find employment in the mental health sector.

• Last year, more than 2,700 subsidized counselling sessions were provided by Daya Counselling Centre to individuals for individuals with mild to moderate mental health concerns. 96% of participants report that their ability to deal with the situation that brought them into counselling improved, with one participant stating “I have hope now that I can get better. I have tools to get me there”.

• Caring for the caregiver: Keeping families intact and resilient when a loved one is experiencing a mental health issue is an essential component in the continuum of care. Last year, 492 families benefited from the Family Support Program through the Canadian Mental Health Association. As a result, these individuals were able to take this knowledge and support and apply it to their personal lives in order to alleviate stress, make more informed choices and better support their loved ones.