WELLNESS IS FOCUS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK

/in , , /by

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 30, 2015

WELLNESS IS FOCUS FOR MENTAL ILLNESS AWARENESS WEEK

Victoria, B.C. – In recognition of national Mental Illness Awareness Week, Island Community Mental Health (ICMH) is bringing inspirational speaker Brent Seal to speak about his experience as a young adult diagnosed with a serious mental illness and his journey to recovery.

“To me, these days it’s about letting people know that mental illness is no longer a life sentence,” says Brent.

His inspirational story: From Mental Illness to Mental Wellness emphasizes the importance of wellness and adventure as key to helping young people dealing with mental illness to lead great lives. Brent will be speaking at the Young Auditorium at Camosun College’s Lansdowne Campus 3100 Foul Bay Rd on Thursday, October 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The event is free and tickets are available through Eventbrite: search Brent Seal.

“Reaching out through public education and awareness activities is a big part of the Young Adult Engagement Strategy we launched in April,” said ICMH Executive Director Kim Duffus.  “The message Brent brings speaks to the importance of support from professionals, family and friends in meeting the challenges of mental illness. This is what ICMH and our other community partners are all about.” This event is proudly supported by Camosun College and UVic Student Mental Health Initiative.

Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 4-10 and focuses attention on mental disorders: signs and symptoms, how to get help, stigma, hope and recovery, and the impact of mental illness on lives, families, workplaces and society.

“One-in-five Canadians experience a form of mental illness in their lives,” said ICMH Board President Darrion Campbell. “A recent survey of the community indicated that Victorians believe mental illness is the third most important issue affecting the health of the community.” Campbell says that ICMH operates on the principle that each person who experiences mental illness has the capacity to move forward, to learn and to grow.

“I hope Victorians will take the opportunity to join us for this exciting event and that they will do more to learn about the importance that community plays in supporting individuals with mental illness and the many services and resources available,” said Duffus.

To find out more information about this upcoming event and about ICMH and its programs and services visit: www.icmha.ca

 

ICMH provides psychosocial rehabilitation and housing services to more than 1,000 adults in Greater Victoria each year and has been a core support for those dealing with serious mental illness for 60 years. 

 

For further information contact:
Kim Duffus

Executive Director

Tel: 250 389-1211

kim.duffus@icmha.ca

 

 

 

 


 

Get your tickets to Brent Seal Here

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

On October 8, 2015, Brent Seal will be speaking on his journey from mental illness to mental wellness. This personal and powerful story will educate and inspire those affected by mental illness, and those who live and work with them.

You can get your free tickets to Brent Seal by clicking this link: Brent Seal – From Mental Illness to Mental Wellness

Brent Seal – From Mental Illness to Mental Wellness – October 8, 2015

/in , , , , , /by

On October 8, 2015, as part of Mental Illness Awareness Week, ICMH is sponsoring a talk by Brent Seal on Mental Illness, Recovery, and his own journey from hospitalization to wellness and being a mentor and role model for others.

October 8

6:30 – 8:30

Young Auditorium, Camosun College Landsdowne Campus

Get your free tickets through EventBrite

ICMH Presenting WRAP for Young Adults – October 9 – November 27, 2015

/in , , , /by

WRAP stands for “Wellness Recovery Action Plan,” and is an evidence-based method for individuals recovering from mental illness to take charge of their recovery, decrease or minimize troubling thoughts or behaviours, improve quality of life, and set plans for how they want their supports to respond in case of relapse or emergency.

WRAP is for anyone who wants to create positive change in the way they feel, increase their enjoyment in life, or feel in charge of their recovery.

This session of WRAP is designed specifically with 19-30-year-olds in mind.

For more information, or to register, contact Don at 250-384-4225, peersupport.bcss@shaw.ca 

Download Poster

Hands-on Dog Therapy at GROW – October 2, 2015

/in , , , /by

PATS (Pacific Animal Therapy) is returning to GROW for a hands-on dog visit!

 Friday, October 2nd,  2:15 – 3:00pm (in the library/yoga room)

Bring your photos, stories, and memories about your own “best buddy” pet/companion to share if you would like to!

This very informal session will focus on the visiting pets. Everyone is welcome!

PATS poster

Hiking Workshop – Get the Funk Outside! with Rumon Carter

/in , , /by

Hike with Rumon Carter
Go for a hike at Mount Doug Park. We will be going up the backside of the mountain on an easy to moderate trail. Improve your fitness, get fresh air in a fun, supportive environment. Rumon will also be teaching everyone about
geocaching. We will download the app and go on a modern day treasure hunt! As a group we will explore some basic orienteering skills on our way to find the geocached treasure!

September 18th 1:00-3pm
There will be transportation provided. Please meet in the ICMH parking lot no later than 1:00 pm. Or meet at the Eric Martin Pavillion at 1:15 pm.
Please register with Ilene @ 250-389-1211
Seating for transportation is limited.

 

With degrees in wildlife biology and law, Rumon has worked to promote, sustain and protect beautiful BC. He is an impassioned lover of the outdoors.
Recently, Rumon made a significant career change to pursue his interests in health, outdoor activities and sustainability.
Now through his company, Route 2 Projects, he supports progressive individuals and organizations in pursuing their business and creative goals by helping them to better define and deliver their stories. You can also follow him on his website A State of The Wild www.astateofthewild.com which describes all sorts of his outdoor adventures. He recently ran the West Coast Trail in one day with his partner Jennie.

ICMH Bringing Brent Seal to Victoria for Mental Illness Awareness Week, October 8, 2015

/in , , /by

As part of national Mental Illness Awareness Week, ICMH in collaboration with community partners will be bringing Brent Seal to Victoria to speak about his experience as a young adult diagnosed with serious mental illness, and his journey of recovery. Through the support of professionals, family, and friends, Brent graduated from his SFU Business Class as Valedictorian, and started running ultra-marathons.

Brent dedicates his time to supporting and educating people of the value of mental health and wellness and exploring the outdoors – rock climbing, trail running and mountaineering around British Columbia throughout North America.

Brent is the Founder of Mavrixx – a social enterprise dedicated to supporting and inspiring young people to live great lives through wellness and adventure.

Brent believes that anyone can turn their biggest challenges into their biggest opportunities and build a great life through wellness.

Mark your calendars! Brent will be speaking in Victoria on October 8, 2015. The event will run from 6:30 -8:30. Location to be announced.

ICMH GROW offering Introduction to Pet Therapy Group – September 11, 2015

/in , , /by

On September 11, 2015, from 2:15 – 3:30, GROW will be offering an Introduction to Pet Therapy group at our Skinner Street location. The Pacific Animal Therapy Society (PATS) will be explaining the process an benefits of pet therapy, as well as introducing two of their therapists.

All are welcome.

If you would like to attend, or would like more information, please contact Trudy at 250-389-1211.

Introduction to Pet Therapy Poster

ICMH to offer Hip Hop Dance Hall Workshop – August 21, 2015

/in , , /by

With funding from the United Way of Greater Victoria, and in collaboration with Island Community Mental Health’s GROW Program and Young Adult Engagement Project, we are presenting a Hip Hop Dance Hall Workshop on August 21.

Our classes promote supportive and interactive dance floor etiquette. Through Dance Hall technique we learn to spontaneously synchronize and Hype each other up!! Personal growth, body awareness and community are our aim. Learn how to utilize your moves through many Hip Hop dance styles, while having a lot of fun! All our class’s are playful, friendly and full of community vibes. You meet everyone, dance, and the classes will end in an engaging group chat.

When: Friday August 21 1:30-3pm
Where: ICMH Community Room, 125 Skinner Street
Contact: Ilene 250-389-1211

About the Facilitator

Cristel HipHop

Dance was always a part of Crystel’s life. Her love of dance has evolved to the extent that she played an inte-gral part in building a dance hall in the massive garage of her community home in East Vancouver. She hosts dance classes and started the dance crew and company “Light Twerkerz”. Her mission is to bring the inspired, liberated, fun and interactive parts of dancehall culture to everyone.