Building Links for Better Mental Health
Who: A conference bringing together people working in a cross-section of mental health programs, consumers/survivors, family members, people working in advocacy organizations, government and the justice system.
What: An opportunity to share information and discuss key issues facing everyone involved in mental health.
Sponsored by: Ontario Public Service Employees Union and the Ontario Health Coalition
When: Wednesday, Nov 3, 2004 at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Nov 4, 2004 at 9:15 a.m.
Where: Toronto Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 475 Yonge St, Toronto, Ontario
Moderators: David Schatzky, Toronto psychotherapist & Ann Silversides, journalist and author
8:00 p.m. “Quilt of Honour” Susan Hess, Parents for Children’s Mental Health
“Vincent” Terry Watada’s one act play, produced by the Workman Theatre Project
Panel discussion on the play “Vincent” Heinz Klein, psychiatric survivor; Fay Beaton, Chair of the Family Advisory Council, St. Joseph’s Hospital, London Regional Mental Health Care; Nancy Pridham, OPSEU Local 500, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Scott Maywood, Coordinator for Mental Health and Homeless Issues, Toronto Police Service
9:15 a.m. “The Chant”
Performance by the Workman Theatre Project
Panel Discussion: Building Links – What needs to be done? How can we work together to make that happen? Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health (invited); Dr. Barbara Everett; Charmaine Frado, Edmond Yu Safe House Project; Dr. Harold Merskey, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry, UWO; Warren (Smokey) Thomas, OPSEU; Helen Tucker, volunteer, Thunder Bay
Schizophrenia Society and Barry Scanlon, OPSEU Corrections
1:00 p.m. Working together to make things happen
“Mental Health intersecting with the law” Dr. Kathleen Hartford, Lawson Health Research Institute, UWO Lisa Heslop, London Police Services
“Grass roots projects” Diana Capponi and Helene May, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; Karine Jaouich, FoodShare; Maggie Griffin, Parkdale Green Thumbs Enterprise
“Coalitions to influence public policy” Dan Strahinich, New England Health Care Employees Union Catherine Ferry, Keep the Promise Coalition, Connecticut
2:30 p.m. “Working Together – next steps” Natalie Mehra – Ontario Health Coalition
Why: To make positive changes by building links for better mental health.
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For more information, please contact: Barbara Linds at (416) 443-8888 ext. 203
