CMHA Kelowna

Supporting a Mentally Healthy Kelowna

Mental Health for All: No Space for Hate

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A message of support and inclusion from CMHA Kelowna’s CEO and CMHA BC Division

 

“CMHA Kelowna and Foundry Kelowna are committed to providing safe spaces for any person seeking help.
We are proud to partner with Central Okanagan Public Schools to assist students in accessing compassionate care and support.
Providing safe and inclusive spaces and supports is essential in promoting positive mental health and wellness.”

Mike Gawliuk, CEO, CMHA Kelowna

As an organization committed to mental health as a human right, we believe it is imperative to address an issue that continues to impact the lives of countless people in BC – the mental health of Two Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Asexual, Intersex and additional gender- and sexually-diverse (2SLGBTQAI+) individuals.

The transphobic, anti-gender diversity rhetoric occurring in British Columbia has adverse and harmful effects on the mental health of our communities. As a mental health organization, CMHA BC has seen firsthand that gender-affirming practices, education, and the fostering of a safe and protective environment not only promotes mental wellness, but directly saves lives.

Studies and individual experiences consistently reveal that 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals face higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use, and suicidal ideation compared to their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts. The discrimination, societal pressures, and lack of acceptance encountered by the 2SLGBTQAI+ community can create an environment where mental health struggles are prevalent and often exacerbated.

Considering the above, we would like to emphasize the following:

We can all play a part in promoting a kind, compassionate, and inclusive community. Words matter.
Mental health organizations must play a part in recognizing and addressing harmful and stigmatizing rhetoric and must promote awareness of 2SLGBTQAI+ mental health challenges and services.
Public service organizations should maintain supportive environments where 2SLGBTQAI+ individuals can feel safe, valued, and accepted, thereby reducing the stigma surrounding their identities.
We stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQAI+ community and strive for a world where every individual can enjoy the same rights and opportunities to experience mental well-being, regardless of who they are.

Resources

We care about you. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-784-2433 (1-800-SUICIDE), any time of day or night.
MindMapBC is a custom-made database of outpatient mental health services including professional counselling, peer counselling, support groups, and others, which is focused on services that are affirming of 2SLGBTQAI+ people. Where possible, MindMapBC has also selected services that are free, low-cost, or sliding scale, and self-referral services—meaning you do not need to see a doctor before accessing the service. https://www.mindmapbc.ca/about-us

*This article originally appeared on the CMHA BC Division website

Coping with Natural Disasters

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Credit: Government of BC – “Get prepared for Wildfire”

Tens of thousands of British Columbians each summer go through upheaval as natural disasters such as wildfires take place throughout the province. Mental health experts warn that the emotional toll of disaster can be as devastating as the financial strains of damage and loss of home, business or personal property.

Fires, floods, evacuations, loss, worry— these things affect us all. If you are feeling stressed or anxious, you are not alone. We’ve gathered some resources from bcdisasterstress.ca and included them below:

  • Prepare – Having a clear emergency plan and kit ready for your family, pets and livestock can ease your mind and allow you to focus on other needs.
  • Take care – Stress takes a toll on our physical and mental health. Eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep lowers stress and helps us cope.
  • Ask for help – Talking helps. Whether it’s with family, friends, a doctor or counsellor. Crisis lines are available to listen and help anytime—not just during a crisis. If you have been evacuated,  Emergency Support Services has resources to support you. You can also ask an ESS volunteer about the mental health or counselling support available to you.
  • Help others – Reach out to the vulnerable. Assisting others can help us regain a sense of purpose and community as we confront challenges together.

Helpful links and resources

Health and mental health

Direct help for stress

CMHA BC’s Coping Through Natural Disasters [see below] mental health tips are available now for sharing, downloading and printing in the hopes of supporting those British Columbians currently in harm’s way.

Click here to download the above document as a .pdf file.

This article originally appeared on CMHA BC’s website. Information provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association in partnership with the Province of BC, First Nations Health Authority, Interior Health, Northern Health and P

Celebrating 10 years of mental health ride

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Kelowna’s single largest fundraiser for mental health was back June 11, 2023 at Sutherland Bay Park and was a huge success.

The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride celebrated its 10th year raising awareness and much needed funds for CMHA Kelowna’s mental health programs and supports.

For the past decade thousands of riders have taken part in the event to ‘ride don’t hide’ – shining a light on the reality that mental health impacts everyone. The money raised at The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride helps fund CMHA Kelowna’s wide range of programs available for people of all ages.

“In the past decade we have seen the stigma around mental health, mental illness, and suicide begin to decrease, which is a good thing,” says Mike Gawliuk, CEO for CMHA Kelowna. “What it also means is that there are more people recognizing that they, or a loved one, needs help and so each year we see an increase in the number of people asking for services and supports.”

This year’s event had more than 450 riders and striders raised $127,000…and counting.

“At its core, this ride is about community,” says Gawliuk. “The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride is a chance to come together and show each other what a mentally healthy community can look like. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and donated to make this year such a success.”

CMHA Kelowna is grateful to have the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation as the Presenting Sponsor and the Budd’s 100 promotion. Riders who signs up for Budd’s 100 and agreed to raise $100 had their $55 registration fee automatically waived and, in a significant show of support from the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, had their $100 in fundraising matched.

The organization would like to thank the numerous business who supported the event through generous donations of time, money and promotion.

 

Click here to see the 2023 video of The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride from Cycle Path

 

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CMHA Kelowna
504 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC. V1Y 5X1
Phone: 250-861-3644
Fax: 250-763-4827

CMHA Kelowna Charitable #: 10686 3392 RR0001

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