CMHA Kelowna

Supporting a Mentally Healthy Kelowna

New mobile unit provides greater access to mental health and substance services for Central Okanagan youth

By Leave a Comment

KELOWNA – Youth aged 12-24 in the Central Okanagan will soon have low-barrier access to health and mental health care through Foundry Kelowna’s new wellness on wheels service. Set to launch this summer, this new mobile unit, comprised of a retrofitted motorhome, will travel to West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and Lake Country, to places where youth are – so they can more easily access the support they need, when they need it.

Operated by CMHA Kelowna and co-created with and for youth, Foundry Kelowna’s wellness on wheels project engaged more than 100 diverse youth from across the Central Okanagan to ensure the initial concept, look and feel, and services meet the unique needs of young people in this region.

This first-of-its-kind in BC mobile unit will initially be reaching out to youth in the Central Okanagan starting mid-June 2021, providing drop-in counselling and navigation supports, with plans to expand service levels by late August 2021.

Foundry Kelowna’s wellness on wheels service is an extension of Foundry’s provincial model of care, which is an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, BC’s roadmap for making mental health and addictions care better for people in British Columbia.

“I have heard from many parents that their children need access to more mental health and substance use services close to home and without delay”, said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “It is innovative and low-barrier services like Foundry’s new Kelowna wellness on wheels project that will make life-saving supports more easily accessible for young people in Central Okanagan. I look forward to hearing how this service is making a positive impact in the region.”

“Since opening less than four years ago, more than four thousand young people and a thousand families have come to get help from Foundry Kelowna and the numerous partners who provide services there. What we’ve learned when talking to young people about their mental health is that there are still barriers to getting help,” said Shelagh Turner, CEO of CMHA Kelowna. “With this wellness on wheels service, we are eliminating geographic obstacles to care by bringing help and support to young people in communities throughout the Central Okanagan. It amazes me how the community has come together for this project. Their generosity is truly what made it possible.”

Young people actively working with Foundry Kelowna, as well as youth living in the communities where the mobile unit will operate, played a key role in the determination of the kinds of services provided.

“Wellness on wheels is a resource that is meant to increase accessibility to all the youth that struggle to find a way to come to Foundry Kelowna whether that’s because of transportation or anxiety,” said Anansha Gounder, Foundry Kelowna Peer Supporter and Youth Advisory and Action Committee lead. “I am so excited for this service to be in the community and help young people get the help they truly deserve! Wellness on wheels is going to benefit youth so much!”

Steve Mathias, Executive Director, Foundry BC:
“Whether it’s because of transportation or financial challenges, or perhaps barriers due to stigma, there are youth who are not able to get to the help they need in our province. Finding the right supports should not be a difficult endeavour for our young people. Like our new virtual services, Foundry Kelowna’s wellness on wheels service addresses gaps and eliminates barriers so that youth in the Central Okanagan can get help more easily and thrive.”

Learn More:
To learn more about Foundry Kelowna, visit: foundrybc.ca/kelowna
To learn more about Foundry, visit: foundrybc.ca

We are immensely grateful for the generous community support that helped make Foundry Kelowna’s Wellness on Wheels service a reality. This first of it’s kind in BC, youth mobile mental health unit would not have been possible without the support of a Province of BC Capital Gaming grant a private donor to the Foundry network and local corporate, individual and special event donors. Thank you!

Avoid the Holidays Blues

By 4 Comments

The holiday season is approaching and it’s likely this year it will look a little bit different than what we are all used to. This time of year is meant to be a time of joy, celebration and for spending time with those we love – something we may not be able to do in the usual way. The festivities also come with high expectations of perfection that many of us struggle to live up to. Feelings of isolation, financial strain or increased family conflict are not uncommon and likely more of us will be having these feelings this year – making for possibly a very stressful time of year.

CMHA Kelowna suggests that some of the best ways to deal with added stress around the holiday season are common sense strategies. The key is to keep things simple, focus on what is important to you and, most importantly, remember to make your mental health a priority.

Tips for Holiday Peace of Mind:

  1. Plan ahead. If you’re entertaining n your bubble, use the “keep it simple” strategy. Try menus you can make ahead of time or at least partially prepare and freeze. Decorate, cook, shop, or do whatever’s on your list in advance. Then you can really relax and enjoy.
  2. As much as possible, organize and delegate. Rather than leaving holiday preparations to one person – get the whole family to join in! Whether it is gift-wrapping, decorating, baking, or addressing or decorating cards – there is something for every member of your household to take part in!
  3. Beware of overindulgence. Having a few too many glasses of eggnog or holiday spirits can initially lift your mood but then drop you lower than before. Also, too many sweets will probably make you feel lethargic and tired. Simple things like eating well, exercising regularly and getting a good night’s sleep are ways to maintain holiday peace of mind and the winter blues.
  4. Stay within budget. Finances can be a source of stress for many people, especially during the holidays, and likely this year more so than others. This year in particular folks are looking for genuine connection. Try putting family members and partners’ names in a hat and buy one gift for the person you draw; this can help reduce expenses and refocus energies on thoughtfulness, creativity and truly personal gifts. Encourage children to make gifts for friends and relatives so the focus is on giving rather than buying. A call, a physically distanced visit, or a note to tell someone how important they are to you can be as touching as, and sometimes more meaningful than, a gift.
  5. Remember what the holiday season is about for you. This season is really about sharing, loving and time spent with family and loved ones. Now is the time to have a look at your meaningful family traditions and think of creative ways you can still celebrate them. Also, remember not to take things too seriously. Fun or silly things to do, games or movies that make you laugh, playing with pets, and time alone or with a partner are all good ways to reduce stress and enjoy the season. Use this time of year to help reframe what is within your control and regain perspective.
  6. Connection is key. For some, this time of year can be a time for joy, celebration and for spending with loved ones. For others, it can be a time of feeling lonely and isolated – it is important to remember that this time of year is not always merry for everyone. This year in particular, we all understand how feelings of connection and belonging are so strongly tied to our mental health. This time of year is the perfect time to reconnect with your network. Find ways to safely spend time with others. Also, if you know that someone will be alone – invite them to take part. This will help you and them to feel better.
  7. Remember the weather doesn’t help. Some people get the winter blues each year, and a much smaller number (2-3%) develop Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Paying attention to nutrition, exercise and sleep and being careful with alcohol are also important if you have a history of depression. If your low mood carries on into the New Year and starts to affect your daily life, you should see your family doctor. There are free skills and coaching available to help overcome low mood or mild to moderate depression. If you think you need help, during the holiday season or anytime of the year – click here for some resources.

Tips for Coping with Holiday Grief

The holiday season can be especially rough for those of us who’ve lost someone close. With all the messages of family togetherness and joy, the emptiness left behind when someone passes away is in harsh contrast to what society seems to “expect” us to feel. Below are some extra tips to help you or someone you know get through a potentially hard time:

  1. Talking about the deceased person is okay. Your stress will only increase if the deceased person’s memory is allowed to become a landmine that everyone tiptoes around.
  2. Things won’t be the same. It’s normal to feel at odds with yourself and family events when dealing with grief. Try not to hide away, but don’t feel guilty about setting limits on how many events you will attend.
  3. Don’t let other people’s expectations dictate how your holiday will unfold. If you don’t feel like doing something this holiday season, don’t let others force you. If you do want to attend holiday functions, make sure you know your limits. Leave early, arrive late, drive alone—do whatever you need to do to help yourself.
  4. Take care of yourself and seek support. Stress, depression and bodily neglect are not a great mix at any time of the year. Don’t forget to practice self-care and talk to your friends and family about how you feel. Also, many communities offer support groups for people who are grieving. Being around people who know what you’re going through can be very comforting.
  5. Think about building some new traditions. Remember that it’s okay not to do what you traditionally do. Planning something totally different is not an insult to the memory of a loved one, and can be a positive way to ease some of the pressure. That said, one of the traditions may include planning a special time to celebrate the memories of the person who died. Some families develop creative rituals like decorating a miniature Christmas tree at the cemetery, donating money to a charity, singing their favorite seasonal song, reciting a special prayer before the evening meal, or even just lighting a candle. Symbolic gestures like these can help families validate their feelings of sadness and overcome the guilt of enjoying special occasions.

JDS Mining is using its own resources to support The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride

By Leave a Comment

JDS Energy & Mining has come on board as a partner sponsor of The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride, presented by the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, which raises funds the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kelowna branch.

“Our business is based on people,” says Jeff Stibbard, CEO of JDS Energy & Mining. “Mental health impacts all of us, whether in the workplace, at home or in the community. We all have a connection to this cause which is why it is important to us to support and participate in this event.”

CMHA Kelowna Executive Director Shelagh Turner says mental health is everyone’s business, “It really does affect all of us. That’s why we are pleased to have JDS Mining & Energy on board. They are helping to raise awareness that no matter who you are, where you work, or what you do, mental health has to be a priority – for all of us.”

Nationally known as Ride Don’t Hide, the event in Kelowna is named after two brothers in the community who lost their lives. The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride is for all ages and abilities. Last year, 500 people came out to ride. This year’s event will utilize the Okanagan Rail Trail for a 6km, 25km or 50km bicycle ride that will start and finish at the Baseball Diamond at the Kelowna Curling Club and. New for 2019 is the addition of a 4 or 6km walk to Knox Mountain Park.

Money raised at the event go to essential CMHA Kelowna programs and services in our community, workplaces and schools – programs that help people live their best lives.

Registration for all routes is $40 or you can choose to sign up as part of Budd’s 100 to more than double your fundraising efforts. When you join Budd’s 100, you agree to raise $100 for CMHA Kelowna and your $40 registration fee is automatically waived. PLUS, thanks to the generosity of the Thomas Alan Budd Foundation, when you select this option your $100 in fundraising will be matched AND thank you to BNA Brewing Co. who has come on board to match an additional $25. That’s $125 in matching donations for everyone who signs up for Budd’s 100! To register, donate of volunteer at The Payton & Dillon Budd Memorial Ride visit www.ridedonthide.com/kelowna

WHO WE ARE



WHAT WE DO



GET INVOLVED



CONTACT

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


contact us | resources | privacy | site map