CMHA HKPR Becomes Provider For National Suicide Crisis Helpline Launching On Nov. 30

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) will be a local provider for the new 9-8-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline launching on Nov. 30.

Tracy Graham, CMHA Director of Programs and Services (left); Ellen Watkins, CMHA Director of Corporate Services (middle) and Mark Graham, CMHA CEO. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The progrma launch officially starts at 3 a.m. on Nov. 30. Anyone can can call or text 9-8-8 to access the helpline.

“We are thrilled to announce that we have been selected as one of nearly 45 national providers for the new 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline, which will launch on November 30th, 2023,” said Mark Graham, CMHA CEO.

The helpline has been federally funded nationwide for $156 million. It is for anyone in Canada thinking of suicide or those concerned of someone contemplating it. CMHA will have six 9-8-8 responders on standby to listen and provide confidential support without judgement and are available 24/7.

9-8-8 is a national helpline but anyone calling from a local area code in Peterborough, Haliburton, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and surrounding Six Nations reserves (Curve Lake, Hiwartha, Scugog and Alderville) will be routed to local call takers at the CMHA HKPR call center in downtown Peterborough.

As a result of the helping, CMHA HKPR’s Four County Crisis — widely known as ‘4CC’ — has been rebranded and is growing into the Integrated Crisis Intervention Services Model. Individuals who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress, or who are worried about someone they know, can now call 9-8-8 instead of Four County Crisis.

It becomes the direct line for their Safe Beds program and after-hours housing support. If individuals call the line (705-745-6484) in crisis, they will receive a message to hang up and call 9-8-8.

“Through our strategic planning process, we learned that our community, clients, and staff were all looking for an easier to navigate crisis system with the opportunity for more meaningful connections,” said Graham. “With the launch of the new helpline, we will also be restructuring our current crisis services to provide easier to navigate, streamlined crisis support to individuals in Peterborough and County, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, and Haliburton.”

The Model includes adding an additional eight Brief Services Mental Health Workers who will be distributed across the four counties. It also includes moving the Safe Beds facility from a residential neighborhood to downtown Peterborough and increasing bed capacity at Safe Beds with an opportunity for transitional housing according to a press release.

Individuals who are looking to access Safe Beds can call 705-745-6484. Community partners can send referrals for Safe Beds to safebeds@cmhahkpr.ca.

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Peterborough County OPP Funded Over $60,400 to Deploy Trained Mental Health Crisis Workers From Emergency Calls

Peterborough County OPP has received $60,401.08 from the Ontario government to provide specialized support to people who are experiencing a mental health crisis, announced at the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch (CMHA) on Tuesday afternoon.

Andrew Reynolds of the CMHA (left) hs been dispatched with OPP officer Roy Maddan (right) to address mental health calls. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The funding goes towards the Mobile Crisis Response Team Enhancement Grant program that has police utilize trained crisis workers when responding to those in need.

“Our police are increasingly confronted with the need to assist vulnerable people in a mental health crisis,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “This funding will assist the Peterborough County OPP deliver appropriate services focused on de-escalation. Meeting the unique needs of an individual who is in crisis will help ensure a better outcome for everyone involved.”

Anyone calling 9-1-1 can request a mental health crisis worker and they will be accompanied by an OPP officer.

“Our unit will make our best efforts to make it out there in a timely manner and get you the help that you need,” said Roy Maddan, OPP officer.”

In 2023-24, the Ontario government is allocating more than $4.5 million to 39 municipal and First Nations police services, as well as Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), to help strengthen Mobile Crisis Response Teams across the province.

“We will be working with community partners to deliver a MCRT that will meet the unique needs of the communities,” said Mark Graham, CMHA CEO. “The team responds to calls from individuals experiencing a mental health crisis that will provide immediate support and follow-up.”

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Second-Annual 'Show and Shine for Spencer Devine" Raises $4,300 for CMHA

Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch (CMHA HKPR) has received a donation of $4,300 from the 2023 Show and Shine for Spencer Devine held on Sept. 10.

Photo courtesy of CMHA HKPR.

The event was created after the passing of Devine in Sept. 2021. It was created to honour his memory and love of cars and support mental health initiatives in the community.

Organized by Devine’s mother and brother, Liz Jeffries-Bradley and Chase Devine, the event brought car and motorcycle enthusiasts from as far as Barrie and Trenton to showcase their vehicles and support the initiative.

This year had a record number of participants and spectators. It featured a display of classic cars, vintage vehicles and custom rides.

The proceeds help develop mental health promotional tools and resources and CMHA's mental health crisis response services. As a result, CMHA can expand its reach and enhance its programs, ensuring that those struggling with mental health challenges receive the support they deserve according to a press release.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated in the 2023 Show and Shine for Spencer Devine event and contributed to this remarkable fundraising effort," said Jack Veitch, manager of community engagement and education. "It’s incredible to see all the hard work that was done to make this event happen and is a testament to the generosity and compassion of our community.”

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Douro Boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan Announced as Co-Recipients of CMHA's 'Champion of Mental Health Award'

Douro professional boxer Cody Crowley and Kristi MacMillan are co-recipients of the ‘Champion of Mental Health Award’ from the Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced at the 2023 Annual Meeting that took place Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESTHER LIN / SHOWTIME.

Crowley has actively advocated for mental health as launched a campaign in memory of his father. Irt raised close to $55,000 for Team 55 Tackles Suicide Awareness for youth mental health. CMHA HKPR says that his dedication to changing the narrative around mental health is exemplary and aligns with their mission of fostering knowledge, hope and belonging for mental health for all.

This year’s Annual Meeting at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club celebrated the organization's growth and success over the past year according to CMHA HKPR.

Other award winners include:

• Kristi MacMillan, co-winner of the Champion of Mental Health Award

• Wanda Findlay, recipient of the Exemplary Values through Direct Service Staff Award

• Tracy Graham, honored with the Administrative Service Staff Award

• Miles Leech, who received the Achievement Through Adversity Award

• Sherryl and Matt Wyatt, winners of the Caregiver Champion Award for Family Members

• Johnathan Hauser, presented with the Maurice Lovnes Volunteer Award

• Impact Recovery and Century Theatre, recipients of the Naresh James Champion of Mental Health Award

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Canadian Mental Health Association Holding Open House For New HOPE Learning Centre On Aug. 31

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR’s) Helping Others Through Peer Education (HOPE) Learning Centre is showcasing their new space with an open house in Peterborough Square for Aug. 31.

The open house runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with everyone invited to attend at 360 George St. N., Unit 27.

The Centre launched last year and provides educational courses about mental health and well-being that promote recovery, hope, empowerment, possibility and connection according to a press release. There are courses for those who have lived experience with a mental health concern.

Courses are offered in-person and virtually. The new space is for in-person learning to Peterborough residents and the surrounding areas. Lindsay already has a HOPE Learning Centre for any Kawartha Lakes residents.

“The H.O.P.E. Learning Centre brings innovative mental health and wellness programming to the communities we serve and we are excited to have our own new space here in Peterborough,” said Christine Crough, manager of peer initiatives and employment supports. “The new space will allow us to offer more opportunities for connection and in-person learning.”

The centre is available for anyone 16 or older and living with a mental health concern. It can be beneficial for people who are looking to connect with others and could benefit from the support and guidance in making choices in their recovery journey as stated by CMHA.

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Douro's Cody Crowley Nearing $55,000 Pledge Through Team 55 For CMHA To Raise Suicide Awareness

Douro Boxer Cody Crowley has almost reached his fundraising goal of $55,000 through the local suicide initiative Team 55 for Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of CMHA.

At the start of the year, Crowley and his family pledged to raise $55,000 for Team 55, which supports CMHA HKPR’s Assertive Outreach for Suicide Prevention program (AOSP). The program connects with individuals who have had a suicide attempt and helps them establish a safety plan and connect to support services according to a press release.

In March, Crowley raised $20,000 through a local viewing party at Dr. J’s BBQ and a raffle for two to fly to Las Vegas to attend his match in the Welterweight Title against Abel Ramos.

Last Saturday, Crowley and his family hosted an inaugural golf tournament, the Heart Opener, at Keystone Links in memory of his father, Jim Crowley and Michael Wood. The event saw over 100 golfers and raised over $28,000.

“On top of how successful both of these fundraising initiatives were, the biggest impacts have been the connections that have been formed within the community and the continuation of my own healing from my father’s passing,” said Crowley. “ A lot of love has and will continue to be exchanged as we heal together as a community and prioritize mental health and wellness.”

Individuals can donate by going online and selecting ‘Cody Crowley Campaign,’ from the drop-down menu.

“Let’s continue changing the narrative around mental health and working together as a community to make resources accessible to all,” said Crowley.

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CMHA HKPR’s Change the Cycle Event Raises Over $40,000 for Garden Homes

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge’s (CMHA HKPR’s) first-ever Change the Cycle event raised over $40,000 for the Garden Homes project on June 24.

photo courtesy of cmha hkpr.

The event took place at at Nicholls Oval with over 60 cyclists and volunteers.

“We would like to sincerely thank our sponsors, riders, and donors for making our first Change the Cycle event our most successful cycling fundraiser to date,” says Jack Veitch, manager of community engagement and education with CMHA HKPR.

In years past, CMHA HKPR participated in a nation-wide cycling fundraising event but this year, with the goal of keeping all the money right here in our community, we launched our own cycling fundraiser.

photo courtesy of cmha hkpr.

The fundraising kicked off with a generous donation of $25,000 from the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough. Klusterfork Entertainment also donated proceeds from their most recent production, ‘Schools Out,’ to the event.

The funds will support the new Garden Homes Project, an initiative of CMHA HKPR’s Supportive Housing program, which aims to support vulnerable individuals who are at risk of homelessness in the Peterborough area by providing affordable, small homes.

For more information, visit the website.

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CMHA HKPR Now Accepting Nominations for Community Mental Health Awards and Annual Tam Grant Bursary

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is now accepting nominations for the Annual Community Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary.

photo by samantha bianco.

Staff are encouraged to nominate someone who is deserving of recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in the community, including volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness and their family members.

CMHA HKPR invites applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary for students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness.

The deadline for award and bursary submissions is 4:30 p.m. on June 23.

CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:

• The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.

• The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.

• Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.

• Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance. 

• Champion of Mental Health – CMHA HKPR acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.

• Tam Grant Bursary – Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.

Tam Grant Bursary details: Bursaries are awarded each year at our Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000.  Applicants must be residents of the Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge areas (HKPR). For this year’s Tam Grant Memorial Bursary application visit their website.

Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their award or bursary at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting, which will be held on Sept. 23 at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club in Peterborough. Nomination forms for the awards can be found online.

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CMHA HKPR Launches New Mobile Wellness Clinic ‘The Road Ahead’

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) has launched a new Mobile Wellness Clinic, ‘The Road Ahead’ Thursday morning at a media conference in Lakefield.

photo courtesy of The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge.

During the conference, media and dignitaries had the opportunity to tour and take photo and video of the new clinic as well as meet with the team and ask questions regarding how this innovative new service will benefit rural communities across the region.

CMHA HKPR’s ‘The Road Ahead’ Mobile Wellness Clinic operates out of two vehicles and supports individuals who may have difficulty accessing services by bringing a full range of mental health and addictions supports to rural and remote areas across Peterborough County, Northumberland County, Haliburton County, and the City of Kawartha Lakes. The program provides counselling and therapy, support with addictions and substance use, mental health education, medication support and access to other services such as psychiatry.

It was determined that to serve the rural communities across the region, the clinic requires two vehicles. One vehicle was funded through the support of the Government of Ontario.

"We know that the ability to connect to care, close to home impacts patients’ success rates, particularly when it concerns mental health and addictions. That’s why these Mobile Wellness Clinics are so vital. They help those on a path to wellness connect with the programs they need, where and when they need them,” says Hon. Michael Tibollo, associate minister of mental health and addictions.

For the past year, CMHA HKPR fundraised $300,000 to purchase the second clinic vehicle.

Both vehicles have been designed to meet the specific needs of the clinic, and thanks to support of local marketing company Outpost 379, the vehicles have also been branded with a creative and inspiring design. The design was chosen to be welcoming and positive and isn’t specific to mental health or addictions, taking into consideration the stigmas that still surround mental health and addictions and the barriers that they may cause.

For more information on The Road Ahead, visit the website.

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Two Partnerships Lead To Increase In Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams For Peterborough Police

Three Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams are working in the communities of Peterborough, Lakefield and Cavan-Monaghan after the Peterborough Police Service entered two partnerships announced on Thursday.

(Mental Health Nurse D. Forsyth (front) with (fron left to right) Constable J. Rye; Constable J. Morris; Mental Health Worker M.Faught (CMHA); Mental Health Worker A. Swift (CMHA); Constable S. Leavitt) at the Peterborough Police Station. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Police Service.

The partnerships are with Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Peterborough Regional Health Centre PRHC) according to a press release.

In each case, a mental health worker, nurse or social worker is partnered with an officer to respond to crisis incidents and to follow up on cases where their services may help.

“As a service, we have been working extremely hard with our community partners to put the funding and people in place,” says Inspector Jamie Hartnett, Operations, Peterborough Police. “The Service understands and believes in the success these partnerships can have for our community. They are making a difference.”

“We are extremely grateful for the Partnership with Peterborough Police Services over the past 12 years through the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team. This model has proven successful and we are excited that the team is expanding to include more skilled community partners, like PRHC,” said Mark Graham, CMHA HKPR CEO.

“Partnerships like these are absolutely vital, and we are so pleased to be working closely with Peterborough Police Service and CMHA to provide community-based care, when and where it is needed, for people who are experiencing a mental health crisis,” said Sean Martin, PRHC Vice President. “Among many other important benefits, the Mobile Crisis Intervention Team model has been shown to reduce the number of patient visits to the hospital’s emergency department and crisis response unit.”

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