By Janice Breck, Executive Director –
Those who are parents know all too well the importance of taking a break, although it is much easier said than done. CMHA-CCB offers a peer support group called Take a Break through the Family Solutions Program.
Take a Break is open to parents and caregivers of children or youth up to age 25 who are experiencing mental health and/or substance misuse issues. This group assists families to practice and better understand the value of self-care, as well as empowering them to look at what they are able to take control of in their lives. Topics may include stress management, community and provincial resources, self-harm/suicidal ideation/suicide, harm reduction, fentanyl/drug awareness, crisis management supports/collaborative problem solving/ICM, the impact on siblings and relationships, empathy, and mindfulness. If you are interested in attending this group, please call Dana Hamblin at (250) 305-4487.
CMHA-CCB is a non-profit organization that believes in the importance of offering access to the resources people require to maintain and improve mental health and community integration, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness.
We offer different programs to achieve this:
Community-Based Victim Services provides justice related services to assist adult, female, male, and child victims of violence. Individuals may choose not to be involved with the criminal justice system.
Homeless Outreach Program provides support and advocacy to homeless individuals by facilitating access to income assistance benefits, accommodations, and other essential supports.
Multiculturalism Program strives to build inclusive community and reduce racism by reaching out to all demographics, school children to elders, and outlying communities.
Advocacy Outreach Support provides community-based support and advocacy services to individuals who have been recently housed after being homeless or who are at serious risk of being homeless. These individuals may be experiencing significant mental health issues and will have serious barriers to seeking or acquiring income, health and housing supports, or services on their own.
Jubilee Place is a 33 person supportive housing facility for persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Support services include housing, life skills training, rehabilitative social and recreational opportunities, and access to job skills training and educational upgrading.
Employment Program provides employment counselling and support for individuals with permanent mental and/or physical disabilities that create barriers to employment.
Jubilee House is an eight-bed residential care facility for persons living with persistent mental illness.
Crisis & Counselling Program offers short-term supportive counselling to individuals, couples, or families experiencing difficulties. The Interior Crisis Line, Crisis Line Worker training, and Community Education are also a part of this program.
Family Solutions Program provides parents and families with individual, family, and group support. This program also offers the Connect Parenting Group, which is an attachment-based program assisting parents and caregivers of pre-teens and teens to understand adolescent development and respond to difficult behaviours.
The programs and services offered by CMHA-CCB are made possible by funding from the following sources: Ministry of Children and Family Development, Interior Health Authority, BC Housing Society, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Housing and Social Development through Horton Ventures, Gaming Policy & Enforcement Licensing & Grants Division, and community donations.
The importance of taking care of our mental health cannot be understated. Canadian Mental Health Association – Cariboo Chilcotin Branch encourages you to “Be Mind Full” and take care of your mental health.
