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Experience taking the lead at TEACH forum by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff 11 | Friday, May 31, 2013 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Who better to help with a problem than someone who has already faced the same situation and come through it? The truth of this statement will become clear during a forum on peer support and recovery best practices, which will be held by Support and Housing Halton and its mental health education and support arm, TEACH (Teach, Empower, Advocate for Community Health) on June 10. Support and Housing Halton has been providing housing and living supports to individuals contending with mental health and substance abuse issues in Halton for the last 25 years. "One of the main focuses of the day is really going to be sharing the success stories of a number of our participants," said Rob D'Souza, a consumer survivor initiative lead with the Mississauga/Halton Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). "So they will be talking a little bit about their own journeys and then how mental health peer support has been really beneficial to their lives and helped them overcome adversity and look forward," he explained. "The second piece will look at a report by my colleague Debbie Jones. She's done some work in conjunction with the department of One of the main focuses of the day is really going to be sharing the success stories of a number of our participants. So they will be talking a little bit about their own journeys and then how mental health peer support has been really beneficial to their lives and helped them overcome adversity and look forward. challenge and is now in a strong enough position to provide mentorship or leadership to another person who is only now starting to deal with their own mental health challenges. "In the TEACH program all of our staff, in addition to our academic credentials in social work and mental health education, had our own mental health challenges," said D'Souza. "What that does is provide a credibility and relatability in a whole different plain where someone who is using these services can hopefully feel really comfortable in knowing that `this person I am speaking with has gone through some incredible challenges and they are better. Why isn't it possible for me?'" Consumer survivor lead, Mississauga/Halton Local Health Integration Network Rob D'Souza social work at McMaster University. This report effectively says that although peer support is an emerging support system there is proof that it does help people not only in a group situation, but one on one and it has a valuable place in the mental health and addictions system." Peer support In this context, D'Souza said peer support involves a person who has gone through the struggles and adversities of a mental health D'Souza said one speaker at the event would talk about her struggles with mental health and addiction issues, which date back to when she was a teenager. This woman came into contact with the peer support system and really benefitted from its help, he noted. D'Souza is hopeful the event will showcase the success of the peer support system and make residents aware such programs exist. He noted that at any given time in any given place one in four Canadians is contending with a mental health challenge. "It exists in the community. We should be able to talk about it without fear of discrimination or stigmatization," said D'Souza. "It is a part of life, but it doesn't have to be the anchor holding you back." The event will take place at St. Volodymyr Cultural Centre at 1280 Dundas St., W., from 8 a.m.-noon. A breakfast will be provided. Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn will also speak as will comedian Brenda Lennie. Lennie will lighten the mood and speak about her journey through the mental health system. Anyone can attend for free, but those interested are asked to register by calling 905845-9212 ext. 133 or e-mailing admin@ shhalton.org. Auto Body Repair Auto Body Repair Headlight Rejuvination Quick Service Quick Service Low Prices Low Prices ® PREMIU UM SPOT T REPA AIR R JUNIOR PROGRAMS KaneffGolf is committed to growing the game. We offer youths a fun atmosphere in which to learn, while instilling the values of etiquette, rules and respect of the game. Summer Camps Clinics Private & Group Lessons Leagues Girls Club NEW! EE FR ates im Est Fra action of the e co ost of a bod dy shop p! Come see us before your car lease ends! QEW ® MPS Mic cro opa aint t Canad da Ltd d 467 Sp pee ers Rd d #11 1 Oak kville in nfo@ @mpsmic crop pain nt.c com m www.m mpsm mic cro opai int t.co om Brampton Milton Carlisle Lifetime Warranty Register Today! www.kaneffgolf.com Unit #11 Speers RD (905) 842-4MPS (4677) 144 Holes of Public Golf Memberships Tournaments Corporate Meetings Weddings VAL DOR h Fourt Line