The Weyburn branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association offered another year of quality programming, with many of their programs having great success as reported in the year-end annual review. CMHA Weyburn holds many events throughout the year to increase awareness and public education. The Weyburn branch also offers programming to individuals living with mental illness, as well as youth within the community.
“Our branch had a successful year and our programs are going well,” said Erskine Sandiford, in his outgoing president’s report. “To merit such a positive response from the community must indeed be a strong affirmation of what the CMHA does for, and means to this community.”
“I am very excited about the direction our centre is moving towards,” said Tasha Collins, program director of the CMHA Weyburn. “CMHA Weyburn has been able to raise the profile of mental health within our community and I believe our new partnerships and relationships within the community will further this initiative.”
“We are consistently working on ways to improve programs and services, as well as looking for ways to provide new programs,” said Collins.
The new board of directors for the CMHA includes: Arun Masand as president, Kimberly Bitz as vice-president, Dave Rennie as secretary, Erskine Sandiford as past president, Mal Barber, Jeffrey Bartsch, Susan Grohn, Fran Kambeitz, Donna Loos, Rose McInnes, Marlo Pritchard, Whitney Sidloski, Malvina Trumpour, and Theresa Girardin, the liaison for the Sun Country Health Region.
One of the highlighted programs offered by the CMHA is their Youth Theatre program, which is open to any youth aged between nine and 16. This program allows the youth to grow, mature and become leaders through positive programming, while having the opportunity to explore their creative side. The objectives for the youth programming are to encourage self-esteem, confidence, inclusion and leadership, while also developing new skills.
“There are few youth programs in mental health that are available in the province. I would not be surprised if ours is the only one in the province offered by a community-based organization,” said Sandiford. “Most importantly, not only does this program provide a healthy, social milieu, but through Improv the youth learn to think on their feet and to act spontaneously. Through acting they build confidence.”
During mental health week, which was held May of 2016, the Youth Theatre Group performed their production “Summer Island”. In the fall, the youth program focused on specific skill building and performed at CMHA Weyburn’s Christmas party in December.
The CMHA Weyburn holds many events throughout the year to increase awareness and public education. They also work with Sun Country Health Region to provide ASIST Training (suicide intervention training) for adults, and CMHA Weyburn provides safeTALK to community members as well.
During the Mental Health Week events in 2016, they hosted the annual Mayor’s Luncheon with guest speaker Jane White, they partnered with Under Your Skin to host their first-ever semi-colon tattoo event, they partnered with Détente Spa to offer manicures, and a meet-and-greet was held with Const. Jeffrey Bartsch, who raised awareness and funds for the branch by running a full marathon in uniform.
The adult programs at the Weyburn branch include socialization, educational and recreational services, and many different options for their consumers and visitors. Their vocational training consists of a work crew and meal program. The work crew provides services to the community including refuse hauling, lawn care, snow removal, small moves and a cleaning contract with the Weyburn Livestock Exchange. The meal program offers an opportunity for consumers to work together to provide lunch for those attending the Weyburn branch.
