Canadian Mental Health Week is an annual national event and it takes place this year on May 6-12.
It encourages people from all walks of life to learn, talk, reflect and engage with others on all issues relating to mental health.
The theme for 2013 is, Youth Mental Health, with the focus on young people aged 15 to 24 years.
Community members, health-care support staff, and local non-profit boards and staff members will join with Canadian Mental Health Association-South Cariboo Branch (CMHA-SCB) in a series of events celebrating mental health.
Their purpose will be to share information and resources and build awareness of the importance of mental health for all.
The first local event is the Walk for Mental Health on May 6 which will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School parking lot. The walk will proceed along Highway 97, turn onto First Street, then follow along Birch Avenue, and to 100 Mile House Junior Secondary before ending at the CMHA Clubhouse for a hotdog lunch.
CMHA-SCB executive director Maggie Patterson-Dickey is encouraging students at both schools and all members of the public to join the walk and help bring attention to mental health.
The final event will be a dinner and evening of activities held at the Youth Zone on May 10, from 3:15 to 8 p.m.
The CMHA-SCB provides a wealth of services to the community. Among them are mental health education and onsite programs. The Clubhouse Activity Program assists individuals, who live with mental illness, in the development of leisure, recreation and social skills. The Clubhouse Drop-in Program provides social networking opportunities for members.
Activity/drop-in worker Marilyn Gallagher says at the Clubhouse, they try to create a club-like atmosphere that engages members and creates a feeling of leadership and a good sense of well-being and responsibility.
"It's a wonderful place and it's definitely a safe place for our members."
CMHA-SCB also offers outreach programs, including Homeless Outreach and Emergency Outreach support.
CMHA-SCB is located on Cedar Avenue between the hospital and the Junior Secondary. For more information, contact the office at 250-395-4883 or by e-mail to southcariboo@cmha.bc.ca.
The CMHA-SCB also has a website at www.southcariboo.cmha.bc.ca.