C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. recognizes Family Caregiver Day 

Every day, more than 3 million Ontarians provide support to loved ones facing illness, mental health concerns, disability or challenges associated with aging. On April 3, Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.)  joins organizations and communities across the province for Family Caregiver Day, an annual event to recognize and celebrate the value of caregivers to Ontario’s families, health care system, and economy.

This year, the Ontario Caregiver Coalition is highlighting three generations of caregivers:

• Young caregivers. Close to 500,000 family caregivers in Ontario who are between 15 and 24 years old. Many are even younger.
• ‘Sandwich’ generation caregivers, who provide care for both their aging parents and their own children.
• Elderly caregivers. Nearly 375,000 caregivers in Ontario are 65 years and older.

C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R. recognizes that caregiving is a specific role with unique challenges and solutions. Many caregivers feel socially isolated and may need care and support. We are pleased to support caregivers in our area through our Journeying Together program, made possible in part through a generous, ongoing contribution from Herod Financial Services.

The Journeying Together Program supports family members and caregivers of people experiencing mental health concerns. No referral is necessary. It is offered in Peterborough, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes and Minden.  For more information about the program, visit https://cmhahkpr.ca/programs-services/journeying-together-program/.

To learn more about Journeying Together in your area, please contact the family education and support worker directly:

• Peterborough: Joleen Hanson, jhanson@cmhahkpr.ca, 705-748-6711 extension 1028
• Northumberland: Victoria Kynigos, vkynigos@cmhahkpr.ca, 905-377-9891
• Kawartha Lakes and Minden: Vanessa Hoag, vhoag@cmhahkpr.ca,
  705-328-2704 extension 4027

The public is encouraged to share messages of support on social media using the hashtag #thxcaregivers or sign an online thank you card for caregivers. To help ensure all Ontarians have access to mental health services and supports when they need it, sign the Erase the Difference petition at erasethedifference.ca.