Journeying Together caregiver program launching in Cobourg

Attached is a poster for Journeying Together, C.M.H.A. H.K.P.R.’s support program for caregivers, friends and family members supporting individuals experiencing mental health concerns, to be delivered in Cobourg beginning February 12^th. We would appreciate your help advising the community of this opportunity.

Click to download a PDF of this poster.

1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health condition in a given year, however an untold number of families will be impacted by mental illness. Families are often the first to notice when their family member is becoming unwell, and families can help a loved one in many ways such as being emotionally supportive, encouraging their loved one to access support, and helping with practical needs such as going to appointments. Families provide meaningful support to the best of their ability, but the road to recovery has many bumps and hurdles, and families can sometimes be left feeling alone and exhausted. Journeying Together can help support these individuals so that they can better support those they care about on a smoother road to recovery.

We are very thankful to Kevan and Roberta Herod of Herod Financial Services of Peterborough and Lakefield, who direct the proceeds from their annual golf tournament to providing funding to enable us to offer this important program across the four counties we serve.

Journeying Together is lead by a Family Education Support Worker, who will meet with families to provide support that is unique to each family’s need.

Services include:

• Emotional support
• Referral to community resources
• Education on mental health conditions and the mental health system
• Skill development for improved coping, communication and problem solving

Through group work, delivered in a relaxed and non-judgmental atmosphere, participants will cover topics including:.

• Understanding stigma
• Overcoming stress
• Navigating the mental health system
• Communication and problem solving

This program is offered in all communities served by the Canadian Mental Health Association of Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge. However, we have attached today a flyer for the program that will be delivered in the Northumberland area, in Cobourg. Over the coming weeks we will also be distributing information about when Journeying Together will take place in Peterborough and in Haliburton.

Journeying Together Cobourg begins February 12^th and runs for 8 sessions, finishing March 13^th. It is an evening group, from 6:30 to 8:30. No referral is required to register and there is no cost to participate.

Interested persons can contact the Family Education Support Worker, Victoria Kyniqos directly at 905-377-9891 or vkynigos@cmhahkpr.ca . Victoria would be pleased to speak to media, should you require more information. Thank you for your support in helping us to support positive mental health in our communities.

For information on upcoming groups in Peterborough, please contact Joleen Hanson at 705-748-6711 extension 1028 or jhanson@cmhahkpr.ca and for the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes region please contact Vanessa Hoag at 705-328-2704 extension 4027 vhoag@cmhahkpr.ca A new brochure on the program and posters for the other communities will follow shortly. Thank you for your support.