Mayor Hosting Forum on Seniors and Mental Health
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The public is invited to attend a free presentation about seniors and mental health on Thursday, October 12 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre.
Jody Weiler, a specialized geriatric clinician at the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington with 20 years’ experience working with seniors, families, and care teams, will debunk some of the common myths about mental health and aging.
Ross Knechtel, a local Senior of the Year who has lived with a mental health issue for most of his life, will share his personal story and strategies for positive mental health. Ross serves as the President of the Mood Disorders Support Group of Guelph and Regional Coordinator for the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario.
The event will also feature an information fair with more than a dozen community agencies, as well as an art installation from Spark of Brilliance, which is a community-based mental health initiative that promotes healing, recovery and discovery through the expressive arts. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be served.
There is no cost to attend, but attendees are asked to register by October 4 at http://2017seniorsmentalhealth.eventbrite.ca, or register by phone by calling Angela Heeley, Canadian Mental Health Association, at 1-844-264-2993 extension 4056.
Attendees are encouraged to park at Riverside Park (near the Enabling Garden) if possible, as parking is limited at the Evergreen Centre.
About World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day is observed in 112 countries on six continents. Begun in 2000 by former Mayor Joe Young, every Guelph Mayor since has hosted an event to mark this day. The event aims to promote mental health, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, raise awareness of mental health supports available in Guelph and Wellington, and foster positive action among policy-makers.
The 2017 event is delivered in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Waterloo Wellington; Homewood Health Centre; Spark of Brilliance; Torchlight; Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph-Wellington; the Guelph-Wellington Seniors Association; and the City of Guelph.
What
“Seniors and Mental Health: Let’s talk about it” – presentation to mark World Mental Health Day
Who
Mayor Cam Guthrie Jody Weiler Ross Knechtel
Where
Evergreen Seniors Community Centre auditorium
When
Thursday, October 12, 2017, 1 to 3 p.m. Presentation begins at 1:30 p.m.
Source: City of Guelph