Sherbrooke group raises funds for families of people with mental illness

October is mental health awareness month and the APPAMM-ESTRIE, the local association of relatives of persons with mental illness has begun its annual fundraising campaign. Working this year under the honorary presidency of Professor Pierre Cossette, Rector of the Université de Sherbrooke, the goal of the annual campaign is to raise $25,000 to support the mission of the non-profit organization.

"The importance of organizations such as APPAMM-ESTRIE is undeniable, because it provides concrete support to caregivers who are in dire need of these services.” Cossette said. “In fact, like many community organizations, APPAMM-ESTRIE does a lot with little to respond a problem that affects a large number of families."

"All of us will be touched, one day or another, by mental illness. The theme "So Close, So Ready" highlights the importance of supporting the loved ones of people with mental illness, as well as the ability of these family members to be ready for their role," said APPAMM-ESTRIE Executive Director André Forest.

APPAMM-ESTRIE was created 37 years ago to offer a community-based support for mental health. It accompanies the relatives of people with mental illness, allowing them to develop coping mechanisms that promote daily well-being. Relatives of people with mental illness are now even more likely to use the services of APPAMM-ESTRIE and it recorded more than 2,500 people present at its various activities over the last year.

Through individual or family psychosocial interventions and information activities open to the general population, the organization offers a range of free support services tailored to the needs of its clientele. The issues served by APPAMM-ESTRIE are: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessivecompulsive disorder, and borderline personality disorder.