Offering support, acceptance

The Canadian Mental Health Association helps thousands with services and affordable housing

Stigma. Embarrassment. Astronomical wait-lists. Not knowing where to go for support.

These are some of the challenges facing the one in five Canadians who experience a diagnosable mental illness each year — and the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is here to help.

“CMHA exists to improve mental health for all — that’s our national mandate,” says Toronto branch executive director Steve Lurie.

“We spend the bulk of our resources supporting people who are living with serious mental illness, as well as other mental health challenges, to live, work and belong in the community.”

There are 120 different CMHA branches across Canada, says Lurie, and more than 8,000 people accessed the Toronto branch’s services in 2014. These include direct mental health services, public education to reduce stigma and increase acceptance of mental illness, public policy work, housing assistance and employment services.

“Pretty much everything we do is focused on helping people participate in the community,” says Lurie. “And supporting their efforts to reclaim their lives.”