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David Sheff Author of the Bestselling Book Beautiful Boy Presented by Clintar Landscape Management
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SPECIAL THANKS
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Corus Radio London
The Longo Family
M&T Printing Group
Jim and Sheila Mays
Message from the chair Welcome to the first-ever virtual edition of Breakfast of Champions. Now in its 14th year, this very special event continues to shine a light on the important issue of mental health.
When we talk openly about our mental health, we make it possible for others to do the same. Sharing our stories builds understanding, and helps reduce the stigma people living with mental illness often face. Today’s feature speaker David Sheff will share the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of his son’s addiction and undiagnosed mental illness. His experience, made into a feature film, Beautiful Boy, is similar to the experiences of many families. By telling his family's story, David aims to reach more people who are suffering — to affirm their experience, offer comfort and show they are not alone.
CMHA Elgin-Middlesex will also present the Champion of Mental Health Awards to an individual and organization who have gone above and beyond to reduce stigma, provide support, advocate for, and advance knowledge of mental health. By joining us today, you too are a mental health champion. On behalf of St. Joseph’s and CMHA Elgin-Middlesex, thank you for supporting mental health care through your attendance. Thanks also to our generous sponsors who helped make this event possible. James Mays Event Chair, 2021 Breakfast of Champions
AGENDA Livestream Begins
Opening Remarks
Champion of Mental Health Awards
519-646-6085 | sjhc.london.on.ca/foundation
MINDS Update
Feature Presentation
Closing Remarks2
INDIVIDUAL AWARD NOMINEES The Champion of Mental Health Awards are presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Elgin-Middlesex Branch and honour both an individual and an organization in the communities of London, Elgin County and Middlesex County who have made a significant contribution to mental wellness. LIZ SNEDDON
TYLER STEWART
TANDRA LEPINE
Liz Sneddon, a grandmother of seven, is a passionate ally of mental health in London. In November 2013, she and her partner Ken lost their son BJ to suicide. It is now a mission and passion of hers to support mental health in the community. Liz recently completed the 4 x 4 x 48 Charity Running Challenge, which includes running four miles every four hours for 48 hours. Through her participation in this challenge, Liz continues to raise awareness and funds for mental health as well as reduce stigma in the community. Her strength and resolve is incredibly inspirational to those around her.
Tyler Stewart, also known as Stewie, moved to London 10 years ago to follow his dream of performing music. He combined his love for music and helping people by organizing music events to advocate for mental health. Tyler has been nominated three times for the Forest City London Music Awards under the Contributor Category for his work. Currently, he is planning an event for the 2021 London Music Week to raise awareness of mental health. He is devoted to making a positive difference in the community. Nothing brings him more joy than to reach those who need it the most.
Tandra Lepine is a mental health advocate that uses her platform to spread messages of hope and resilience to others who share mental health struggles similar to her own. Her blog and podcast, Talks with Tandra, shares relatable, honest entries and isn’t afraid to address tough subjects. Recently, Tandra toured with a charity called Live Different, where she shared her personal story of hope and courage on-stage across dozens of high schools, reaching thousands of students. She also launched a new mental health advocacy clothing brand. This fall, Tandra will be the guest speaker at Minds For Change, a fundraising event for LHSC’s First Episode Mood and Anxiety Program (FEMAP).
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ORGANIZATION AWARD NOMINEES M.I.UNDERSTANDING – PAULA JESTY
MIDDLESEX OPP – MELANIE CORBY AND ERIN MOSHER
M.I.understanding develops parent-focused digital tools to support children's mental health. Working with community partners in London for over five years, their videos and resources help families, schools and community groups start a conversation, giving them the strategies to work together to build resiliency. Their tools bridge the gap to care, with their latest program, "MI friends", connecting families to an online video/activity program, giving parents strategies, tools, resources, and suggestions on how to support their child as they learn to self-regulate.
Provincial Constables Melanie Corby and Erin Mosher were instrumental in forming the Middlesex County Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team (MCRRT), which involves a partnership with the Strathroy Caradoc Police Service, the Middlesex OPP and the CMHA Elgin-Middlesex. The MCRRT provides proactive and effective follow-ups with high-risk individuals and their families. The team helps prevent hospitalizations by connecting individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with specially trained health care workers at authorized agencies in the community.
This program, developed with the Child and Youth Development Clinic at Western University, will drive future research and development around children’s mental health. A portion of every purchase is reinvested in children’s mental health to support research and program development.
In Crisis? Reach Out 519-433-2023 or 1-866-933-2023
Need to talk? The Support Line 519-601-8055 or 1 (844) 360-8055
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INNOVATING WAYS TO ADVANCE MENTAL Young people (age 16-25) are more likely to experience mental illness or addiction than any other group in London-Middlesex, but only 20% of youth actually get the treatment they need (and only when they reach a crisis point).
A team of mental health care providers, youth researchers and community partners came together to create the Mental Health INcubator for Disruptive Solutions (MINDS) of London-Middlesex. MINDS is unlike any other initiative currently tackling youth mental health in Canada. Its goal is to create long-lasting solutions for the barriers youth face in getting the help they need. DEVELOPING, PILOTING AND EVALUATING INTERVENTIONS Over the past 18 months, MINDS has developed several interventions to address the complexity of youth mental health care and support systems – institutions (e.g. school systems) and community-based organizations (e.g. businesses that hire youth).
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Many of the interventions aim to address frustrating gaps in service identified through the youth researchers’ own lived experience. The team is currently piloting ten different interventions at various stages of development. Below are a few examples of the interventions the team is working on. YOUTH-CENTERED PRACTICE (YCP) What makes an individual or organization approachable to youth? One of MINDS’ youth researchers set out to find out why and how a youth-centered approach could be applied to all individuals and organizations based on their findings. They interviewed a number of representatives from youth mental health resources in the community and asked them a series of questions about what it means to be “youth-centered.”
Five key themes emerged, including accessibility, collaboration and relationships, which will be shared in their research findings this spring. SAFE STORYTELLING There is power in every story, but how do you tell a story that may be difficult to share and ensure that both you and the listener feel safe? The safe storytelling prototype includes two initiatives: a safe storytelling toolkit and a research study that will gain feedback on people’s experiences as storytellers and audience members. Both the toolkit and evaluation of the study will help create a guide for organizations who wish to practice safe storytelling. The toolkit includes tips like avoiding stereotypes, providing content warning, checking in with yourself and reaching out to a professional for support.
HEALTH CARE COUNTY TRANSPORTATION Lack of affordable and reliable transportation is a significant barrier for youth experiencing a mental health crisis in rural parts of southwestern Ontario. But the County Transportation Service —a new intervention that launched in December—hopes to change that. MINDS is working with Star Taxi to safely transport youth directly to the
Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Centre free of charge. The cost of transporting youth is currently being covered by a private donor, but it will take additional support to keep this important initiative running. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT The grassroots interventions pioneered by MINDS are helping community organizations tailor services to better meet the needs of youth.
The one-size-fits-all treatment model needs to change. By joining us this morning, you are helping MINDS change future outcomes for youth in our community. Without you, these interventions – created by youth for youth – would not exist. Thank you for helping us create a better, healthier tomorrow.
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Finch Auto Group is a proud sponsor of Breakfast of Champions. We take great pride in supporting the community in which we live, work and play. For the best automotive sales and service experience in town, be sure to visit one of our five London locations.
www.seefinchfirst.com FINCH CHEVROLET CADILLAC BUIICK GMC 640 Wonderland Rd N 519-660-8832
FINCH HYUNDAI
300 Southdale Rd E 519-913-5168
FINCH CHRYSLER DODGE JEE P RAM
MERCEDES-BENZ LONDON 35 Southdale Rd E 519-931-7473
590 Wharncliffe Rd S 519-931-7469
FINCH NISSAN
1111 Oxford St E 519-913-5864
Clintar Landscape Management was established more than thirty years ago to provide landscape management services for corporate clients, institutions and governments. Today, Clintar is the largest company of its kind in Canada. We provide a broad range of exterior maintenance services to our customers including landscape maintenance, landscape installations, road and parking lot maintenance, turf irrigation services, and snow and ice control services. Large companies, institutions and governments have invested substantial amounts in providing pleasant environments and have a need to maintain their image. Nothing says more about these organizations than the appearance of their property. The public, employees and customers all form a “first” impression of the organization by what they see before they enter the front door. Corporate and government managers are continuing to follow a direction of out-sourcing services that do not add value to their core business. Clintar has developed its expertise in delivering these services in a more cost-effective and efficient manner over the last thirty years.
Canada’s Authority on Grounds Care
www.clintar.com
Invested 1n our community. Kelland Portfolio Management Group is proud to be the Private Reception Sponsor for the Breakfast of Champions, in support of St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation and the important work being done to advance mental health. We take as much pride in supporting our community as we do in helping professionals and families reach their personal financial goals. Working with a team of specialists we take an integrated approach to your financial well-being.
Rob Kelland, CIM®, FCSI® Portfolio Manager Director, Wealth Management 519.660.3229
www.kellandgroup.com
Visit kellandgroup.com to learn more
Scotia Wealth Management® ®Registered trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under licence. Scotia Capital Inc. is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund and the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. For more information Visit www.scotiawealthmanagement.com. The Kelland Group is a personal trade name of Robert Kelland.
One conversation can make a difference for tomorrow. As we are unable to gather in person, it is more important than ever that we stay connected and continue to support our community’s needs. Thank you to all of the 2021 Champion of Mental Health Award recipients and nominees for the remarkable work you’ve done in advocating for progress, and thank you to everyone in our community who continues to support or promote conversation about mental health and wellness. siskinds.com 519-672-2121
The Tricar Group is proud to support the ongoing commitment of St. Joseph’s Hospital and CMHA Elgin-Middlesex to expand awareness and to improve the level of care for the mental health of the youth in our community.
FOR INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR PROJECTS VISIT TR ICAR .COM
CBRE is proud to continue our community support of mental health issues through Breakfast of Champions. Now more than ever, we need to find ways to stay connected within our community, and improve care and awareness for mental health. CBRE Limited, Real Estate Brokerage Investment | Industrial | Retail | Office | Land | Multi-Family
For more information visit www.cbre.ca