However, how that change is defined, and how far it’s gone, is something that Hounsell said is open to many different points of view.
But when Hounsell was informed that the Community Mental Health Initiative would receive this year’s Humber Community YMCA Peace Medallion, he felt the recognition validated what the board, the volunteers and staff at the initiative are doing.
“It means that outside groups take notice and they think what you’re doing is worthwhile,” said Hounsell, chair of the initiative’s board.
The initiative was presented with the medallion during a YMCA Peace Week event at the Humber Community YMCA on Tuesday night.
Prior to the event, Hounsell, who did not attend the presentation, said the initiative fits into the guidelines the YMCA uses for awarding the medallion through making a case for positive change in the community.
“I think as an advocacy group for those with mental illness that’s something that we are constantly trying to do. Trying to remove the stigma, for example, from mental illness.”
Hounsell said the initiative does this through speaking events during Mental Illness Awareness Week where people who have dealt with mental illness, and who are prepared to step forward and put a face to the illness, share their stories.
It also does it through Summit Place, the initiative’s apartment complex for people with mental illness and through it’s housing support worker, who helps make the connection between local landlords and clients in an advocacy role.
“We’re prepared to speak up for those who perhaps find it difficult to speak up for themselves,” he said.
And while there is still work to be done, Hounsell thinks the fact mental illness is being talked about and people are prepared to speak is a big step forward.
The medallion was accepted on behalf of the initiative by board member Margaret Noseworthy during the event.
Tuesday’s event also included the annual YMCA David Elliott Memorial Speakoff. Shanzey Shaikh, a Grade 6 student at St. Gerard’s Elementary, was chosen as the winner of the speakoff. She was one of six students to participate in the event.
However, how that change is defined, and how far it’s gone, is something that Hounsell said is open to many different points of view.
But when Hounsell was informed that the Community Mental Health Initiative would receive this year’s Humber Community YMCA Peace Medallion, he felt the recognition validated what the board, the volunteers and staff at the initiative are doing.
“It means that outside groups take notice and they think what you’re doing is worthwhile,” said Hounsell, chair of the initiative’s board.
The initiative was presented with the medallion during a YMCA Peace Week event at the Humber Community YMCA on Tuesday night.
Prior to the event, Hounsell, who did not attend the presentation, said the initiative fits into the guidelines the YMCA uses for awarding the medallion through making a case for positive change in the community.
“I think as an advocacy group for those with mental illness that’s something that we are constantly trying to do. Trying to remove the stigma, for example, from mental illness.”
Hounsell said the initiative does this through speaking events during Mental Illness Awareness Week where people who have dealt with mental illness, and who are prepared to step forward and put a face to the illness, share their stories.
It also does it through Summit Place, the initiative’s apartment complex for people with mental illness and through it’s housing support worker, who helps make the connection between local landlords and clients in an advocacy role.
“We’re prepared to speak up for those who perhaps find it difficult to speak up for themselves,” he said.
And while there is still work to be done, Hounsell thinks the fact mental illness is being talked about and people are prepared to speak is a big step forward.
The medallion was accepted on behalf of the initiative by board member Margaret Noseworthy during the event.
Tuesday’s event also included the annual YMCA David Elliott Memorial Speakoff. Shanzey Shaikh, a Grade 6 student at St. Gerard’s Elementary, was chosen as the winner of the speakoff. She was one of six students to participate in the event.
