Mental Health Voices

Mental Health Voices is the signature fund-raising event for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Vancouver-Burnaby Branch. Held during Mental Illness Awareness Week in the first week of October, it assists in generating operating revenue that maintains CMHA programs, helps raise awareness about mental health, and celebrates recovery.

Each year, the Mental Health Voices Award is presented to an individual who has raised awareness, demonstrated his or her own courage in recovery, or encouraged acceptance and help for all those with mental illness.

During the 2009 event the awar was presented to Rafe Mair, broadcaster, author and former BC Cabinet Minister. Mr. Mair has been vocal about his experiences with depression, and about the importance of improving the standard of care for those with mental illnesses.

Most importantly, Mental Health Voices focuses on the achievements of CMHA and our clients. It provides an opportunity for the voices of those recovering from mental illness to be heard. This year the Speaker Spotlight was on the Burnaby Recreation Services Program, which promotes recovery and provides rehabilitation through recreation and leisure activities.