Louise Bradley - Sharing My Vision
Everyone has certain defining moments that stand out in their memory. For me, I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing when I heard about the inauguration of the Mental Health Commission of Canada in 2007. Having worked in mental health all my life as a nurse, a therapist, a researcher, an educator and an administrator, I have developed a passion and high regard for people living with mental illness and their families. Each of these enriching work experiences has led me to shape a vision for mental health care in Canada and how the Mental Health Commission of Canada will play a leading role in making that vision a reality.
Developing Canada’s first mental health strategy is a key part of this vision. In 2009, we released the document Toward Recovery and Well-Being, which outlines the framework we will use to create a mental health strategy for Canada. But I want to be sure this inspiring piece of work doesn’t sit on a shelf. We have to make it real; we have to make it relevant. It has to be sustainable. To that end, we will be reaching out to key stakeholders across the country so our vision is a shared one – one that supports governments, people with lived experience, service providers and academics.
Two initiatives we are about to launch that will enhance these efforts are Partners for Mental Health and Knowledge Exchange. Partners will be an opportunity for every Canadian to be involved in a widespread and vibrant movement affecting not only general attitudes, but also our leaders in their political priorities and policy development. The Knowledge Exchange will be an opportunity for Canadians from all walks of life and interests to be involved in and obtain information from a network of networks.
Along with At Home / Chez Soi -our national research and demonstration project on homelessness and mental health, Opening Minds - an anti-stigma initiative aimed at changing attitudes and behaviours towards those living with mental health issues, and all the important research lead by the Advisory Committees, we are proud to have been given the task to develop the first ever Canadian mental health strategy and to contribute to improving our mental health care system.
There are very few people who are not touched by mental health issues. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is a catalyst for sustainable change. But we can’t do it alone. We all have a shared responsibility to make a difference. By working together, there are no limits to what we can accomplish.