The mental health and wellbeing of our clients, families and caregivers matters to us! Holland Bloorview is observing Mental Health Week from May 5-11. This year, the Canadian Mental Health Association’s (CMHA) theme is: Unmasking Mental Health. 

During Mental Health Week we’re highlighting several resources and supports available to clients, families and caregivers. These services are designed to meet the unique coping and mental health needs of clients and to provide consistent, and compassionate, support for their family caregivers. Holland Bloorview also appreciates that mental wellness looks different for every individual and family and we encourage every member of our community to take the time to reflect on their own mental health needs and journey. 

“At Holland Bloorview, we appreciate that mental health is essential for overall wellbeing. We also recognize that not all clients, caregivers and families feel safe, or comfortable enough, to open up, or ask for help, when it comes to mental health challenges,” says Joanne Maxwell, vice president, experience, transformation and social accountability (ETSA).”  “Our goal, this week and every week, is to gain a better understanding of the mental health challenges our clients, families and caregivers face and to meaningfully and authentically meet them where they are at with consistent, and compassionate supports that foster mental health and wellbeing.”

Mental health resources are available for clients and families 

Key resources and supports include:

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy workshops
• 1:1 Peer Support and Mentorship
• Group Mentorship – Coffee & Colouring group for inpatient caregivers, While We’re Waiting caregiver support for those awaiting autism spectrum disorder (ASD) assessment
• Family Support Network – private Facebook group for caregivers moderated by Family Mentors
• Sibling Support Program
• Family workshops and events (e.g. Parent Support Network, Community Connect events)
• Spiritual care supports for inpatient clients and families
• Caregiver supports offered by the Ontario Caregiver Organization, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence and CAMH.
• Music therapy for clients and caregivers. Contact Reede Parisi at rparisi@hollandbloorview.ca
• Youth Mentorship Program that enhances the experience of clients and families by offering a peer perspective on a variety of life topics
• Zippy’s Friends program that offers a series of workshops for children ages 6-10 to teach coping and social skills. Contact Heather Keating at hkeating@hollandbloorview.ca

Many members of Holland Bloorview’s interdisciplinary teams—including disciplines ranging from social work, psychology and child life—also support clients’ mental health and coping. Staff are also trained in suicide support and intervention.

Holland Bloorview also offers various resources, educational opportunities and supports for children, youth and family caregivers. These include:  

• individual supports provided through clinical programs or the Family Navigation Hub
• tip sheets on a wide variety of topics including mental health for caregivers, sibling support, respite care, housing and food security
• coaching and support for clients and families as they navigate the health-care system
• funding to support needed respite services and recreational opportunities that contribute to overall health

Holland Bloorview’s mental health strategy 

Would you like to learn more about Holland Bloorview’s larger mental health strategy? It is made up of these three areas: 

• Child and youth mental health: Recognizing that mental health is vital for a child's overall wellbeing, our services focus on building resilience and skills for coping with life's experiences and supporting belonging and participation, now and in the future.
• Care for the caregiver: Understanding the complexities and stress faced by caregivers of children with disabilities, Holland Bloorview provides resources, educational opportunities and support to family caregivers.
• Working well: In alignment with our organizational values, we support and promote mental health at every level to ensure a psychologically-safe and healthy environment for employees, students and volunteers and families.