You can have your say on how local mental health services will be delivered in the future.
The Canadian Mental Health Association York Region and South Simcoe has launched a public survey to elicit feedback by July 30 on programs as it develops its next strategic plan. The plan will shape the direction of the organization for the next three years on its release in early 2025.
“I really want to hear from community members,” said Rebecca Shields, chief executive officer. “Our plan is only going to meet the needs if I know what those needs are. I really want to encourage everyone to fill out our survey and help us understand what they feel our organization should be focusing on, so we can provide the care that is most meaningful and most relevant for the citizens of York Region and south Simcoe.”
The organization has a staff of more than 350 members and 100 volunteers serving a community of 1.2 million residents. It facilitates access to the resources people need to maintain and improve mental health concerns, integrate with the community, build resilience, and support recovery from mental illness and addiction issues.
“I’m so proud over the last few years that we are now serving over 20,000 people a year through our branch, which is unbelievable,” said Shields. “I want to know what is next. I want to hear from the communities and realize what we want to do to ensure services are meeting communities’ needs now and in the future.”
The survey prompts questions to see how respondents view the organization’s role in the community, what problem should the organization address, what they would like to see CMHA focus on more and less, who they should partner with, and which programs they have used.
The last strategic plan shaped the past six years of the organization. It focused on access, operational excellence, and thought leadership with the implementation of the mobile youth walk-in clinic, bounce-back program, and clinician-assisted bibliotherapy.
The new plan will encompass three years to focus on "a bold vision" to meet the needs of the future aligning with the new mental health crisis and addictions hub in Newmarket.
“It seemed like the right timeframe given the work ahead,” said Shields.
The new hub will be situated at 17255 Yonge St., across from the York Region Administrative Centre. It has been in the works since 2016 with a provincial investment of $200,000. The province will issue a call for proposals this summer to award a construction contract for the new hub.
The hub aims to be a one-stop service for people seeking mental health and addiction support by providing access to all services under one roof.
Input from the community will directly influence services, partnerships, and internal culture. The executive team and board of directors will use anonymous feedback to create a plan aligned with their vision of mental health for all.
— With files from Joseph Quigley