Family Counci

Represent the interests of families at CAMH through participation of families in governance, committees, work groups and other appropriate groups
Provide and promote systemic advocacy for families at CAMH
Ensure the provision of supports and services for families
Develop and support information and learning for families

FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE

For families facing addiction and mental health issues.

We are volunteers who have experienced the impact of mental health and addiction issues on our own family members and friends.

What we provide

Working out of our experiences as family members and friends of people with mental health and addiction issues, we offer:

emotional support

understanding

education

coping strategies

opportunities to meet with other family members

Whom we serve

families

friends

consumers/clients

students

general public

Other services we offer

info about the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health

info about community resources

a lending library of books and videos

access to internet information

What we believe

Families and friends are an essential and enduring support to people with mental health and addiction issues

Mental health and addiction professionals need to include families as part of the treatment team, acknowledging their experience, their strengths and their role as caregivers.

An open, cooperative and respectful rapport between families, clients and health care providers ultimately benefits everyone.

Stress and stigma experienced by family members can be reduced through education, advocacy and participation

Help nurtures hope. Families are not alone

Family Resource Centre Hours

We respond to telephone Messages on a daily basis, Monday-Friday. Please call (416) 535-8501

Volunteers honoured by the Province of Ontario

Volunteers from the CAMH Family Resource Centre
Joan McDonald, Annick Aubert and Elsa Southam
received a 10 years of Service Award

Each year, more than 5.0 million volunteers help make Ontario a better place to live. On Monday, June 16, the Province of Ontario honoured 208 volunteers from the Toronto region at the Annual Volunteer Service Award; among them were six of CAMH's very own.

Niles Patel was recognized for his five years of service at CAMH. Most recently, Niles volunteered with the Telephone Support Line offering informal support to those who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues. His commitment and passion for his volunteer work caught the attention of the staff at CAMH's McLaughlin Information Centre, and Niles soon moved from the ranks of volunteer to a staff member there. Congratulations Niles!

Also recognized were the volunteers at the Family Resource Centre. Annick Aubert, Ana Herman, Joan MacDonald, and Elsa Southam have been volunteering with the Family Resource Centre since its inception 11 years ago. These volunteers use their personal experience to support and help families and friends to navigate the emotional and sometimes stressful journey of loving and/or caring for someone with a mental health and/or addiction issue. They offer an invaluable service at CAMH and we congratulate them on this award.

Former staff member and current volunteer at the Suits Me Fine Boutique Pauline Hill also garnered an award for her commitment to helping clients. She joined CAMH Volunteer Resources soon after she retired and has been helping clients find clothes and shoes with the Suits me Fine program since its beginnings as the Clothesline 15 years ago. Congratulations Pauline and thank you for your commitment!

We would also like to thank the over 700 volunteers CAMH has working across the organization. If you have an outstanding volunteer working in your department whom you would like to recognize please contact: