March 28, 2024

Parents want to participate in mental health resources for youth

One of the parents in a meeting with BC's Health Minister left with some hope help is coming for kids dealing with mental health issues. However, she says any solution is a long way off. Kelly Bradley says over the short term parents will be left to deal with kids in crisis with no help from hospitals.   Bradley says, for parents, it is not … [Read more...]

Help for Young People with Mental Health and Substance Use issues

It's a first for BC. A new initiative designed to help teens and young people with mental health issues and substance use is coming online in Surrey. The first program of its kind in BC "Speak Up" allows young people to share and learn from each other through peer support, targetted education in schools and new a online community. Doctor Karen Tee … [Read more...]

Mental health policy in the workplace has been delayed

It's taking longer than expected for the Federal Government to implement a new policy for mental health in the workplace. It was supposed to be done this month. The National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace will establish voluntary guidelines for employers. It has been in the works more than two years. Labour … [Read more...]

He allegedly grabbed up 3 year old and now not guilty by mental illness

A man who allegedly took a boy hostage at an eastside community centre in 2010 has been found not criminally responsible. Almost exactly two years ago, a man locked himself and a three-year-old boy inside a bathroom in the Ray-Cam Community Centre.  An eight-hour standoff with police ensued into the night, until officers stormed in when … [Read more...]

Children and youth representative says BC government spends less on mental health programs than it claims

BC's Representative for Children and Youth is disputing figures from the provincial government -- over the amount of money spent on mental health programs. The minister responsible -- Stephanie Cadieux -- claims $ 94 million are spent each year to address concerns. But Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond isn't buying that number. "I think they spend closer … [Read more...]

VPD looking for missing teen with mental health issues

Vancouver Police are appealing to the public for help find a 15-year-old boy who went missing Saturday night. David Nguyen was last seen leaving children's hospital on oak street at 7 o-clock to play basketball. Police say Nguyen has mental health issues and warn he should not be approached. He is described as Asian, 6-feet tall and 215 … [Read more...]

Many survivors of abuse at former mental institution still waiting for compensation

Sixteen years after the doors at New Westminster's Woodlands School permanently closed, many survivors of abuse at the former mental institution are still waiting for money from the BC Government. Since a class action suit affecting 1,500 victims was approved ten years ago, settlements have only been reached for close to 900. Survivors advocate … [Read more...]

Premier announces plans for new mental health facility

Premier Christy Clark was in Vancouver this morning for another photo-op.This time Clark announced plans for a new mental health facility at Vancouver General Hospital.This new centre will replace one that is soon to be demolished.The $ 73 million project comes after $ 48 million from the province, $ 25 million from the VGH and UBC hospital … [Read more...]

Mental Health in the Workplace

The Vancouver Board of Trade has released what it calls a "landmark" report on mental health in the workplace. The report, prepared by the Board's Health and Wellness Taskforce, explains the impact mental illness can have on a business, while giving recommendations on how it should be addressed. Former MP Mary Collins says one in five Canadians … [Read more...]

Schreiber, Gibney, LaPaglia Go “Mental”

Liev Schreiber, Anthony LaPaglia and Rebecca Gibney have all joined the cast of P.J. Hogan's "Mental" for Universal Pictures Australia says Variety. Toni Collette plays a crazy hotheaded hitchhiker who is brought on to nanny five girls by their father, a philandering politician, after his wife is hospitalized for a nervous breakdown. Gibney will … [Read more...]