Canadian Mental Health Association, Hamilton

January 28, 2022
Mental Health Association

MENTAL ILLNESS

Mental illnesses can take many forms, just as physical illnesses do. Mental illnesses are still feared and misunderstood by many people, but the fear will disappear as people learn more about them. If you, or someone you know, has a mental illness, there is good news for you: all mental illnesses can be treated.

The Hamilton Branch of CMHA offers the following programs and services:

a supportive housing program for adults with serious mental illness

SERVICES: The Baldwin Housing and Community Support Program promotes independence in living and self-determination in decision–making for individuals with serious mental illness. The program will advocate for and promote the social integration of consumers of mental health services.

PROGRAM GOALS:

To provide supportive housing to assist consumers of mental health services to live independently in the community.
To promote cooperation while learning the skills associated with the tasks of daily living.
To provide portable, flexible housing support services to individuals in their preferred living environment.
To develop skills in the areas of: cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, communications, work habits, social skills, community involvement, problem solving, etc.

BAY STREET RESIDENCE: This rent-geared-to-income, supportive housing program offers a cooperative living environment. With the assistance of Community Support Workers, residents are provided with flexible and individualized supports to meet their needs and goals, to promote independence, and enhance quality of life. Board and other living expenses are shared equally among the residents who assume responsibility for the daily operation of the two homes.

HESS STREET RESIDENCE: These two townhouses provide a cooperative living environment for individuals requiring minimal supports. Community Support Workers provide residents with flexible and individualized supports to promote and maintain independence and quality of life. Board and living expenses are shared equally among residents.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: This service provides individuals with serious mental illness the opportunity to develop and/or maintain the skills necessary for living independently in the community in their choice of living environment. Residency at Bay Street or Hess Street is not a prerequisite for this service.

ELIGIBILITY: Individuals with serious mental illness. 16 years of age and older, and who do not require 24-hour support. Must have a clinical support system, i.e., clinician/doctor, psychiatrist, and/or social worker. Individuals with a history of drug/alcohol abuse must be involved in a recognized treatment program. Individuals must reside in the City of Hamilton.

REFERRALS: Referrals will be accepted from medical professionals, social service agencies, family members, self-referrals. Specific support services are negotiated between the individual seeking support and the Community Support Worker.

a community-based program offering case management services to individuals with serious mental illness

SERVICES: Community Enrichment Services is a community-based program offering counselling through case management services to individuals with serious mental illness. Social work staff assess each person’s mental status, needs, and abilities to assist the individual in developing a plan and setting realistic goals. Skills training, referrals to valuable community resources, and advocacy are provided when necessary.

To reduce the likelihood of re-hospitalization and maximize community tenure.
To use, for maximum benefit, appropriate community resources.
To develop greater competence in areas of self-care, life skills, community and professional involvement.

ELIGIBILITY:

Individuals with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness who are 16 years of age or over.
Must have medical support, i.e., family physician or psychiatrist.
Individuals with a history of drug/alcohol abuse must be involved in a recognized treatment program.
Individuals must reside in the City of Hamilton.

REFERRALS: Referrals are accepted from medical professionals, social service agencies, family members, or from the individual. Participation is on a voluntary basis. All referrals are processed through IntĀc (see below).

IntĀc

(Intensive Case Management Access Coordination): A single point of access to intensive case management services provided by the Canadian Mental Health Association (Hamilton Branch), Community Mental Health Program (City of Hamilton), Hamilton Program for Schizophrenia, and Wellington Psychiatric Program.

For further information about Community Enrichment Services, or to arrange an intake appointment, call IntĀc at (905) 528-0683.

n innovative United Way-funded program specifically held in the evenings to compliment psychiatric day programs

SERVICES: This program provides structure, supervision, and a degree of flexibility allowing participants an opportunity to develop their own activities. Staff are skilled in the areas of social, recreation, and rehabilitation programming. ESRRP has been developed primarily for consumers of mental health services. The goal of the program is to promote mental health and a healthy lifestyle of consumers.

To provide an environment where participants feel welcome and comfortable.
To enhance social skills, interaction, and self-esteem through group activities.
To increase awareness and use of community resources.
To promote self-directed group activities.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPANTS:

a place to socialize
beverages and nutritional, light snacks
sports and activities
planning and development of the program
special events
meet new people

LOCATIONS: The program accesses the community by offering a variety of locations during the week. A variety of central locations have been selected in an effort to reach the maximum number of participants. These sites include:

Monday CMHA office 131 John Street South 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday Norman Pinky Lewis Recreation Centre 192 Wentworth Street North (between Barton & Cannon) 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday St. Giles United Church 85 Holton Street South

(at Main Street East)

6 to 8 p.m. Thursday Central Memorial Recreation Centre 93 West Avenue North (between Wellington & Victoria) 6 to 8 p.m. Friday St. Giles United Church 85 Holton Street South 6 to 8 p.m.

OTHER ASPECTS OF THE PROGRAM: This program operates on an “open-door” policy. A calendar of events is printed each month detailing activities and events. There are no fees for service.

this program provides alternatives and options to people with serious mental illness who become involved in the criminal justice system

Mental Health Court Support Services is comprised of three components: