CHANNAL

All About CHANNAL Founded in 1989 as a program of the Canadian Mental Health Association Became independent in 2006 CHANNAL’s Provincial office is in St. John’s with regional offices in St. John’s, Grand Falls-Windsor and Stephenville CHANNAL has a 8 person Board of Directors, 10 fulltime staff throughout the province

Who We Are Only provincial organization run strictly for and by individuals living with mental health issues. Provide Peer Support, Public Education, Policy Consultation. Advocate for and bring awareness to issues that need public attention. Educate and advocate to eliminate stigma. Consult with government on policy issues that directly impact our peers, providing the unique perspective of individuals living with mental heath issues.

What We Offer Peer Support Public Education Policy Consultation In Person Peer Support Groups In Person One on One Peer Support Warm-line Family and Caregiver Support Shared Support E Peer Support Wellness Workshops Support In Establishing Peer Support Groups Public Education Access to Resources Ongoing Community Information Presentations Delivery of Professional Trainings: Today and Tomorrow Too Mental Health First Aid The Recovery Approach Policy Consultation Partnerships Committee representation

Peer Support Peer support is composed of a network of people who have similar lived experiences. They share their experiences in an effort to support each other to further their journey of wellness. Based on the concept that we can offer authentic empathy and validity of experience.

Benefits of Peer Support Shown to lower hospital admittance Lowers overall numbers of days in hospital Reduces symptoms Less substance abuse Better social functioning Helps learn coping strategies

Peer Support Requires Individuals to… …be willing to reach out and connect with others …make decisions about who they want to engage in a Peer Support relationship …provide others with support …trust others who are deserving of trust …be willing to take risks in sharing …address and respect boundary issues …be willing to be with a person when they are having a hard time

Supporter’s Role To support and encourage individuals’… …belief in self …belief in hope and positive thoughts …ability to say what they want …ability to do what they want …ability to say when they need assistance and when they don’t

“RECOVERY is not necessarily the absence of symptoms, but instead it is moving beyond the symptoms and the side effects of medication to live the life we want and deserve.” ~ Roy Muise

Accessing Our Services Any individual 16 and over, and their families, who self-identifies as living with a mental health issue can access our peer support services Any individuals / organization seeking to improve their mental health literacy or provide additional wellness support within their organization / group can access our public education services Individuals can simply contact our regional or provincial office, or call our Warmline. Warmline: 1.855.753.2560 Phone: 1.709.753.1138 Toll Free: 1.855.753.1138 Email: admin@channal.ca

Thank You!! Questions/Comments? Warmline: 1.855.753.2560 Phone: 1.709.753.1138 Toll Free: 1.855.753.1138 Email: admin@channal.ca