Wednesday night was the 4th annual Women & Wellness event put on by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), it was both inspirational and empowering.
The mission of the CMHA is to raise funds and awareness for people suffering from mental illness. The Kelowna branch provides help, housing and hope to the one in five people in our community who experience mental illness. They provide help for families, youth as well as education on the subject for businesses.
The event initially began in New Brunswick, put on by a woman who had tragically lost a loved one to suicide. She held the event to raise funds and awareness about mental illness to help protect not only her family, but others. The premise behind the event was not only to help lift the stigma and preconceived notions of those who suffer from mental illness but, to promote a new initiative called LINC.
Photo Credit:KelownaNowShelagh Turner giving a presentation on the LINC initiative
LINC is a team of people ranging from psychologists and doctors to support workers and members of the CMHA team. This program allows youths from ages 12-24 get their story out in order to find proactive solutions quickly and to help support them in their battle with mental illness. As of now, the LINC program only takes place once a week, this event was to raise funds in order to help the CMHA Kelowna branch obtain a facility where they can have the LINC initiative running full time.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
The event had lots of great things to offer the woman in attendance. From free massages, prizes and an auction to moving and inspirational presentations.
Photo Credit:KelownaNowSome of the great items!
Miji Campbell was one of the guest speakers who read excerpts from her book "Separation Anxiety: A coming of Middle Age Story." Miji combined humor as well as personal stories to help explain the struggles one deals with when they suffer from General Anxiety Disorder and to help raise awareness on what so many people today are facing. She had the audience flooded with emotions from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
Amberley Robinson was there to recite her moving poem "You are not your mental illness." The uplifting and moving poem spoke of the personal struggles faced while battling mental illness as well as the strength and courage it takes for someone to go through that battle. She moved the crowd to tears and roaring applause.
Photo Credit:KelownaNowAmberley Robinson
Photo Credit: KelownaNow
This event was not one to miss, the positive energy and support was radiated by all in attendance.
If you would like to help support the Canadian Mental Health Associations fight to help those with mental illness, visit their web page to donate as well as learn more.
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