Theme of the Month

Children’s Mental Health Week ~ May 1-8, 2011

As we prepare to celebrate Children’s Mental Health Week, we are counting on you to advocate on behalf of the children, youth and families we serve.

Again this year, Kinark will be wearing the green ribbon to raise awareness and battle the stigma facing children’s mental health. As part of the Pass It On program here at Kinark, each of us will wear the green ribbon as advocates for children’s mental health. In recent years, the green ribbon has been adopted by children’s mental health agencies across North America in an effort to break down the barriers which prevent children, youth and families from seeking help.

In addition to the green ribbon initiative, we are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting a special Facebook event to celebrate and promote awareness for Children's Mental Health Week.

From Monday to Thursday during Children’s Mental Health Week, a different expert will be leading a one-hour, question and answer-style discussion on the wall of the www.facebook.com/kinark

. Our four experts will be ready to answer questions on their specific topics from anyone and everyone who “likes” the Kinark page. We welcome your participation in any or all of the sessions listed below and encourage you to come with your questions ready!

To participate, you must be logged in to your Facebook account. For those of you already on Facebook, please visit the Kinark page and “like” us, then visit the Events tab and RSVP. If you do not currently have an account and would like assistance setting one up, please send a request to happenings@kinark.on.ca .

This is a great opportunity to get involved with social media and heighten public awareness around children’s mental health. Feel free to invite friends, family and colleagues to join the discussion!

ASK THE EXPERTS – EVENT SCHEDULE

Monday, May 2 - 12 - 1 p.m.

Stigma - Peter Moore

Tuesday, May 3 - 12 -1 p.m.

Teen Suicide - Dr. Rod Evans

Wednesday, May 4 - 12 - 1 p.m.

Child and Youth Mental Heath, Parent Perspective - Sarah Cannon, Parents for Children's Mental Health

Thursday, May 5 - *9 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Child and Youth Mental Health, Youth Perspective - Special Guest, Jessica Vallentyne Clements

Blogs:

Peter Moore - http://www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.com/blog/peter/

Sandra Cunning -
http://www.speakingofkidsmentalhealth.ca/blog/sandra/