Advocacy for persons who live with a mental illness is an essential service provided by the CMHA Simon Fraser Branch. We support people who want to access such services as housing, income support, and employment programs. In this role, the branch cooperates with other organizations that advocate for persons who live with a mental illness.
Consumers are also encouraged to to become involved in planning for future mental health services. CMHA promotes personal empowerment and the participation of consumers in the decision making process. The branch also places a high priority on there being consumers (identified or unidentified) on its board of directors.
In order to enhance the rights of people with mental illness, the branch lobbies the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government as well as the Fraser Health Authority. The branch also advocates for better mental health through promoting mental health issues in the media.
The branch is part of a large national organization that advocates for better mental health at the national and provincial levels. The BC Division of the CMHA plays an integral role in lobbying the government of British Columbia. In a similar way, the National office of the CMHA plays an important role in lobbying the Government of Canada. Both levels of the CMHA also attempt to advocate for better mental health through promoting mental health issues in the media.
Organizations that Advocate for Persons who Live with a Mental Illness