Coast Mental Health

People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by mental illness. From isolation to stigma, accessibility challenges and invalidation, there are so many root causes. At Coast, we support people hundreds of people living with mental illnesses, many of whom also live with one or more disabilities. Our amazing Brain Training team recently shared some tips for people to help manage their mental health with Accessibility For All Magazine - it all comes down to: 👉 Connection & Community 👉Finding Purpose & Meaning 👉Therapeutic Interventions 👉Creative Outlets 👉Advocate for Yourself Read in more detail here: https://lnkd.in/g6S3N9Q5

We take safety seriously in all aspects of our work and value the trust our clients place in us to keep them safe. On Overdose Awareness Day this August 31, the impact of BC’s toxic drug supply and overdose/drug poisoning emergency is top of mind. To help counter this, Coast Mental Health introduced the Lifeguard Digital Health alert system at three of our sites in 2023/2024 as part of a year-long pilot program. All tenants at these sites were supplied with LifeGuardLite devices in their homes, thanks to funding from Vancouver Coastal Health. The system adds a layer of safety for tenants who use substances alone by alerting staff and/or emergency services via a central control panel if a tenant is non-responsive while using. “LifeGuard keeps all the statistics and provides us with monthly reports,” says Pacific Coast Apartments Supported Housing Program Manager, Emily Grant. “We know how many tenants are using the devices, and in what ways. One tenant even used the device when they were having an asthma attack and couldn’t find their inhaler.” Read more about how we prioritize client safety at https://lnkd.in/gpJ5YNPp #safety #overdoseaware #coastmentalhealth #overdose

Mental illness has a ripple effect on the families and friends of the people affected by it. That's why we love hearing stories like Josh and his mom Lucy's. Since joining Coast's Culinary Training Program - which aims to support young adults living with mental illnesses - Josh's mom has seen a big change: “I’m less stressed, for sure.” “Some mornings I’m still sleeping and I’m so amazed that he’s already left for work! He’s even started going to the gym, swimming. “I’m so happy, it’s really made such a difference in his life. Now, he wants to live. And I can see my son and my husband smiling again.” This is one of the programs at Coast that is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of our community. Thank you! #CulinaryTraining #YoungAdults #CommunityMentalHealth #YesInMyBackyard

"To the donors … many thanks and much appreciation from Pender House residents and staff!" Thanks to our incredible community of donors, this community home was given some funds to reclaim part of the property. They added planters for their new tomato, strawberry, herb patch, and so much more! "The project has inspired our residents and staff for culinary experience, plant knowledge, watering / weeding / harvesting; and for a particular client, the inspiration for commitment, work ethic, incentive “ownership” responsibilities and a great sense of pride and accomplishment." The power of simple acts like gardening cannot be underestimated. Thank you to all those who make it possible. #GardeningTherapy #DonorAppreciation #CommunityMentalHealth #YesInMyBackyard

Looking for your next leadership role? Come and join our dynamic organization. We are currently looking for a new COO.

On National Non-Profit Day, we honor the tremendous impact that non-profits have on our communities. Today, we extend our deepest thanks to the dedicated staff and frontline workers whose commitment and passion drive our mission at Coast Mental Health every day. Our mission is to support, advocate for, and promote the recovery of individuals living with mental illness. Our vision is to build a community that truly embraces and values people with mental health challenges, empowering them to thrive and contribute their unique strengths. Non-profit organizations are essential in breaking down barriers, enhancing understanding, and delivering critical support to those dealing with mental health and substance use issues. We are profoundly grateful for the collaboration and support from the many non-profits that work alongside us in this important mission. Your dedication makes a significant impact as we strive for a world where everyone can lead a fulfilling life. #NationalNonprofitDay #MentalHealthMatters #CoastMentalHealth #CommunitySupport #Gratitud

Have you had a chance to read our annual reports yet? Our staff and clients have loved finding out about everything we've achieved together in the last year, and we think you will too! Comment below and we'll send you a link. Thanks St. Paul's Foundation for the video inspiration.

On #internationalYouthDay, we wanted to highlight the many resilient and inspiring young adults at Coast that work hard every today to reach their full potential. When young adults turn 19, they often lose access to traditional care programs and risk losing the supports they need to thrive. Here are just some of the ways we work to support them: • In Maple Ridge, outreach workers help young adults in the community connect to housing and health support. • Pacific Coast Apartments is home to 20 young adults with severe mental illness or substance use disorders. They receive support from a dedicated social worker to help in their recovery. • In Mount Pleasant, we have a special space for young adults offering music therapy, brain training, outings, job opportunities, meals, cooking skills and more. • Employment: Young adults can join a 10-week culinary training program, or train as a Peer Support Worker. None of these are possible without the generosity of donors to Coast Mental Health Foundation. #ResilientYouth #YoungAdults

What an evening! We are so grateful to have been at Vancouver Canadians Professional Baseball Club with RBC as part of their #We_Care_Wednesdays series. And we loved the opportunity to show the public a sneak peak of one of our programs with an interactive 'Smash The Stigma' activity: we displayed canvasses with hurtful and stigmatizing words that clients have been called, and offered people the chance to smash the stigma by throwing paintballs at them. It was so well received and led to some really great conversations about mental health, our work and how it helps people thrive. Thanks to everyone that stopped to take part and chat!

Every year, Coast employees are invited to nominate colleagues who truly embody the values of Coast through their actions and spirit for our Heart of Coast Awards. ❤️ We were overwhelmed by the incredible response this year, receiving over fifty nominations! Some individuals were recognized in multiple categories or nominated several times, showcasing the high regard in which they are held by their peers. Each nomination came with inspiring stories, highlighting our nominees' dedication, spirit, and exemplary contributions. Witnessing the passion and commitment demonstrated by our team members is heartening. A big congratulations to this years' award winners! Your dedication and hard work make Coast an incredible place to work, and we are proud to celebrate your achievements. Each of you has set a standard of excellence that inspires us all. 🌟 Kyle Devauld (Garibaldi Ridge Properties): Collaboration Award . 🌟Seyda Yalcin (Young Adult Program): Personal Growth Award. 🌟Jennifer Baker (Cottages): Innovation Award. 🌟Lira Lee (Alouette Heights) and Jennifer Waterfield (Pacific Coast Apartments): Outstanding Client Experience 🌟Anna M. (Culinary Program) and @Melanie Scharfe (Maple Ridge Modular): Positive Impact Award 🌟 Ian Zafra (Birchwood House): Volunteer Positive Impact Award #EmployeeRecognition #HeartOfCoast #Values #ProudEmployer