About CMHA Victoria

 

History

Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.

CMHA BC’s Beginnings

CMHA’s BC Division (CMHA BC) was founded 1952, with the assistance of Clarence M. Hincks, and officially incorporated on October 6, 1953. The office started with a federal mental health grant which was gradually diminished over three years as other sources of funding were found. CMHA BC volunteers became involved in the support of patients at Riverview Hospital and ran the thrift store. At one point, CMHA BC had employed more people with mental illness than any division in the country.

Throughout its history, CMHA BC has advocated for changes to legislation and policy affecting people with a mental illness that ensured the availability of community alternatives, access to housing, and income supports. Through this work, CMHA BC has played an important role in the reform of the mental health care system in BC.

CMHA BC is proud to be part of a network of CMHA branches in communities across BC whose grassroots involvement and direct services – such as housing, employment services, crisis lines, and support groups to name a few – have touched the lives of countless British Columbians. 

 

What We Offer

The following programs and services are provided by CMHA BC Division in Victoria:

BounceBack -  is a free skill-building program designed to help adults and youth 15+ manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry. Delivered online or over the phone with a coach, you will get access to tools that will support you on your path to mental wellness.

Suicide Prevention Training - Suicide can be prevented. Anyone can help make a difference. CMHA BC Victoria offers LivingWorks’ suicide prevention workshops on a fee-for-service basis. These workshops are evidence-based, grounded in best practice and proven to be effective. CMHA BC Victoria offers two levels of LivingWorks’ Suicide Prevention Training:

• safeTALK (4 hours, in-person)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) (2 days, in-person)

Workplace Mental Health Workshops - We offer a variety of workshops that cover a range of workplace mental health strategies to increase mental health awareness and acceptance.

Living Life to the Full -  This 8-week community-based course provides simple, practical skills for coping with stress, problem solving, boosting your mood, and busting bad thoughts.

Confident Parents: Thriving Kids - This provincial program has two streams to help parents support their children aged 3-12 to manage either anxiety or behaviour challenges. The Victoria office is home to the phone-based coaches for the anxiety program, and services all of British Columbia. 

 

How Ride Don't Hide Supports CMHA Victoria

Funds raised during our annual Ride Don't Hide helps fund local Victoria mental health programs and services. The Ride is our largest fundraising event opportunity here on the island. Funds raised go directly back into the Victoria community.  Check out our Impact page to read more about how the funds support CMHA Victoria.

 

Questions or comments? Contact lauren.sykes@cmha.bc.ca