RUN4HOPE to make a difference in the lives of others and save 40% on your race registration! Sign up today and run for one of 15 charities including Canadian Mental Health Association!
YOU CAN HELP CREATE A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITIES
In Canada, 3.2 million youth between the ages of 12-19 years old are at risk of developing a mental illness. Only 1 out of 5 of these youth will receive the mental health services they need for recovery. Even more staggering is that roughly 70 % of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence. Identifying the early warning signs of a mental illness and timely intervention are vital to prevent problems from becoming serious.
With the right support and services, mental health problems and illnesses can be treated effectively.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) provides educational, recreational and leisure Child and Youth Programs across Canada. Today, we bring your attention to one of the programs we offer here in Greater Vancouver; The Super Fun Groups.
Research has shown that children who grow up in households with parents with a mental illness have up to 60% chance of developing mental illness or other emotional problems. These children are often referred to as invisible caregivers, they face unique challenges and often miss opportunities for socialization and recreation due to a number of factors such as lack of financial resources, lack of transportation and the impact of their parents’ mental illness on their ability to plan and carry out these events.
The Super Fun Groups is a recreation-based program that helps to address some of these issues for children and youth (ages 8-17) who have a parent with a significant mental illness. The program increases the social network of children, builds resilience, and promotes social skills development and self-confidence.
The CMHA Super Fun Groups supports the mental health of families by providing monthly outings that provide enriching, social and recreational experiences for children while giving the parents opportunities to take care of their own wellness needs.
There is no cost to the family for children to participate. It includes a healthy lunch and a full day of activities. Children are picked up from their home in the morning and dropped off at the end of the day, thus totally minimizing any stress on the parents.
One of the greatest strengths of the program is the consistency it provides for the children in a safe environment. Currently, CMHA Super Fun Groups support residents of Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby and Surrey.
Canadian Mental Health Association is a nationwide voluntary movement that promotes mental health for all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness. Each year, we provide direct service to more than 100,000 individuals across Canada in over 120 communities.
Thanks to the BMO Vancouver Marathon RUN4HOPE program, runners who choose to support CMHA will help to ensure our Child and Youth programs continue to serve youth living with mental health issues and to receive the support needed to grow into healthy and happy adults who live fulfilling lives.
Please join our team as one of the Canadian Mental Health Association runners. To learn more, connect to CMHA RUN4HOPE or contact [email protected]
Facebook www.facebook.com/CMHAVancouverFraser/
Twitter https://twitter.com/CMHA_VF
Website: www.vf.cmha.bc.ca
RUN4HOPE and fundraise for us!Make a donation!
To learn more about the RUN4HOPE program please click here.