OFCAN 
Browse below for information about community led educational learning opportunities.
Webinars From CAMH’s RBC Patient and Family Learning Space
Ask the Experts: Sleep and Insomnia
Sept. 14, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder and can lead to significant problems in one’s health, work, and personal life. You’ll learn about the nature of insomnia, how we can diagnose it, and take part in an in-depth discussion on potential insomnia treatments. Come and learn how you can make your sleepless nights go away! Register
Lost and Found: Queer Selves, Stay-at-Home Orders, and the Covid-19 Pandemic
Sept. 20, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
In public health orders, “home” created a particular ideal: safe, well, and uncomplicated. But like all ideals, “home” was always complicated with taken-for-granted untruths: assumptions that everyone has a home, that homes have enough space and resources within them to meet our needs, that homes are filled with the people most important to us, that homes are safer than what lies beyond the front door. Many people–particularly queer and trans people–have not had that experience of home, and staying at home meant losing out on a sense of self. Register
Supporting a Family Member with Schizophrenia: CAT for Families
Sept. 27, 2022, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Cognitive Adaptation Training (CAT) is a practical, evidence-based approach for families and caregivers of adults living with schizophrenia. In this interactive workshop you will gain strategies and tools to help your loved one build independence in taking care of themselves, their spaces, and participating in their communities. Register
ONTARIO CAREGIVER ORGANIZATION
SCALE Program: Nurturing Mental Health and Wellness for Caregivers
The SCALE Program (Supporting Caregiver Awareness, Learning and Empowerment) offers weekly psychoeducational webinars (divided into two 4-week sessions) focused on various topics such as stress, anxiety, mindfulness etc. and strategies and tools to better cope with difficult caregiving emotions. Free group and/or individual counselling is also available.
Webinars From CAMH’s RBC Patient and Family Learning Space
Ask the Experts: Decriminalization of Substance Use
June 22, 2022 – 12:00-1:00 PM
The opioid poisoning crisis has taken more than 25,000 lives across Canada since 2016. Last year, CAMH released a statement in favour of decriminalizing the simple possession of illicit drugs, including opioids. In this webinar, the presenters will explain CAMH’s position, the rationale behind it, and the other measures needed to address this crisis. Register
Service Spotlight: The Slaight Centre for Early Intervention
June 28, 2022 – 12:00-1:00 PM
This presentation will outline the Slaight Centre’s unique model of care, NAVIGATE, which is an evidence based intervention aimed at helping youth recover from their first episode of psychosis. The core pillars of the program will be discussed, which include: medication/symptom management; individual resiliency training; case management; peer support; family support; and supported employment and education. Register
Finding Hope in the Darkness: Perspectives on Suicide and Suicide Prevention
June 29, 2022 – 12:00-1:00 PM
Join us in an important and engaging discussion with Dr. Juveria Zaheer about suicide and suicidality. We will learn about the rates of suicide, warning signs to look out for and how to support someone who may be thinking about suicide. Register
Webinar: Discover the Healing Power of Journal Writing
July 21, 2022, 12:00-1:00 PM
Journal writing can be a form of self-care and a helpful way to process the feelings that the caregiving experience brings to the surface. Join Donna Fitzgerald, co-author of Creative Healing Through Transformation: Conversations with My Soul, in this Ontario Caregiver Organization virtual webinar as she explains how journaling can enrich our purpose and meaning. Register
Webinars From CAMH’s Patient and Family Learning Space
Opioid Use and Administering Naloxone – May 17, 2022 – 12:00-1:00 PM
This webinar will discuss the recommended harm reduction techniques and the important aspects of responding to an opioid poisoning. Participants will learn what an opioid is, and why there is a focus on the opioid poisoning crisis; risk factors for an opioid poisoning, and strategies to minimize them; and steps in responding to an opioid poisoning. Register
Sex, Gender, and Cannabis Use – May 25, 2022 – 12:00-1:00 PM
This webinar will provide an overview of cannabis, with a focus on sex and gender influences. During this webinar, participants will become more familiar with cannabis fundamentals, risks and potential harms, therapeutic uses, and cannabis use and mental health. Register
Online Virtual Workshops Hosted By RBC Patient And Family Learning Space At CAMH
Cognitive Adaptive Techniques (CAT) Workshop: Support for Families of People with Schizophrenia Spectrum Diagnoses – April 11, 2022, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
In this interactive workshop hosted by RBC Patient and Family Learning Space at CAMH, you will gain strategies and tools to help your loved one build independence in taking care of themselves, their spaces, and participating in their communities. Learn More
Ask the Experts: Sleep and Mental Health Across the Lifespan – April 19, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Dr. Michael Mak, sleep medicine specialist and staff psychiatrist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, will be discussing the intimate relationship between sleep and mental health symptoms from childhood to old age. The session will offer tips to improve your sleep and overall health. Learn More
Patient and Family Engagement in Research – April 27, 2022, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
This workshop will provide an overview of research engagement, why it is important, what research engagement looks like at CAMH and how patients and family members can get involved. Learn More
Privacy and Consent Workshop – Previously Recorded by CAMH
Accredited Cannabis and Older Adults eLearning Modules
The Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) is pleased to let you know that free, asynchronous, accredited eLearning modules on Cannabis and Older Adults (English version) are now available. The French modules will be available in Spring 2022.
The target audiences are physicians, nurse practitioners, other healthcare providers and healthcare students. Examples of topics include: evidence for cannabis as treatment; medico-legal considerations; how to talk to older adults about cannabis; drug interactions; adverse events; and safer cannabis use.
Medication Empowerment…it’s about ME
February 9, 2022 – 4:00PM EST
Medication Empowerment, developed by Pat Deegan, supports people in having a voice and a choice in getting the treatment that is right for them. It’s a guided intervention based on the insight that using psych meds is more than learning to take pills on schedule. Discover the tools that can help clinicians and peer support workers assess the challenges their clients may be experiencing and to support them through these challenges in order to use meds optimally to support recovery. Join Pat Deegan’s interactive video conference on February 9 to discuss Medication Empowerment and explore the e-learning program. Learn More
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Virtual Workshop Series
Powerful Tools for Caregivers gives you the skills to take care of yourself while caring for someone else. This FREE 6-week, highly interactive workshop series is designed to help you develop a wealth of self-care tools. You will learn self-management tools to help to reduce stress, improve self-confidence and communication, find balance and increase your ability to make tough decisions. Register Here
Suicide Risk Assessment: Overview of Best Practices and Considerations Webinar
The assessment of suicide risk by clinicians and mental health professionals plays a key role in detecting risk and preventing suicide. The Mental Health Commission of Canada invites you to learn more about the process of assessing suicide risk and its role in life promotion and suicide prevention in their previously recorded online webinar featuring Drs. David Klonsky, Allison Crawford, and Joseph Sadek. Watch the webinar
Fall 2021 Webcast Schedules from P4P Planning Network & Ontario Disability Employment Network
Discover many free online webcasts that will help you plan for the future of your loved one. Topics include ODSP, RDSP, Henson Trusts, Financial & Estate Planning, Relationships, Housing and Employment.
Fall 2021 Webcast Schedule Ontario Disability Employment Network
Caregivers Partnering with Health Professionals: A Strategy that Works
Caregivers have an important role on the care team. A collaborative partnership between caregivers and health care professionals contributes to better outcomes. This important new course from the Ontario Caregiver Organization was co-created with caregivers and is specifically designed for caregivers. Learn More
Mental Health First Aid to Support Youth
The vulnerability to mental health conditions in youth has increased during the pandemic and the Mental Health Commission of Canada has responded by updating and offering their Mental Health First Aid to Support Youth as a virtual course. During the 10-hour course you will learn how to recognize the signs of declining mental well-being and engage in conversations about those observations, assist in mental health or substance use crises, seek outside supports, and care for yourself as a “first aider. Learn More
New Online Learning Suite Helps End the Stigma of Substance Use
The Canadian Centre of Substance Use and Addiction has launched three modules on the topic of stigma associated with substance use.
Module 1 – The Pain of Stigma
Module 2 – Insights on Substance Use
Module 3 – Stigma Ends With Me
The goal of the modules is to increase your understanding of stigma and equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to address stigma at home, in the workplace and in your communities. Access the modules
“The Journey of Families Affected by Mental Health and Addictions” with Nicole Waldron
In her Victory Speaks podcasts, Nicole Waldon talks to members of Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR) about their experiences of having a loved one with an addiction and mental health condition.
Part 1: Nicole Waldon speaks to Louise Wright and Sydney Graham from Families for Addiction Recovery about the stigma and myths of addiction and mental illness and why families sometimes feel ignored in the care of their loved ones.
Part 2: Do families matter in the care of their loved ones? Nicole Waldron speaks to Angie Hamilton, Kathryn Eve, Tammy Gould and Sydney Graham from Families for Addiction Recovery about their experience in the addiction and mental health system.
Empowering Families Affected by Substance Use Problems
Having a family member with a substance use problem can be very stressful and overwhelming. You play a key role in supporting your loved one and in promoting their wellness and recovery. Performing this role may take a toll and have a significant impact on you as well. This 6-module, self-directed online program is designed to empower you as you support your loved one. Learn More
Empowering Families Affected by Psychosis – Online Course from CAMH
This self-directed online course is for families, friends and supporters of those who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. The course covers what your relative may experience during early psychosis and how you can work with a health care team to support your relative in the recovery process. Learn More
Tackling Structural Stigma in Healthcare
Many of us have watched our loved ones face stigma in the healthcare system when accessing treatment for their addiction and mental health problems. Learn more about the sources and consequences of stigma and gain insights into how it can be addressed in this pre-recorded webinar. Watch Now
Caregivers Out Loud: Podcasts by Family Caregivers of BC
Caregivers Out Loud explores how the role of a caregiver can be rewarding, but also that it’s emotionally, psychologically and physically taxing. Listen to various podcasts about self-care, boundaries, navigating your relationships as a caregiver and speaking up about your needs. Listen here
Mental Health Commission of Canada’s (MHCC’s)
Ghost in the Machine: Tackling Structural Stigma in Health-Care Environments
Date: February 9, 2021
Time: 12-1:30 p.m. ET
In 2019, the MHCC launched a multi-year project to better understand mental health- and substance use-related structural stigma in health care. The findings so far give us a clearer picture of structural stigma, including how it emerges, how it impacts health and quality-of-life outcomes, and what the best strategies are for reshaping the way health services are provided.
Topics include:
- Why we should care
- How structural stigma is experienced
- What we know so far
- What can be done (including key priorities for dismantling and disrupting structural stigma)
Institute for Advancements in Mental Health: CBT for Psychosis Workshop for Caregivers
Feb 23, 25 & Mar 2
This 3-session virtual workshop, sponsored by the Institute for Advancements in Mental Health, helps those living with or caring for someone with serious mental illness such as psychosis or schizophrenia become a partner in recovery and healing. Register Here
Ontario Caregiver Organization: SCALE Program
Building a Framework for Supporting Meaningful Family Caregiver Engagement
This presentation is the product of a collaborative project led by caregivers at The Royal called “Building a Framework for Supporting Meaningful Family Caregiver Engagement”. The team aimed to identify the current needs for meaningful engagement with caregiver advisors in mental health organizations and institutes across Ontario. They gathered the perspectives of past caregiver advisors and involved staff, as well as the perspectives of individuals who would like to become advisors, or work with advisors in the future, to create a thorough summary of collaboration needs.
