VIDEO: 'Sky is the Limit' for reducing the stigma

Algoma Family Services in partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association, Nogdawindamin and Algoma Public Health will be hosting a number of activities across the District in recognition of Child, Youth and Adult Mental Health this week. Children’s Mental Health Week and Mental Health Awareness Week both occur in May.

SooToday cameras sat down with CEO of Algoma Family Services, Ali Juma and Children's Mental Health Week committee co-chair, Marc Williamson to discuss this year's events, which include the 3rd Annual The Sky’s the Limit Concert on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the Tech.  

This year's lineup includes Electric Church, Bold Noize, Tianna Legacy, Lime, Dalton Povey and Chris Elgie, and Collage. Tickets are $5/person or $20/family of 4+. Tickets are available at AFS reception and will be available at the door. This year's concert offers something for everyone with rock, rap, and acoustic performances. 

"Not only do we get to hear these young people showcase their amazing music, but also talk about what mental health means to them," said Juma. "We've inspired a lot of community members over the last two years with concert, that we receive donations just to make sure that people who want to attend the concert can do so without worrying about the cost."

"We've had two acts now that have been with us for the last two concerts," said Williamson. "They've earned the privilege of headlining the event. It's great to see them grow as musicians."

Events earlier this week included baby yoga sessions and will wrap up with a 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament on Saturday, May 12 at Sault College. 

The purpose of the week is to raise awareness about mental health, share information on services and to reduce stigma. One in four people will be challenged by their mental health, with 70 per cent of mental health challenges emerging in adolescence.

Juma said there has been "huge gains made in the last couple of years," in reducing stigma with events such as Bell's Let's Talk campaign. "Not that long ago, really, if you had a mental health challenge it would be looked at not necessarily favourably, and the actual thought of getting help might be limited because of the concern that others might have with someone who may have a mental health challenge. Those days are far and few between, but we still have some challenges."

Currently there are over 6,500 children in the province of Ontario waiting more than a year for service, something Juma calls a "really concerning number." 

Juma said Algoma Family Services is proud that over the last three years they made some gains in reducing those wait times. "What he heard from the community was that once they get our services they're really happy with it, but what they're not happy about is the length of time to get those services," he said.

One of those 'gains' is a walk-in council single session service located at the Canadian Mental Health Association located at 386 Queen St. E, open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. "Individuals can come in, there's no wait times or wait lists," said Juma. "Because we've partnered with other community agencies, the range of people who can access that service is not limited to children and youth." 

Juma says people who are concerned they are having a mental health issue, should visit the walk-in clinic. "At the walk-in clinic you'll get an opportunity to talk about what is concerning you, and you'll also leave with a plan," he said. "The plan may involve a referral to another service or a referral back to AFS. What we've learned is that 80 per cent of the time, what we've learned is that the people who come to that clinic haven't required further service; they found that session helpful enough. But, if they need to come back they're more than welcome."

"It's no different from your physical health," said Juma. "It's recommended annually that you get a physical check up, just to make sure everything is working well. We so no different with respect to one's mental health."

SooToday viewers can get a sneak peak of Thursday's concert when Tianna Legacy will perform at Soo Sings on Wednesday, May 8. You can watch Soo Sings live on SooToday beginning at 7 p.m. A full list of the week's events can be found on the Algoma Family Services website.