1. Family Inclusion—The patient’s journey is the family’s journey

2. Family Inclusion continued 3 Who is who and what do they do?

Meet the Chaplains 5. Upcoming course for families 6. Patient experience survey 7. Remembering Kathy Burrill 8. Information for families

Family Forum Newsletter The Family Advisory Council of Parkwood Institute Mental Health Care and Southwest Center for Forensic Mental Health Care VOLUME 6

The Family Advisory Council has been very involved in promoting family inclusion in care at Parkwood Institute and Southwest Cen-tre. As you continue reading you will learn about how the Family Inclusion project came to be and about the courageous family members who shared their journey navigating the mental health care system and helping and supporting their loved one living with a mental illness. Families have shared that when they are provided support by staff, it feels like they are being thrown a “lifesaver”!

The Patient’s Journey is the Family’s Journey by Kelly Kiteley

Family Inclusion has been a growing initiative since 2011. The fami-ly involvement initiative was highlighted in the 2011 Conference “Family Inclusion for Adults with Mental Illness: Why, What and How,” by Phyllis Solomon hosted by Regional Mental Health Care—London. Sandy Morton, the previous Social Work Profession-al Practice Leader, presented at a Continu-ing Medical Education for staff entitled “Family Inclusion: A Model for Better Out-comes” in May 2012, which was followed by a Family Inclusion Model presented to Leadership in 2012. The Mental Health Commission of Canada launched the “National Guidelines for a Comprehensive System to Support Family” in 2013. In 2015 Dr. O’Reilly and Ms. Julie Jung focused their Continuing Professional Development presenta-tion on “Communicating with Families of Patients with Serious Mental Illness.” The momentum of the family voice and their needs continued as indicated by the 2015 Strategic Priorities to “ensure patients and families are full partners in care and in the de-sign, measurement and improvement of care” and further that there be “optimize(d) transitions through the care system with and for patient, residents and families.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

BE A LIFESAVER,

SUPPORT A FAMILY

In light of this directive path, family engagement was named as a major focus for St. Joseph Health Care. Karima Velji the Vice President of Patient Care and Quality of St. Joseph Health Care London, underscores the alignment of the Family Inclusion Project to the Strategic Priorities. From her vast experience with patients and families, she has found that they have a shared unified appeal of “Do not harm me. Heal me. Be kind to me.” These poignant words simple in their disclosure have vast meaning and signifi-cance.

The Family Inclusion Project began in 2012 after receiving satisfaction survey results which indicated that only a minority of patient families were aware of the Family Re-

source Centre and the services it offers. The Family Inclusion Booklet resulted as

means to elevate the need for information and education to be provided to families.

The Family Inclusion Booklet is comprised of eight family members personal accounts of the mental health care

received at SJHC. The goal is to provide to staff the mental health care journey as seen through the eyes of the fam-ily member. It is the hope that the premise that family inclusion is a vital and integral part of patient care is

strengthened. It is through the voice of story that the Family Inclusion Booklet is hoped to be a useful tool in under-standing the families’ experience and prompting family engagement and involvement in all areas of mental health

care.

As Family Advisory members took their turn at the podium during a Continuing Medical Education held on Janu-

ary 25, 2016 they shared their personal stories of their interface with the mental health care

system. They described being voiceless, floating in an shoreless ocean awaiting a buoy, tears flowing from the loss of a son, a 40 year journey of a sister who feels she has to let go of her

brother due to a broken system. The courage they demonstrated is quite significant and ap-plaud-able but nothing in comparison to their courage in trying to meet the challenges of sup-

porting their loved one through the devastating disease of mental illness.

When dealing with your own family member you want to provide for them, and when this

becomes an insurmountable task you turn for help. You want hope that your family member will receive the ser-vices and care they require, that treatment teams demonstrate the unwavering desire to understand and appreci-

ate the lived experience of not only the patient, but of the family member and that through act and deed there is

an acknowledgement that the patient’s journey is the family’s journey.

I believe the road before us is ensuring that families receive the support and education

they require in understanding mental health illness, legislation, and treatment and recov-

ery. Thus, a meaningful response to them is to inform them of the Family Resource Cen-

tre, family education courses and support groups. As well as to provide families with the Patient and Family Handbooks which are available at the Parkwood Institute and the

Southwest Centre. When consent is not given by the patient to communicate to family

members it is important to continue our dialogue with our patients to confirm that they are making informed decisions regarding these impactful matters.

Stories have great impact as they are personal reflections creating opportunity for deeper understanding, greater empathy, and appreciation of needs. As the Inclusion Booklet is launched I encourage you to discuss its impact with your colleagues, to have dialogue regarding the family experience and most importantly to reflect on your practice through the lens of the loved one’s eye.

Page 2 Family Forum Newsletter

BE A LIFESAVER,

SUPPORT A FAMILY

BE A LIFESAVER,

SUPPORT A FAMILY

Meet the Chaplains

In this issue we would like to introduce you to the Chaplains who work in Spiritual Care at both Parkwood Institute and Southwest Centre.

We interviewed Jessica Baker and Stephen Yeo in the chapel spaces located at each site. Each chapel

offers a quiet, safe space for patients, families, staff and visitors. When interviewing the Chaplains we felt that the environment was very calm, welcoming and serene. We were interested in asking how

Spiritual Care services can be accessed. We learned that the process can be very informal such as a patient can self-referral, inquiry from family members or at times it may be through an informal con-

versation. Spiritual Care is for everyone that has a connection to St. Joseph’s mental health programs. Both chaplains will ac-commodate these requests.

Both Stephen and Jessica offer one to one support, group support, staff support and consultation, which can be in staff

rounds, planning meetings or if staff are seeking expert advise. Some programming that is in the works for Stephen (who is based at Southwest Centre) includes : implementing a spring equinox labyrinth walk, and incorporating mindful reflections

according to the season of the calendar. Steven also facilitates monthly communion services, a weekly therapeutic spirituality group, guided meditation, smudging and drumming (monthly) and church service programming.

Jessica, who is based in Parkwood Institute, offers an adolescent spirituality group, non-denominational chapel services, hymn signs and guided meditation. Parkwood Institute also offers a Roman Catholic Communion service, and there are hopes for smudging and drumming ceremonies in the future. Jessica has been with St. Joseph’s Health Care London for three months now, and she is quite excited about coordinating future programming which offers exploration of what is meaningful and sacred for participants.

Chaplains will inquire and make a referral to a community church or group if the patient requests. For example they will link a person who wishes to reconnect with their preferred faith group, or to a spiritual leader for example a Rabbi or Imam. Both Jessica and Stephen will connect patients to community grief sup-ports as well.

Stephen noted that staff are often surprised when they learn of the amount of education and training that is required for these positions. Both Jessica and Ste-phen are members of the College of Registered Psychotherapist of Ontario which is a regulated health care profession. Ste-phen also has the designation of Anglican priest. In his tenure he has officiated weddings, baptism and funerals for staff and patients. Jessica is an endorsed minister and commissioned as a health care Chaplain by her denomination.

With both facilities having indoor and outdoor labyrinths, Stephen and his colleagues at Southwest Centre have conducted research on the holistic benefits of walking the labyrinth. The study titled “Walking the Labyrinth: Considering Mental Health Consumer Experience, Meaning Making and the Illumination of the Sacred in a Forensic Mental Health Setting” was published in December, 2015, in the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counselling.

The Chaplain role is very important and valued at St. Joseph’s Health Mental Health Care Programs. Stephen and Jessica are very approachable, knowledgeable and they are an excellent resources for patients, families and staff.

Page 3 Family Forum Newsletter

Jessica Baker

Stephen Yeo

As Meaningful Activities are such an integral part of recovery, we wanted to introduce you to the Transitional Basketball Program at Parkwood Institute for Mental Health Care. This program began in October, 2015 and initially it was started to meet the needs of out-patients. Inpatients are also included as it provides them with structure while in the hospital and it is an activity they can continue to engage in for extra support post discharge

The Therapeutic Recreationists (TR) advocated for funds that were used to pur-chase equipment for many physical activities such as: basketballs, floor hockey and baseball equipment.

The TR staff completes an assessment which helps to determine who is appro-priate for the program and individualized goals are developed for each patient participating. Some of the goals may include: exercise and physical health, developing social skills, establishing social connections and social inclusion, skill development (for example rules of the game), to assist in decreasing psy-chiatric symptoms, to lessen social anxiety, to reduce isolation and to foster companionship.

The weekly game helps to add structure to their day and demonstrates how beneficial a regular routine is to ones well-being. Stephanie and her col-leagues are hoping that more of these types of programs will be available to meet pa-tients’ needs and goals.

The program is designed as a bridge to help assist patients who are transitioning to the community so they will feel comfortable in putting these learned skills to use. We have noticed when walking past the gymnasium when a

game is taken place there is lots of positive energy and enthusiasm in this very welcoming environment. This type of programming is supported by members of the Family and Patients’ Councils.

We leave you with quotes from people participating in basketball game and how it has impacted them.

“I eventually want to sign up for something through Spectrum, but I am so out of

shape and not ready for it yet. I am able to feel comfortable and excel with this group.”

“I found it hard to come out at first as I was struggling with my mental health. Now I

look forward to coming. The sportsmanship is amazing. It is so much fun.”

“It helps with my mental health almost more than medications. Medication only goes so

far. This is what counts. It is a way to get out into a social situation and to test if my medications are working.”

L to R: Sara McCluggage, Stephanie Powers and Rich Taylor

(Therapeutic Recreationists)

Enjoying the game!

Hard at play!

Family Forum Newsletter Page 4

Review of the book “Peace of Mind” by Laurel Lamarre

I had the opportunity to meet Sharon Miller Kosloski, who was kind enough to donate a copy of her book “Peace of Mind” to the Family Resource Centre. It is a little book with a big message! Sharon has completely funded the printing of her book and I have agreed in promoting and putting people in touch with her if they wish to purchase one. She is a great advocate for people with mental illnesses and her book has a very strong theme of accepting people despite their limitations and a focus on reducing stigma.

Karen’s book is wonderfully written. It left me with a wonderful sense of peace about the characters and how people with disabilities have the opportunity to come together, to accept and respect each others strengths. When someone believes in us we all have the abil-ity to do great things and shine. Life is not without its’ struggles and that is for all people, with or without disabilities. When we learn to adapt and cope, we become more resilient. Karen’s characters also had their challenges but the power of connecting with each other and being accepted is a tremendous gift that they all gave to one another.

I would encourage you to read Karen’s book “Peace of Mind”. It is a small book with a power-ful message about mental health and acceptance.

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Family Forum Newsletter

Sharon Miller Kosloski

If you fail, never give up because F.A.I.L. means “First Attempt in

Learning”

End is not the end, in fact E.N.D means “Effort Never Dies”

If you get No as an answer, remember N.O. means “Next Opportunity

Belong to Song is a community-based and volunteer driven mental health initiative

supported by London’s Mental Health Promotions Committee for individuals recover-ing from or living with mental illness. Their goal is to reduce stigma, build community

and use live music as an opportunity for self-fulfillment and social engagement.. The program is every Thursdays from 1—3 pm at My Sister’s Place, 3rd floor, 566 Dundas

Street. For more information people can email Catherine McInness at Cathmcinnes@sympatico.ca

Deadline for submissions April 27th

, 2016

For more information go to www.mentalhealthpromotions.com

Or call Beth Muia at 519-455-5110 ext. 47323

Framing the Phoenix A Mental Health Art Exhibition

May 3-14, 2016 Reception: Thurs May 5th 7-9 pm

1161 Florence Street unit #4, London, ON

226-663-7168

Page 6 Family Forum Newsletter

Mark your calendar!

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Family Forum Newsletter

T he Family Resource Centre offers a variety of services for families, their loved ones and mental health professionals, including:

A resource library which contains current books, magazines, videos, audio tapes, and pamphlets on most mental illnesses

An opportunity to meet one-on-one with another family member who has had a personal experience with mental illness and the mental health system

Participation in a support group comprised of 5-10 family members affected by mental illness (every second Tues-day)

A free seven week family education course offered twice per year (Spring/Fall)

Speakers for community groups

Membership on the Family Advisory Council

A computer for family members to search for internet information on mental health

We are located at Parkwood's Institute for Mental Health Care Building 550 Wellington Road—Room F2-191

The Family Resource Centre is open: Monday to Friday: 8 am - 4 pm (unless otherwise posted) Contact us at: 519 646-6100 Ext. 47440 or visit our webpage :

www.sjhc.london.on.ca

Attention Family Members!

Did you know that we offer a FREE support group to family members who are supporting a loved one with a mental illness?

The Support Group meets every second Tuesday from 1:30 to 3 pm, at Parkwood Institute’s Mental Health Care Building. Dates posted in calendar.

Interested in this group, call the Family Resource Centre at 519 646-6100, Ext. 47440 for further details.

Page 8 Family Forum Newsletter

Here is a list of some upcoming activities happening involving the Family Advisory Council or other groups to educate or as-sist patients and their families. Contact the Family Resource Centre at 519 – 646-6100 Ext. 47440

Family Advisory Council – May 9, June 13

Family Support Group - April 26, May 10, 24, June 7, 21

Family Education Course - April 21, 28, May 5, 12, 19

Mother’s Day - May 8

Father’s Day - June 19

If you are interested in donating to Mental Health Care Programs at St. Joseph’s

Contact: Senior Development Officer 519-646-6100, ext. 65454

Donations for the Family Resource Centre can be made directly to:

St. Joseph's Health Care Foundation Attn: Dr. Wm. A. Tillmann Memorial Fund Resource Centre for Families 268 Grosvenor Street London, ON N6A 4V2

This newsletter is intended to be used as a communication vehicle by the Family Advisory Council at St. Joseph’s Mental

Health Care with families who share common inter-ests and concerns. The information herein is be-lieved to be accurate; St. Joseph’s, the Family Advi-sory Council, and the author(s) cannot be held re-sponsible for any errors. It is the responsibility of the reader to work with professionals when making any clinical decisions

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