Kim Dixon, BA, MSc, CPS (F) FAMILIES Peer Specialist (&Co.) Area Manager
All the staff and volunteers at FAMILIES are encouraged and supported to pursue personal and professional growth through lifelong learning.
We believe this enhances our ability to provide the best possible service to FAMILIES affected by mental illness. Here’s what we’re up to throughout 2015.
National Alliance on Mental Illness Conference
Heather Megchelsen will be travelling to San Francisco this summer for the annual National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) conference. FAMILIES has long accessed the wisdom and expertise of NAMI. We continue to use their trauma model of stress, coping and adaptation in all our individual and group support work.
International Mental Health Leadership Conference
Kim Dixon is excited to be invited into the conversation with mental health leaders from around the world at the upcoming International Mental Health Leadership Conference in Victoria/Vancouver in September 2015.
The first two days will be spent in Victoria in meetings on “Family and Carers” hosted by Ministry of Health and Ministry of Children & Family Development. “Reducing the impact of mental health problems on families, and equipping them to thrive” is intended to support an exchange of ideas and experience with respect to the needs of families affected by a mental health problem(s).
Kim Dixon is excited to be invited into the conversation with mental health leaders from around the world at the upcoming International Mental Health Leadership Conference in Victoria/Vancouver in September 2015.
Participants will share resources and strategies that mitigate the negative impact of mental illnesses on families, and discuss ways families can be supported to thrive.
The final two days will be spent in Vancouver in meetings focusing on “Accelerating Change Toward Mental Health, Well-Being and Inclusion.” There are a series of Ted-type Talks planned followed by small group discussions among the anticipated 375 delegates day one. On day two a number of selected delegates will be invited to BRAG about their successes and all other participants encouraged to STEAL best and wise practice from throughout the world.
–Kim Dixon, BA, MSC, Area Manager 2015