Reports - Regional: Saskatoon

2006/07 Submitted By Gayle Mast, Executive Director

Saskatoon Branch exists in the community so that:
People have improved mental health with the primary focus on people in the Saskatoon and District community.
People in Saskatoon have an understanding that mental illness is a medical concern with no stigma attached.
In order to achieve the above Saskatoon branch meets with the public to provide education about mental health and mental illness. In the past year, we provided 28 presentations reaching more than 500 people In addition, we had 3 television appearances and 1 radio interview and participated in a documentary about depression. Topics included:
     • Anti-stigma presentations
     • presentations on a variety of mental disorders
     • workplace mental health and support for accommodations
     • training of peer support workers at the University of Saskatchewan
     • numerous consultations to workplaces to assist in providing support to those affected by mental health issues
     • information about the work of CMHA
     • Mental Health Week activities.

The majority of resources will be devoted to advancing the mental health of people whose mental health is at risk. It is interpreted to include, but is not limited to:
     • Quality mental health outcomes and care experiences
     • Identifying individuals most at risk for decreased mental health
     • Public Awareness of mental health issues/concerns
     • Improved access to appropriate mental health services

CMHA, Saskatoon Branch is a competent, reliable resource to the public, to those individuals identified as being at risk, and to other agencies.

CMHA, Saskatoon has provided direct service to 435 people directly affected by mental illness. Support has been provided to a number of community agencies who come in contact with people affected by mental illness, including educational institutions and formal mental health services. We are a resource to the University of Saskatchewan and SIAST by providing training and placements to a variety of students. In addition, all staff work with a variety of groups to identify those at risk and to coordinate and cooperate in service provision . The Board of Directors regularly meets with the community to enhance understanding of community mental health needs and to create linkages that will benefit CMHA, consumers, other groups and the entire community.

People with mental illness will have a personally satisfying quality of life by having
     • meaningful work
     • adequate financial resources
     • supportive relationships
     • recreation and leisure opportunities through maximum feasible community integration.

CMHA, Saskatoon Branch worked with 130 individuals this past year to assist them in achieving meaningful work. Outcomes included:
     • 42% or 55 people competitively employed
     • 10% or 13 individuals supported in community volunteer work
     • 12% or 15 people supported in upgrading their education.
     • 20 people completed the Life Skills program, several of whom moved on to employment or volunteer work.
This achievement was made possible through 1700 contacts with employers. This enables the program to have current information about the job market and to find the most appropriate employment for each individual.

Three hundred and forty individuals had opportunity to participate in 15 different leisure programs. This provides an opportunity to develop relationships, meet new people, enhance skills and re-establish balance. These programs are made possible with the support of more than 60 volunteers who contributed 4000 hours in all aspects of program delivery, fund raising, leadership and general support of the agency.

Programs and services provided were made possible with the financial support of the Government of Saskatchewan – Departments of Learning and Community Resources and Employment, Government of Canada, City of Saskatoon, Saskatoon Health Region, Saskatoon United Way, the Saskatoon Foundation, donations and community support.

Reach us at:

Saskatoon Branch
Gayle Mast, Executive Director
1301 Avenue P North
Saskatoon, SK S7L 2X1
Phone 306 384-9333, Fax 306 978-5777
e-mail info@cmhasaskatoon.ca