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History

The Ottawa Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association began in 1953 when a small group of Ottawa citizens came together for the purpose of determining mental health needs and then planning and developing services for this area.

Volunteers led the way - some behind-the-scenes setting up and managing the organizational and administrative structure, others more visible by chairing or sitting on committees of the agency or on outside organizations; attending meetings, writing briefs, participating as direct-service volunteers with clients in Branch programs. (Group homes, the Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre, White Cross Club, homes for special care).

Since 1953, the Branch has reflected the changing needs of the community into mental health through it' volunteer membership on the Board of Directors and its committees and programs. In 1980, one could look back and state that there were very few existing mental health resources in this community to which the Ottawa Branch had not made a voluntary contribution.

The agency's objectives are pursued through four main areas of activity: Capacity Building, Community Service, Training , Education and Research.