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The Ottawa Branch of CMHA undertakes social action activities in effort to make programs, policies, laws and attitudes sensitive to the issues effecting people with serious mental illness.

Board members, agency volunteers and staff all engage in social action activities. We work with existing coalitions or committees as well as provide community development and leadership to establish new community forums to address emerging issues. Other means of social action include responding to government policies and legislation, meeting with politicians, communicating with government staff, organizing community events and media coverage, conducting research and report writing.

ODSP ISSUES

1) CMHA is a proud partner with Centre 454 in a project that helps individiduals, who have many barriers, to apply for benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program. To find out more about the project, see the attached report. A French executive summary is also available.

2) The most recent ODSP Update is now available. This newsletter is produced 3-4 times per year. Individuals who would like to receive the next copy of this newsletter can contact us at 613 737-7791 or info@cmhaottawa.ca.

OTHER ISSUES

The Financial Accessibility Committee of CMHA Ottawa Branch is working to address income security issues experienced by individuals with serious mental illness. The Committee participated in the 2008 pre-budget consultation by submitting this letter to the Ontario government.

ODSP, Earnings & Employment Supports: Brief to MCSS, Oct 2006

Low Cost Bus Pass for People receiving ODSP

The following are examples of some social action activities undertaken in 2006

Low Cost Bus Pass for People receiving ODSP

Effective March 1, 2006, OC Transpo began offering a low cost bus pass ($29/month) for people who receive benefits from the Ontario Disability Support Program. To find out more about this pass, please visit the OC Transpo Community pass link.Read this PowerPoint presentation file for more information about the Community Pass.

The following are examples of some social action activities undertaken in 2006:

Co-Chairing the Champlain Mental Health Network and participating in the Champlain Health Integration Network Staffing a committee exploring streamlined access for mental health services in Ottawa Staffing the Suicide Prevention Coalition and organizing the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention National Conference in Ottawa in October 2005 Staffing a new Multicultural & Mental Health committee, identifying needs and priorities and developing recommendations for mental health prevention, promotion and intervention Staffing the Financial Assistance Committee, an ongoing internal CMHA committee composed of consumers and service representatives that addresses issues of income security for people with mental illness. Produced the Brief on ODSP and Employment Supports Issues that Impact People with Serious Mental Illnesses. Executive Summary and Resolutions for the Ministry of Community and Social Services