For any Man or Woman Living with Mental Illness Issue 32, July & August 2016 Editor: Jo-Ann Paley A Warm Welcome to Joshua Joshua McNeil (picture d above) is the new Manitoba Schizophrenia Society Social Media Communications Representative. Earlier this spring Katrina Tinman, Special Events Coordinator for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, interviewed Joshua McNeil for The Reasons For Hope newsletter. Joshua also agreed to be interviewed for The Sharing Tree newsletter. Following in his own words is what he had to say: I ran for the Green Party during the 41st Canadian General Election in 2011. I was the Green Party Candidate for Winnipeg South Center and our team managed to receive 1,502 votes. It was quite an exciting time! I have many areas of interest and many vocations that speak to me. Today, at 28 years old I am deciding that I would like to first pursue a college diploma in web design development at RRC. Afterward I will attend university and work on a joint honour degree in Political Science and Communications. Welcome Joshua...continued on p. 2 INSIDE Welcome Joshua continued... P.2 Partners In Awareness.... P.2 Peer Support comments & Women s Group Activities in pictures plus Meat Loaf recipe... P.3 H.O.P.E.S. Support Group..P.4 Voice Hearers Support Group..P.4 Family Support Group..... P.4 Honest, Open, Proud... P.5 Information Session for Newly Diagnosed Loved Ones..... P.6 MSS Peer Support Group Schedule... P.7 MSS Women s Program Schedule.....P. 8 If you would like to send something in for this newsletter please email your submission to: Karen@mss.mb.ca or send it to The Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, 100 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 1C4 Message from the Editor We reserve the right to change the formatting of work received but we will not change the meaning of any work submitted.
Page 2 Welcome Joshua... cont. from p.1 Communications especially is something that I'm interested in. I have been doing social media consulting for a while but mainly as a volunteer in various social justice movements. I don't think I would run as a federal candidate for the Green Party again. I see myself more as a policy maker in Ottawa as a long term goal. I'm not currently attending university but I am in two classes at the Adult Education level. Those courses are Precalculus and Biology 40S. My title at MSS is Social Media Consultant, or Coordinator. I actually heard about the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society through my psychiatrist who suggested that I get in touch with the executive director of MSS, Chris Summerville. My psychiatrist believed that we would have some common interests given my background in social justice. Personally, I see a fantastic opportunity to begin changing the archaic narrative of schizophrenia and bringing the illness more into the spotlight. The MSS is the right vehicle for that sort of change. It was around the 21st of February that I officially took over the social media communications for the MSS. I'm totally willing to disclose that I have schizophrenia. In my role...i handle the basic communications for the MSS at the moment and I would like to expand my communications role in the future. I want to increase optics for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society so that more folks in need of help, guidance, or support know where to look for and obtain resources. What I appreciate most about the society is: the fact that they have a number of people with lived experience on their pay role and also appear to give so many people the opportunity to volunteer at the office. MSS has helped me by giving me a job, and one that I'm quitepassionate about. I was diagnosed with schizophrenia very recently and this job has increased my self-esteem and also shown me that it is possible to live with schizophrenia and have a productive and meaningful life. Partners in Awareness A peer support group made up of interesting dynamic professionals with schizophrenia. Receive support from those who understand! You Don t Have to Do It Alone! 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg Next Meeting 7:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Contact: 204-786-1616 Sponsored by: I would like to attend some groups to learn about them and share some information with others via Twitter and Facebook, which may promote the groups and increase attendance. I have a passion for social justice and being an entrepreneur. I am also very passionate about changing the narrative surrounding mental health. I believe that in the years to come we will see a dramatic shift in how mental health is perceived by the public that will be a positive change. I wish to be part of this movement.
The Manitoba Schizophrenia Society Peer Support group were asked for their opinions on current affairs. Here is what they had to say. Doctor Assisted Suicide: Someone who suffers a lot should be allowed to die. Regarding Donald Trump: I don t think he d be a bad president. He s going to start a war. He s aggressive and erratic.. He s a racist. He doesn t like anyone of a different culture or race. He s going to build a wall between Mexico and the USA and Canada and the USA. He expects Mexico to pay for it. Predictions: Will the Blue Bombers win the Grey Cup this year? - They might win six games. Who will win the Stanley Cup next year? - San Hose Sharks and the Pittsburgh Pirates will be in the playoffs. Page 3 The MSS Peer Support group and the Women s Group members visited The Forks in June and enjoyed the comradery with friends.
Page 4 for young people living with psychosis and schizophrenia If you are a person between 15 and 30 and are living with psychosis and schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder, H.O.P.E.S. or Hope and Opportunity through Peers, Empowerment and Support might be a place for you! 4 Fort Street, Winnipeg First Thursday of the Month 4:00 pm 5:00 pm Contact: the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society at 204-786-1616 FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP For families and friends of those experiencing schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and psychosis. The Last Tuesday of every month Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 2016 Schedule July 26 Oct 25 Aug 30 Nov 29 Sept 27 Dec 27 Multipurpose Room For more information contact 204-786-1616 or info@mss.mb.ca
Page 5 For Children Summer Camp This is a free program. We welcome children from 7 years and up. Name That Feeling Support Group is for Children who have a family member living with any Mental Illness. Location: #4 Fort Street, at the corner of Fort and Assiniboine Ave. Held in the office of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society Name that Feeling Summer Camp s next sessions: July 25th to July 29th 2016 & August 8th to August 12th, 2016 IF WE CAN BE OF HELP, PLEASE CONTACT Jane Burpee at 204-786-1616 or jane@mss.mb.ca
Page 6 Sponsored by JOIN US FOR THE 25TH ANNUAL SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2016 @ THE FORKS CANOPY PLAZA LUNCH INCLUDED! Only $10 to Register! Pre-Register by contacting Katrina at 204-786-1616 or katrina@mss.mb.ca On-site registration @ 12 noon We Walk @ 1 p.m. EMCEE Get a Mark of Hope for the walk and show your passion against stigma! Shown: one of five options
Manitoba Schizophrenia Society 4 Fort Street Winnipeg, MB Phone: 204-786-1616 Need to talk to someone about your life with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder? Then consider attending the MANITOBA PEER SUPPORT GROUP FOR MEN AND WOMEN On Wednesday afternoons SCHEDULE FOR JULY & AUGST, 2016 Meeting Time: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Unless otherwise indicated) Page 7 DATE ACTIVITY JULY 6 Medications & Side Effects Learning to Cope 13 Movie Day 20 Games Day Outside Weather Permitting Rain Plan Board & Card Games inside 27 BBQ in the Park Group will start at 12:30 P.M. AUGUST 3 Crisis Management & Planning 10 Movie Day 17 Bowling at Coronation Lanes 24 Picnic at Assiniboine Park 30 Walk to The Forks
Page 8 WOMEN S PROGRAM SCHEDULE JULY/AUGUST 2016 Meetings are held on Thursday afternoon from 1:15 PM to 2:45 PM at 4 Fort Street (FACES) although sometimes we go on outings. Any women living with a mental illness are welcome to attend. Occasionally we are out of the office for an activity so please call to confirm your attendance at 204-786-1616. JULY ACTIVITY 7 Writers Group & Planning - Theme: Summer 14 Movie Day 21 BBQ in the Park weather permitting 28 Dealing with Stress AUGUST 4 Writers Group Theme: Holidays 11 Movie Day 18 Bowling at Dakota Lanes Call to confirm attendance 25 Mini Golf Call Karen at 204-786-1616 to confirm attendance We will meet at 1:00 p.m. for this occasion.