The Comité de Détresse Sociale du Haut-Saint-Laurent organized a free conference for the English-speaking community in conjunction with Mental Health Week on May 15, in partnership with the Montérégie West Community Network (MWCN) and Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent.
Around 70 people participated in the event, which took place at the Huntingdon Legion. The day’s activities focused on stress management techniques and raising awareness about health-care rights and available resources. Guest speakers included social worker Faye Assee, yoga instructor Julie Gergely, Guylaine Roy of the Complaints Assistance Support Centre (CAAP) Montérégie, and Debbie Neumann of Les Aidants du Haut-Saint-Laurent.
“We work hard to provide community members with as much information as possible on health and social services,” said MWCN outreach coordinator Nora Donnelly, who noted that each speaker offered valuable information.
One participant commented that they enjoyed the “dynamic interaction between the presenter and the audience.”
The Comité de Détresse Sociale, which brings together area mental health organizations, was formed in 2008 as a local response to help those experiencing suicidal crises and social distress.
The conference was made possible with funding through the Réseau Les Éclaireurs. (SR)