See Me, Hear Me – The Unheard Voices
Mayor Jan Liggett creates conversations and connections around Mental Health and Addictions
On Friday, October 24, Mayor Jan Liggett will welcome experts, panelists, and families affected by mental health and addictions to learn, share and heal from their experiences at a collaborative community event. ‘See Me, Hear Me – The Unheard Voices’ will take place at the Hespeler Arena from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature multiple speakers, interactive question and answer sessions, and a panel discussion bringing together experts and individuals with lived experience in each topic. Attendees will also be given the opportunity to provide feedback, which will be provided to Provincial and Federal partners.
“We have developed an exciting new roster of speakers for this event which will highlight and elevate the voices and concerns of those impacted by mental health and addictions. This event also represents an opportunity to coordinate ideas for improved supports from other levels of government,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “These conversations are too important to be overshadowed or ignored and I look forward to welcoming our community members, local leaders, and those who are travelling from quite a distance for this special event, to have an honest conversation on how we can better support families, communities, and those struggling with mental health and additions issues.”
Topics of discussion will include:
- Navigating the healthcare systems when lacking capacity
- Families’ and Physicians’ perspective on the Health Care Consent Act and Mental Health Act
- Stories of lived experience
- Grandparents or great-grandparents raising their grandchildren/great-grandchildren when parents lack capacity due to mental illness or substance use
- Grief, loss, and rejuvenation
“This year, several of my colleagues and I have increased our advocacy efforts and although we have seen success and have made significant progress on this journey, there still continues to be much work to do,” said Mayor Liggett. “I hope that our community and beyond will join together and attend this important event as we look to continue our efforts and advocate for families affected by this crisis.”
The event will feature multiple speakers, including experts from the University of Western, Grand-Families Inc., Coping Bereavement Support Group. Tickets are on sale now, cost $30, and includes refreshments for the day. To purchase tickets, visit cambridge.ca/SeeMeHearMe.
