Family Information Sessions

What are Family Information Sessions?

The Royal Ottawa Health Care Group hosts a variety of sessions aimed at providing family and friends information about a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being.

These sessions are always free-of-charge and held on the grounds of the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre at 1145 Carling Avenue in Ottawa, unless otherwise specified.

I.  EDUCATION SERIES (CLICK HERE to download schedule)

The EDUCATION SERIES runs for four consecutive Monday evenings and deals with topics such as symptoms, how to help the person with the illness, assessing for suicidal risk, the Mental Health Act, the hospital system, self care, and community resources.

The Schedule for the Series is as follows:

Mood Disorders Series

September 20, 27, October 4, 18, 2010

Schizophrenia Series (Conference Room 1141)

October 25, November 1, 8, 15 , 2010

Anxiety Series

October 15, November 1, 8, 15, 2010

Mood Disorders Series

January 10, 17, 24, 31, 2011

Anxiety Series

February 7, 14, 28, March 7, 2011

Schizophrenia Series (Conference Room 1141)

February 7, 14, 28, March 7, 2011

Mood Disorders Series

May 2, 9, 16, 30, 2011

To register and for further information, please call:

Donna Horner, MSW, at 613.722.6521 ext 6421

Amanda Telford, MSW, 613.722.6521 ext 6442

Location:  Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 1st Floor, Mood and Anxiety, room 1200

Time: 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

II. COPING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS (CLICK HERE to download schedule)

Information and Support Group is for family and friends who wish to go into the aspects of coping with illness in greater detail and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.

September 7 , 2010 - Getting Acquainted & Renewing Acquaintance. Tonight’s meeting will provide a place and a space for you to air your concerns, learn about the purpose of our meetings, and  visit one of the ROMHC’s treasures – the Mental Health Community Library.

September 21, 2010 - Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre Pharmacist Nurroz Datoo will be with us to discuss the latest developments in psychiatric medications and answer your  questions.

October 5 , 2010 - Workshop Series: Communication Skills. A discussion of strategies and tools to improve communication with loved ones, especially when symptoms are present.

October 19 , 2010 - Workshop Series: Setting Boundaries and Limits. A discussion of how to establish healthy boundaries in challenging situations. Practical tips and strategies you can use in daily life will be explored, as well as an opportunity to share what works for you!

November 2, 2010 - Bringing Families Together: The impact of Mental Illness on Family Relationships. Karen Poole, the ROMHC Chief of Social Work leads a discussion on how various members of the family may be affected by illness and how to communicate openly about your concerns and needs.

November 16 , 2010 - A town-hall meeting with Dr. Sabrina Paterniti, psychiatrist in the Mood Disorders Program. Dr. Paterniti is back by popular demand and welcomes your questions and comments -
please join us!

December 7 , 2010 - Community Information Fair. Always a popular evening, this year the spotlight will be on supportive resources in the community: how to access, how to find the best fit, and ways these services can benefit you and your loved ones. Bring your questions!

December 21 , 2010 -  Coping through the Holidays. Come join us for support, some tips and a little cheer!

Location: Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Room 1420

Time:  6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

For further information, please call:

Stephanie Brooks, MSW, at 613.722.6521 ext 6871

Virginia Lafond, MSW, at 613.722.6521 ext 6610

Vanessa Morel , MSW, at 613.722.6521 ext 6207

Siovone Bourgeois, MSW, at 613.722.6521 ext 6836