Our very own Yvonne (AFC council president) and Charles-Albert (and National Youth Council member) had the opportunity to attend this year’s Journées annuelles de santé mentale (JASM) conference held May 7-8^th. Goals of JASM included bringing together key stakeholders interested in the mental health field to mobilize them around common objectives, and sensitizing attendees to new models and best practices for organizational and clinical work in mental health. The conference also allowed for knowledge exchange and networking between participants so that they could work together at improving wellbeing and quality of life for people living with mental health challenges. Integrated models of care and their benefits for mental health practice were also presented to attendees.

“It was so great to connect with the mental health community of Quebec! Amazing innovation and inspiring projects are in the works.” – Yvonne, AFC president

Here is what Charles-Albert had to say:

I had the pleasure of attending the Journées annuelles de santé mentale (JASM) conference held May 7th and 8th. I was able to participate in nearly a dozen talks throughout the event that covered a wide range of topics. I learned about the Government of Quebec’s Québec Aire ouverte project, a mental health care model that is very similar to that of ACCESS Open Minds’ implementation across Canada. In addition, I had the opportunity to work with other service users and took part in a discussion about how lived experience could be a driver for change in health care provision.

In addition, the JASM allowed me to network with many key players in the Quebec mental health landscape. I was able to have many conversations with foundation directors, public sector employees, as well as family members which increased the chances for collaboration and future work with them.

Finally, considering my role as an activist, JASM provided me with the chance to ask questions I had directly to conference speakers. I am extremely grateful to ACCESS OM for allowing me to attend this conference and for allowing me this opportunity to get in touch with the important actors in the mental health community of Quebec.