The Royal Mental Health Centre

Yesterday, staff and volunteers from The Royal, Ottawa Community Housing - OCH and John Howard Society (JHS) met at the Lebreton Transitional Rehabilitation Program (Lebreton House) to build, fill, and repair garden beds to create a sustainable food source for clients in forensic programs. The goal is to empower clients to plant their own seeds, nurture their growth, and foster new beginnings. 🌱 🌱 🌱 🤝

The Royal and OCH have a multi-year partnership for collaborative beautification projects at both locations. OCH completed this beautification project at Lebreton House, which is run by JHS and used by clients in our Forensic Program.

The Lebreton Transitional Rehabilitation Program provides supportive housing to facilitate the transition from the rehabilitation unit to independent living in the community.

This event was made possible through a bursary from Just Food. We're looking forward to the beautiful blooms – and food! – these seeds of hope will bring. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff, and clients who made this event and partnerships possible.

If you're interested in volunteering with OCH, click here to learn more: https://www.och-lco.ca/join-our-team/volunteer/

Thank you to Stephen Quinlan for donating three beautiful paintings to our Client and Family Resource Hub! 🎨❤️

Stephen is a longtime volunteer and artist whose work is available through our Partners in Art initiative. Staff are welcome to drop by the Hub anytime! It’s a welcoming space located near the main entrance of the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre.

🌅 Learn more about the Partners in Art initiative: https://bit.ly/3KL8ubr

🤝 Learn more about The Hub: https://bit.ly/3YJaQzm

⭐ Did you know that the Brockville Mental Health Centre (BMHC) has been providing exceptional care and support to clients and families since 1894? ⭐

It’s true! And since 2000, the BMHC has been a proud part of The Royal. We offer exciting job opportunities at BMHC and, hey, who wouldn't want to live and work in the awesome city of Brockville?! Brockville is renowned for its tight-knit community and stunning natural landscapes. Nestled along the St. Lawrence River and in the heart of the 1000 Islands, the BMHC enjoys an incredible backdrop of scenic views. 🌳 🏞️

Living and working in Brockville, you'll be captivated by the waterfront parks, charming marinas, delightful shops, and more. Whether you’re a nature lover or someone who enjoys immersing yourself in cultural activities, Brockville has it all! 🎭 🚴🏿

If you’re looking for job opportunities, you’re in luck! We have several openings available. So what are you waiting for? Discover BMHC, uncover the wonders of Brockville, and become a part of our vibrant community! Head over to our careers page to view all of our available positions.

📋 Check them out here: https://bit.ly/44R0rSx

Yesterday, our president and CEO Cara Vaccarino met with Pierre Poitier, chief of the Ottawa Paramedic Service, to discuss how The Royal can collaborate with first responders and help to ease pressures on emergency departments. We are always excited to work with our partners to enhance care in our community! 🤝 🚑

Did you know you can sign up for free virtual psychotherapy groups to help you develop skills to cope with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress? Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) groups start in September! French groups are available as well. Click here to learn more:

Ontario Structured Psychotherapy (OSP) Program | The Royal Treatment for people with depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related conditions In Ontario, adults with depression and anxiety-related conditions can access publicly-funded, evidence-based, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and related approaches to help manage their conditions. CBT is a structure...

🧠 The Royal's Brain Imaging Centre (BIC) team enjoys a group outing! 🙌🏼

The BIC team enjoyed a fantastic outing last week, putting their brains together and tackling an escape room followed by a delicious dinner. It was a wonderful bonding experience that brought the team closer together and strengthened their collaboration. They’re looking forward to more team-building moments like this!

🔍 Learn more about our Brain Imaging Centre: https://bit.ly/3MvxdQJ

👋🏾 Are you a manager in the healthcare sector seeking a career move? 💼

Brockville Mental Health Centre wants to hear from you! As the manager of Patient Care Services, you'll provide leadership while ensuring the highest quality of mental health services. Join us and help bring positive change in the mental healthcare realm. ✅

📋 Apply now: https://bit.ly/3yz40Sp.

The Women’s Mental Health Program at The Royal presents the women’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) wellness drop-in group. 💙 👵🏾

This free online group is a peer-led way for BIPOC women – and people who identify as women – to come together for check-ins with each other about how their week is going. This is an open group, and folks are welcome to drop-in as it makes sense for them. Common themes include support of one another, building commonalities, sharing of resources, and safe space discussions. This session is FREE and open to all on a drop-in basis.

📅 Wednesdays from noon–1 p.m.
✉️ To register please email KJ Thomas at [email protected].
ℹ️ Learn more: https://www.theroyal.ca/events/womens-bipoc-wellness-drop-group-0

👋🏼 Meet Beth, the director of Patient Care Services at Brockville Mental Health Centre's Secure Treatment Unit (STU). Beth's career working in mental health care at The Royal spans over the past 16 years! From starting as a behavioural therapist on the formally known ACTT-DD (Assertive Community Treatment Team for Persons Dually Diagnosed) to her current directorial role is a testament to her unwavering dedication to our clients and their recovery. Beth shares her passion and appreciation for her team at the STU below:

"Our facility is one of a kind, I am so proud of the team at the STU and the work that goes into ensuring treatment for our residents is seamlessly delivered. Our teams work tirelessly not just with each other but with our correctional partners in a way that allows us to deliver services in a safe and effective way. Being a part of such a large program, working to align two ministries all while coordinating and delivering quality care is a challenge that I’ve always enjoyed navigating and found great reward in. Over the 13 years that I have been here, I’ve been fortunate to witness the STU’s evolution. Seeing staff, programs and practices continually improve makes me proud to be a member of the team."

Thank you, Beth and the amazing STU team, for the immeasurable work you do for our clients and families everyday. 💙

Congratulations to Nicole Rodrigues on being named a co-applicant on a $100K grant! 🎉

Nicole Rodrigues, senior research coordinator at the Brockville Mental Health Centre, has been named a co-applicant on a $100K grant from WorkSafeBC, in partnership with Waypoint Centre For Mental Health Care. This research extends their Trauma in the Workplace project, focusing on violence prevention and trauma reduction among psychiatric healthcare workers.

ℹ️ Learn more about the Trauma in the Workplace project at Traumaamongpsychiatricworkers.net.

📣 💤 Sleep research study - calling participants! 💤 📣

We're looking for people who have never had a mental or physical health diagnosis from the general population (civilians) as well as current and past members of the Canadian Armed Forces to participate in a research project that will explore the connection between PTSD, depression and other issues such as inflammation, sleep difficulties, and heart health.

You're eligible to participate if you are:
1️⃣ Mentally and physically healthy (no history of a mental or physical health diagnosis)
2️⃣ Between the ages of 18 and 65

💰 Participants will be compensated for their time.
✉️ If interested, please contact [email protected] or call 613-722-6521 x 6544

💭 Are you passionate about nursing and education? Your skills could help enhance our healthcare professionals at The Royal! ✨

We're looking for a clinical nurse educator to formulate, execute, and evaluate educational initiatives for our nurses, in keeping with our corporate strategic plan, mission, vision and values. These initiatives aim to bolster both front-line nurses, enabling them to acquire and maintain the knowledge, skills and capabilities required for their job duties.

💫 Ready for a transformative career step? Apply today! https://bit.ly/4dfbgSE

Today, The Royal’s president and CEO, Cara Vaccarino, met with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe to discuss the mental health needs of our community and social issues that impact mental health, like housing.

On behalf of The Royal, we thank Mayor Sutcliffe for the support he has always shown to our clients, families, and staff, and his commitment to diminishing the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders.

Together, we strive to keep this conversation alive and bring about positive change in mental health and addictions care. 🤝

Hey there! 👋🏽 Want to join the amazing team at The Royal? 🏥

We’re Canada’s leading mental health care, teaching, and research hospital. Our mission is to provide access, hope, and new possibilities to those facing complex mental health conditions and substance use disorders.

⭐ We genuinely believe in being an inclusive and fair employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

🔍 Take a look at our careers page to explore our current job openings and exciting opportunities: https://www.theroyal.ca/careers

Need help with mental health or substance use health needs? Don’t know where to start? 💭

AccessMHA is for anyone 16 years and older and is looking for mental health and/or substance use health services.

🗨️ Start here: https://www.accessmha.ca/

Are you a psychologist based in Kingston? If so, we have an opportunity that you might be interested in! ✅

The Royal is extending its sphere with an expansion of the Operational Stress Injury Clinic satellite office. We're on the lookout for a skillful individual who holds a doctorate from a CPA/APA Accredited Clinical Psychology Program. Plus, registration with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and proficient in Clinical Psychology is essential.

Take the next step in your career at The Royal.👉 https://bit.ly/3Sx9GTS

💫 🎵 A new therapeutic guitar group, originated from recreation therapist Ashleigh McGuinty’s desire to bring a music program to the Forensic Assessment Unit at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, brings joy, camaraderie, and harmony to participants and volunteers alike. 🎸 💕

Inspired by the "Guitars for Vets" style programs, which match veterans with donated guitars and lessons, McGuinty connected with Dr. Gilles Comeau, the director of the University of Ottawa Music and Health Research Institute (MHRI) and senior scientist at the University of Ottawa Institute for Mental Health Research (IMHR) at The Royal. Together, they had the idea of starting a guitar group. Comeau approached a contact of his, Ottawa musician Yoga Care with Michael Fahey, to lead it.

Their first composition was inspired by a gratitude exercise. The notes were given to Fahey, who used them to compose a song simply called “Gratitude.” The lyrics evoke the joy of simple things we normally take for granted – blue skies, sunny days, the stars above. ☁️ ☀️

📻 Have a listen to "Gratitude" here: https://bit.ly/3yynjey

🎼 Read more about this unique musical initiative here: https://bit.ly/3WXtAtI

Thank you Algonquin College for including The Royal in the campaign. We strongly value your partnership and your support. We look forward to working together to breaking down stigma and continuing conversations about mental health. 🧡

🧠 Learn more about the campaign through the following Ottawa Citizen article: https://bit.ly/4dAL98t

ottawacitizen.com

💗 Heartfelt letters brighten the day in our geriatrics program 💌

Last Friday, community leadership campers made a heartfelt impact by writing letters to clients in our geriatrics program. These warm and thoughtful notes brought smiles and joy to our clients, who were touched by the kindness of young people in the community. The letters are now proudly displayed on a bulletin board in the Geriatrics North inpatient unit, where they continue to bring delight and brighten the days of everyone who visits.

This meaningful exchange highlights the power of intergenerational connection and the positive effects of shared kindness.🤝

🔔 Save the Date! Third annual Music and Health Research Institute Conference. 🎺

The Music and Health Research Institute (MHRI) is excited to announce the dates for the third annual MHRI Conference! The 2025 conference promises to be an enriching experience, featuring insightful presentations and discussions on the latest advancements in music and health.

📆 Dates: May 13-16, 2025
📍 Location: The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre

They are currently finalizing the agenda, which will include scientific presentations, panel discussions, poster presentations, and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration within the community.

✏️ Mark your calendars, and stay tuned for further updates!

🎹 Learn more about the MHRI: https://bit.ly/3WWMqB2

Join us for the Prolonged exposure (PE) for posttraumatic stress disorder virtual workshop. 🎉

Learning Objectives:
✅ Gain knowledge of the empirical support for PE
✅ Understand the Emotional Processing Theory underlying PE
✅ Learn the standard PE protocol
✅ Learn how to manage common issues that arise during PE (avoidance, overengagement, underengagement)
✅ Participate in experiential exercises to increase confidence in the delivery of PE

Presenters:
🎤 Dr. Michele Todd, CPsych
🎤 Dr. Gordana Eljdupovic, CPsych

📅 Monday, November 18 - Thursday, November 21, 2024
⏰ 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
💻 Virtual workshop
🎫 Regular rate: $800 | Student rate: $400

✍🏽 Register here: https://bit.ly/3S2riXx

Venture into an invigorating new journey as an occupational therapist at the Brockville Mental Health Centre! 🏥🤝

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to help improve the lives of our clients through treatment planning, coordination, and rehabilitation.

🌟 Let's change lives together. Apply now: https://bit.ly/4bLpXfT

🌷❤️ The Women's Mental Health Program at The Royal presents Perinatal Wellness Group! ❤️🌷

The Perinatal Wellness Group is a FREE virtual drop-in group that creates a safe space for women to check-in with one another about perinatal experiences and the foster community. The focus of the group is mental health and wellness, coping with mental health and perinatal experiences, and maintaining wellness. It is an open group, and ongoing, so people may drop in as they are able. Participants will need a Zoom account and access to the internet.

🗓️ Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom
✉️ To register please email [email protected]
ℹ️ For information, visit: https://www.theroyal.ca/events/perinatal-wellness-group

Hello Therapists! Up to 80-90% of your clients may be battling insomnia; addressing this could help boost their mental health. Dr. Colleen Carney will host a FREE online workshop on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) on August 29, 2024.

This full day course is designed for psychologists and psychotherapists interested in expanding their toolkit with the first line recommended treatment for insomnia: CBT-I. It will cover a CBT-I program session-by-session, giving you tangible skills to apply this evidence-based treatment in your professional practice.

Sign up by scanning the QR code below or register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FQqbmoK5SdK8WEnHJvCzCA
.SCP

Give yourself permission to pause and calm your mind this evening🧘‍♀️.

Check out this 12-minute guided meditation led by mental health expert, Guillaume Tremblay from the Brockville Mental Health Centre.

Follow along here: https://youtu.be/KRi929jU9t

12-Minute Guided Meditation with a Mental Health Expert for Body Awareness Join our 12-minute guided meditation, where nurse practitioner Guillaume Tremblay of the Brockville Mental Health Centre helps us soothe our minds and ease o...

👋🏾 Hey, Ottawa secretaries! The Royal is on the search for individuals with your invaluable skills. 💻

Do you have an OSSD or equivalent, office administration certification, or relevant experience? If you having a typing speed of 40 net words per minute, then we'd love to connect with you!

✨ Start your career with The Royal today: https://bit.ly/4fmAznj

Are you a pharmacist seeking a meaningful career in mental health? The Brockville Mental Health Centre is looking for someone like you to join their team on a part-time basis! ✅

If you have a bachelor of science in pharmacy, entry level PharmD or advanced practice, from a recognized university or an equivalent combination of training as determined by the Ontario College of Pharmacists, and experience in the medication reconciliation process and a comprehensive knowledge of modern hospital care and drug therapy, then you might be the perfect fit! 🤝

📝 Apply today and start your journey in making a difference in mental health care: https://bit.ly/49TVN7V

📞 Calling all Brockville nurses! ☎️

We're expanding our team at the Brockville Mental Health Centre and looking for those passionate about providing top-quality care in line with the College Standards. Be part our creative treatment planning team and join us in helping our clients on their recovery journey.

🌅 Become part of our team at the Brockville Mental Health Centre and explore the beautiful town of Brockville, learn more: https://bit.ly/46mQs8U

✨ Representing volunteer services in (matching) style! 💖 🤝

Our volunteer services team is so in-sync that they match outfits unintentionally! It’s not just teamwork; it’s telepathy at its finest with Annmarie and Micheline. Their effortless coordination brings with it a vibrant, fun energy. It’s amazing how great minds (and wardrobes) can align so perfectly. 👭🏼

With their camaraderie and style, they truly embody the spirit of collaboration and creativity.

🧠 Would you like to join our team of volunteers where great minds - and wardrobes - align? Learn more about volunteering at The Royal: https://bit.ly/4cZzKz9