Advocating for a recovery model that includes severe mental illness.

BCSS Aims to:

Advocate for a Comprehensive Recovery Model that includes principles for individuals whose illness prevents them from actively engaging with and directing their own recovery.

Background

On May 8, 2014, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released its Declaration of Commitment to Recovery “to promote understanding of key recovery principles and stimulate implementation of recovery-oriented approaches” and asked organizations and individuals to sign the Declaration as a show of support. The Declaration outlines key recovery principles in an effort to make recovery a reality across the mental health system. However, many of these principles exclude individuals who, because of their illness, are not able to direct their own care.

Results

In 2014 we outlined our concerns to Dr. David Goldbloom, Chair of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and are engaged in a discussion with Dr. Goldbloom regarding the intent and implications of the Declaration.