The Organization
Friends & Advocates is a Community Adult Mental Health Organization, and has provided Social Rehabilitation services since 1986. Since the mid 1990’s funding for our services have flowed through the Central West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. As of April, 2021 the LHIN has changed their name to Home and Community Care Support Services.
Friends & Advocates continues to offer support to those who have experienced Mental/Emotional Distress resulting in Social Isolation. We provide members with opportunities to develop strong Communication, Interpersonal and Leadership Skills. We offer opportunities for members to develop their Leadership, Interpersonal and Social Skills through over 40 activities per month and training programs.
Social Rehabilitation in Mental Health
Here at Friends & Advocates we believe in Social Rehabilitation!
The provision and promotion of opportunities for persons with mental health concerns, to develop personal, inter-personal, social, and leadership skills, to fully interact in their community. With support, these opportunities are planned, implemented and facilitated by those persons who would use them improving their quality of life. Social Rehabilitation organization requires that those using the services are in key decision-making positions i.e: Board of Directors, Committee Officers. Social Rehabilitation means achieving success in respect of the determinants of health (a safe place to live, ways and means to contribute to the community, and the development/maintenance of positive relationships with self/family/friends) by providing skill development choices for the client which include psycho-social support, education, training, social interaction and assertive life skills
