Coordinators report

Darryl, Lindsay baby sit Network

Darryl Bernsein and Lindsay are holding down the fort as interim coordinators at the Network while Judith Wallace nurtures her new baby Sean. We look forward to having Judith back when she is good and ready.

Darryl works the first part of the week, then Lindsay takes the helm during the second part.

Our first main task was to ensure that the AGM was organized for November. This was done with much guidance from several untiring board members. The AGM was well attended with several new folks elected. Unfortunately we also lost a few excellent board members.

Thanks to the board members who dropped in regularly to support both of us in our new positions.

Darryl's key roles include; working with the computer and organizing program files, clerical duties, attending mental health meetings in Richmond and Vancouver, telephone referrals and attending Board meetings.

Lindsay works more closely with the Facilitators of the Networks support groups to give encouragement and make sure their concerns are heard. Attending meetings/workshops, which would benefit the Network. Telephone referrals and Board meetings.

The "WINTER PARTY" will be held on FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8th 2002. Please call for details

HAPPY 2002 from us all.

Report from the Board

New life gives birth to 3 panels

by Ron Carten

President, Vancouver / Richmond Mental Health Network

The annual General Meeting of the Network on November 10, 2001 was a solid success, with over 40 members in attendance. Our first auditor's report was received and approved and five new board members were elected to replace outgoing members. New board members are Shirley Sturgeon, Heather Jahrig, Cindy-Lou Griffith, Norm Ogden and Frank Molnar. They join incumbents Kathleen Still and myself in filling an important role within the Network. Thanks go to outgoing members Ruth McGibbon, Paul McGillicuddy, Lori Gabrielson, Susan Beck and Lindsay for their hard work in the past year.

Since the AGM, the board has formed three committees, namely the Steering, Finance and Hiring committees. Other work taken on by board members includes seeking a partner in the area of chari

table donations, drawing up contracts and developing new policy to guide Network members and staff in their dealings with each other at the Network. I feel we have an enthusiastic and team-oriented board that is well positioned to expand services offered at the Network, despite financial restraints being applied by the new Liberal government. This could include new peer support groups and some new projects.

The Network funding for the next year is secure, and given responsible leadership at the board level, should be secure for some time. But the Network cannot expect any further increases from the Vancouver/Richmond Health Board. We do, however, have options. Cassandra Freeman, or part-time fund-raiser, has recently submitted an application for gaming funds. Partnering with other agencies so that we can receive charitable donations remains to be fully explored.

The Network stands for caring and respect, equality and justice for consumers and survivors of the Psychiatric system. We exist so that our members have a place to go and people to meet who will not label them or demean them, people who hope that the lives of our members will flourish, despite the difficulties associated with psychiatrization in BC today. As a board, your board, we welcome suggestions, encouragement and feedback from members of the Network

I believe a healthy and productive future for consumers/survivors depends on our ability to communicate who we are, how we are treated, and what or fears and aspirations are. In the New Year, let us hope that the self-help groups we run will continue to provide the space for the nurturing support and empowerment that makes all of our difficult lives more live able