Our Mission: Supporting those whose lives are affected by mental illness through their journey of hope and recovery.

Our Objectives: To offer hope through education, support, health and wellness, social rehabilitation, networking, and advocacy to all people whose lives are affected by mental illness.  Additionally, we strive to dispel the stigma by raising awareness and showing that people can and do recover from mental illness.  

Our primary goal is to encourage and empower individuals living with mental health issues.

We offer daily social recreational opportunities, exercise programs, nutrition and wellness classes, educational programs, a lending library and peer support. We provide support groups as well as one on one support to families who have questions, as well as education around their loved ones illness. Families are often unaware of services available to them or their loved one. We assist in navigating and make referrals as requested. We also link families to one another, as it is a crucial time and people gain support and strength from one another.

The Mental Health Network provides HOPE and believes in recovery; that is something that loved ones and individuals experiencing symptoms need, especially early on. Individuals and their families can meet someone their own age who at one time were experiencing symptoms and now recovered, educated and employed. They feel a sense of relief that their loved ones or themselves will someday be well.

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The Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent (formally Chatham-Kent Consumer and Family Network) first began in 1996 as a group of family members who loved someone living with schizophrenia. Its goal was to provide support and education to families facing similar experiences. We began with a $30,000 budget and a small office with a part time employee.

In 2006, we became an incorporated non-profit charitable organization. We were approached by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to take on a “consumer” component offering therapeutic recreation, support groups, public education, peer support, systemic advocacy, referrals and educational classes. We also offer daily health and wellness groups. The Mental Health Network receives most of its funding from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The MHN augments its funds with fundraisers, grants and donations.

The Mental Health Network follows a Hope and Recovery model. Our board of directors, staff, membership and volunteers believe that all things are possible.