The New Mentality has 9 trained Speakers. Please read about them below.
Amber Thomas
“The harshness of reality, and the pain that it causes is definitely not something we’ve been prepared for. Growing up I never dreamed that being a young person would be this complicated. Not knowing who to ask, or where to turn, or who I was supposed to be, I instead hid my pains internally, just hoping and wishing that the darkest of days will turn into a bright opportunity”
To read the speech Amber delivered at the International Conference on Mental Health Promotion, click here (pdf).
Clinton Morin
“As a youth diagnosed with mental illness, many challenges do arise. Fortunately for myself, I was able to work my way out of the hole I was in and progress. I have known others that have not been so lucky. I was diagnosed with depression, a rapidly changing mood disorder, and anxiety at the age of sixteen. Some argue the cause was environmental, some genetics. Regardless of why, it was my affliction to bear. The system for someone in my former position is inexplicably flawed.”
To read the speech Clint delivered at the International Conference on Mental Health Promotion, click here (pdf).
Gabrielle Latreille & Montana Hearns
“We as youth feel like we need to find a way to be more educated on the medications that impact our daily lives. We think youth and professionals need to work with one another to be more informed about the use of medications, their side effects and the diagnosis.”
To read the full speech Gabrielle & Montana delivered at the 2008 CMHO conference, click here. (pdf)
Jen Solomon
“Far too often in the field of mental health services, conversations between youth and their service providers seem to sound very similar to phone static. Each person picks up their phone; however this may appear whether in individual counselling, group therapy or something completely different, the line of communication is opened. However, simply picking up the so-called phone is not nearly enough for an effective treatment session. Youth often feel that our thoughts and feelings are not truly heard by our counsellor, psychiatrist, teacher, and so on.”
To read the full speech that Jen provided at the 2007 CMHO conference, click here. (pdf)
Lorraine Cardoso-Hybner
“I just wanted to say thanks a lot for asking me to participate in this opportunity for Much Music, as well for representing New Mentality. I think you well be very impressed from the commercial. why is that? well because I wore my New Mentality shirt lol. I >had to represent our group, I hope I made New M proud!”
Lyndsea Simser
Marie Josee Cleroux
MJ battled drug addiction, child abuse and mental health issues, and managed to turn her life around with the help of the Youth Services Bureau and the Community Foundation of Ottawa. (AEDAN HELMER/Sun Media) Click here for full article
Mwanaisha (Mo) Ali
“I joined because discrimination, isolation, and name calling needs to change. I joined because access to mental health services needs a broader range. I joined because I stand up for what is right. I joined because when there is darkness, I need to shed light. I joined because I needed a safe space. I joined because At home and at school I was out of place. I joined because others silence the voices of youngins’. I joined because my battle with mental health is one I want to win. Right now, acceptance in society is only a fantasy that’s why I joined the New Mentality.”