Programme Outline
Friends and Advocates Centre
                                       



I
INTRODUCTION AND GOALS
Friends and Advocates Centre ia an
independent, non-profit, non-medical
consumer/survivor initiative which is
mainly funded by the Ministry of Health.
This programme has been in operation
since January, 1977 and is controlled,
operated and run by it’s members –
people who have experienced mental or
emotional distress. The mandate of this
organization is to assist
consumer/survivors in developing and
maintaining a welcoming , non-
judgemental and mutually supportive
centre which will provide education,
enhance and develop self-esteem, and
empower people with mental health
problems to make positive changes in
their lives, in their community, and in the
mental health system.
Members also have opportunities to
improve social, communication, problem-
solving and relationship skills while
learning about their rights, privileges
and responsibilities. Most importantly
they can develop lasting supportive
networks. These particular goals are
accomplished through active
involvement and participation in the
member-planned and facilitated social
and recreational activities.
 
CRITERIA
Anyone, over the age of sixteen (16),
that has been diagnosed with emotional
or mental health problems and agrees
with the vision of the programme is
welcome. There is, however, a zero
tolerance policy for either physically or
verbally abusive and violent behaviour.
Most members hear about the
programme from friends, acquaintances,
mental health professionals, hospital
social workers, public health nurses or
psychiatrists.
MEMBERSHIP
Everyone who is a part of the Friends And
Advocates programme is called a
MEMBER. Although some of our members
need a lot of support from time to time,
many members, including our leaders,
support others and function in a
volunteer role when they are able and
wish to do so.
Members of Friends And Advocates  
range in age from 19 to 65 and come from
various ethnic, economic and social
backgrounds. Some members live with
families, some alone; others live in
supportive housing, private rooming
houses and boarding homes. While some
members are employed, most are
unemployed and receive financial
assistance , or are engaged in various
re-training programmes.
PROGRAMME PLANNING AND POLICY
Since the programme is run by and for it’s
members, all members are encouraged to
participate in programme planning and
decision-making by attending committees,
expressing their opinions, sharing ideas
and voting at General Members’ Meetings.
When they have more experience they may
choose to become Board Members. Board
Members /Executives are elected from the
membership at the Annual General Meeting
and serve for a two year term.
The decisions and policies of the
programme are decided at a monthly
General Members’ Meeting and members
are encouraged to attend these meetings.
The group decision-making process is
important to the development of all
involved and while the elected Board are
legally responsible for financial and policy
decisions, they share that decision-making
process with all members. Confidence and
self-esteem, which are gained from being
involved in decision-making, spins off into
other areas of our lives.
SOCIAL/RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES     
There is a daily drop-in at the office. There
are about 25 to 30 varied social and
recreational opportunities each month,
depending on the needs and interests of
the existing group. Members who attend the
Recreation and Leisure Planning Committee
monthly meetings, choose these activities.
Events may include dances, bowling, movie
nights, card and board games nights, small
discussion groups, life skills sessions and
bus trips. Sharing social activities allows
participants to build new relationships, talk
about common experiences, and generally
build self-confidence and social skills.
Prospective members must agree to attend
at least two scheduled activities of their
choice per month. There are activities 365
days of the year, including Christmas Day
with it’s traditional turkey dinner.
LEADERS
Members who are trained to be leaders
facilitate all scheduled events. At least
two leaders attend and facilitate each
event. After at least one full year of
membership, those wishing to become
leaders attend a five-session leadership
training course which enables these
individuals to build self-confidence while
working on leadership skills.

STAFF
Friends And Advocates employs 4
full-time staff, including the executive
director and the administrative clerk. Staff
members are also consumer/survivors.
Staff are available to listen and support
members when needed. Staff may also act
as instructed advocates when requested
by a members and/or may suggest other
appropriate resources to help resolve
specific issues. Staff is available for
emergency situations 24/7.

Rev.03/06/2008-
     Basic Information