In Episode 3 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, for a discussion on the cost of living and how it can affect one's mental health. This episode, Jessica and Mike explore how increased living expenses contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The Connection Between Cost of Living and Mental Health:
  • Highlighting the link between low incomes and mental illness, exacerbated by rising costs and interest rates.
  • The psychological burden of financial strain, emphasizing the stress on those with limited resources.
• Impact of Inflation on Social Interaction:
  • The term "inflation isolation" is introduced, addressing how financial strain limits social activities that are crucial for mental well-being.
  • Isolation can worsen mental health, transitioning from anxiety to more serious mental health issues.
• Vulnerable Populations:
  • Identifying various groups particularly affected, including nonprofit sector workers, seniors on fixed incomes, and service industry employees.
  • The challenges faced by these groups as costs rise.
• Resources Available:
  • CMHA Kelowna’s Rent Bank program is highlighted, providing no-interest loans to those at risk of eviction.
  • Other community resources for financial literacy and mental health support are shared, including food banks and counseling services.
• Managing Mental Health:
  • An emphasis on the importance of self-awareness and recognizing changes in behavior and mood.
  • Strategies for managing mental health during tough financial times are discussed, such as limiting technology use, seeking social connections, and engaging in free activities.

**Resources Mentioned:

• CMHA Kelowna: Mental Health Support Services | Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna
• Rent Bank Program: Central Okanagan Rent Bank | Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna
• Foundry Kelowna: Foundry - Where Wellness Takes Shape
• Virtual Counseling Services: Foundry Virtual BC - Foundry BC App
• Financial Literacy Programs: Home - Launch Okanagan

**General Mental Health Resources:**
If you or someone you know is struggling, CMHA Kelowna's Find Help Now page has a list of emergency and non-emergency resources for individuals of any age. CMHA Kelowna - Find Help Now

In Episode 2 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, for a discussion on housing and homelessness. This episode sheds light on the complex web of issues surrounding homelessness and highlights the importance of proactive community support and resources. The discussion examines the many pathways to homelessness, and how experiencing homelessness can significantly impact a person's mental wellness.

Resources and programs that can prevent individuals from becoming homeless, and that can support people to get back into housing are highlighted in this episode.

**Key Topics Discussed:**

• What It Means to Have a Home: The distinction between having a stable home versus temporary shelter, and why a secure place to live is critical to overall well-being.
• Pathways to Homelessness: Exploring the many factors—both individual and societal—that can contribute to housing instability and homelessness, from financial struggles, to personal crises, to mental health challenges.
• Prevention and Early Intervention: Mike shares insights on existing programs and services designed to intervene early, helping to prevent individuals from becoming homeless.

**Resources Mentioned:**

• Central Okanagan Rent Bank (Operated by CMHA Kelowna)
• BC Rent Bank (provincial entity)
• Boys and Girls Club (Shelter Diversion program)
• Metro Shelter Hub

**General Mental Health Resources:**
If you or someone you know is struggling, CMHA Kelowna's Find Help Now page has a list of emergency and non-emergency resources for individuals of any age. CMHA Kelowna - Find Help Now

In the first episode of A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, Jessica Samuels covers the topic of Youth Mental Health with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk and the need for more mental health resources and support for young people. The conversation focuses on the importance of early intervention and how providing mental health services sooner can have a lasting impact on youth as they transition into adulthood.

Mike shares his expertise on the current state of youth mental health in Kelowna, emphasizing that many mental health struggles can be mitigated or addressed with timely and adequate resources. The episode also explores the critical role that youth dedicated organizations, school, and families play in advocating for more accessible mental health programs and the long-term benefits of investing in early intervention.

The episodes wraps up with a discussion of programs and resources available for young people as they manage their mental health challenges.

**Key Topics Discussed:**
- The current gaps in mental health resources for youth
- The importance of early intervention in preventing long-term mental health issues
- How early support can help ease the transition from adolescence into adulthood
- The role of CMHA Kelowna/Foundry Kelowna in advocating for youth mental health
- How youth dedicated programs, schools, parents, and communities can collaborate to provide better mental health support
- How parents and caregivers know when to see out supports for youth
- Real-life stories of impact and success when intervention happens early
- Programs and resources that are available

**Resources Mentioned:**
- Foundry Central (provincial entity, Foundry Virtual)
- Foundry Kelowna (operated by CMHA Kelowna)
- ARC Programs (Family Connections Centre)
- The Upstream Project (Boys and Girls Club Okanagan)
- The Bridge Youth Services

**General Mental Health Resources:**
If you or someone you know is struggling, CMHA Kelowna's Find Help Now page has a list of emergency and non-emergency resources for individuals of any age. CMHA Kelowna - Find Help Now