Caregiver Mobilization Toolkit

This toolkit is intended to support individuals, groups, or organizations in their efforts to help others understand and implement the recommendations in The National Guidelines for a Comprehensive Service System to Support Family Caregivers of Adults with Mental Health Problems and Illnesses (Guidelines). The Guidelines were published by the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) in 2013 and provide concrete guidance to system planners, policy makers, and mental health managers in planning, implementing, and evaluating a family-friendly system of care.

The term “family caregiver,” here and in the Guidelines, refers to all those in the circle of care, including family members and other significant people who provide unpaid support to an individual living with a mental health problem or illness (hereafter referred to as “caregivers”).

A family-friendly system of mental health care is expected to optimally support caregivers so they can provide the best possible support to their loved ones while sustaining their own wellbeing.

Resources:

1. Background on the Issue
2. Appendix 1: Planning Questionnaire
3. Appendix 2: Planning Activities
4. Appendix 3: Sample Letter
5. Appendix 4: Sample Summary Document
6. Appendix 5: Facilitator Guide
7. Appendix 6: PowerPoint Slides
8. Appendix 7: Recommendation Handouts
9. Appendix 8: Telling Your Story
10. Appendix 9: Meeting Checklist