The Canadian Consortium for Early Intervention in Psychosis (CCEIP) has developed a cannabis resource in a convenient tear-off pad format. The CCEIP has partnered with Schizophrenia Society of Ontario (SSO) and EPION to include our logos and share the resource with our members. The CCEIP has offered to print and mail this pad to all EPI programs across the province that are identified on EPION’s website (www.help4psychosis.ca), and has provided us with a pdf version so that additional copies can be printed freely. (more…)

EPION has created a number of tools for professionals to use when it comes to metabolic monitoring for individuals on antipsychotic medications. Metabolic monitoring requires regular reviewing of lifestyle and family history as well as tracking of weight, waist circumference, glucose and lipids. It can be challenging to manage this and track this data in a meaningful way. These resources are designed to help healthcare professionals to engage clients in discussions around healthy lifestyle choices and to empower them to set goals and share these with their healthcare team. (more…)

The EPION Metabolic working group has adapted a guide developed by service users and practitioners from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in England. This guide was developed to empower service users to improve the quality of the care they receive. This guide highlights the importance of asking health professionals about your overall health, not just psychosis. Hard copies will be available at the May 11 EPION network meeting.   (more…)

At their City of Kawartha Lakes site, Lynx EPI staff are busy providing clients with a wide variety of recreational group activities that emphasize socialization and community integration. The positive outcomes of these activities are amplified by their careful consideration of group dynamics and their ability to cleverly disguise CBT and psychoeducation within fun and engaging social outings. (more…)

The Early Intervention Program at CMHA Windsor-Essex County Branch maximizes their community resources in order to offer engaging recreation activities that foster a sense of belonging. While working on their physical fitness, emotional wellbeing, social skills, and vocational goals, EPI clients at CMHA-WECB have had the opportunity to join in on a range of activities including “Mood Walks”, “Hoofin’ It” (a therapeutic walking program with horses), and weekly social drop-in groups. (more…)

For clients in Ottawa’s On Track EPI program, getting back to basics and being able to enjoy meaningful activities is part of the program’s holistic approach to recovery. Therapeutic Recreation activities are offered throughout the week to support clients in their recovery journey and reduce social isolation. The activities provide an opportunity for clients to experience real-life situations, foster new and old interests, and renew their sense of community. (more…)

This past January, a group of staff and clients from The Heads Up! Program visited Little Cataraqui Creek Conservation Area to enjoy a day of snowshoeing and connecting with nature. The outing was intended to help clients better understand the connection between mind and body health, as well as introducing new skills and ideas for how to creatively incorporate physical activity into their recovery. (more…)

On March 16, a small group of EPION members from across the province gathered in Toronto for a work session to conceptualize and draft content for EPION resources on cannabis and psychosis. The work session focused on identifying key messages and target audiences for custom EPION educational materials and reviewing an assortment of existing resources to be disseminated as-is. Products and resources from Friday’s meeting will be piloted this spring.  (more…)

The Cleghorn Early Intervention Clinic in Hamilton presents WEED Talk: Marijuana, Mental Health and YOUth, taking place May 31. This event is geared toward young people, family members, and anyone interested in learning more about the effects of cannabis use. The objective is to raise awareness of issues related to safe cannabis use, legalization, harm reduction, risk of psychosis, and mental health and addictions services in Hamilton.  (more…)

The EPION Metabolic Monitoring working group has adapted a guide developed by service users and practitioners from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust in England. This guide was developed to empower service users to improve the quality of the care they receive. (more…)