As a result of funding generously provided by the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation, the BC Children's Hospital Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre opened in 2008 with the aim of providing free, peer-reviewed mental health and substance use information, resources and support to BC families.
Now, on its 15th anniversary, leaders, staff, volunteers and supporters are looking back on how far Kelty has come, sharing what the Centre means to them and congratulating the team on this milestone achievement.
Over the past 15 years, the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre has:
- Supported over 24,000 individuals across BC
- Recorded over 500,000 annual visits to their website
- Had over 46,000 downloads of its free Where You Are podcast
"To all the staff and volunteers of the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre, a huge congratulations for this wonderful milestone," says Andrew Tugwell, Executive Director, Health Promotion and Health Literacy, BC Children's Hospital. "Over the last 15, years thousands of children, youth and families across BC and beyond have benefitted from your amazing work."
"Kelty means hope to me," says Mary McCracken former Parent Peer Support Worker. "Parents do not need to walk alone and they can communicate with someone who has dealt with mental health challenges in their own family."
"Everyone connected to the Kelty Centre is so passionate and dedicated – from our staff and the FamilySmart Parent Peer Support Workers to all the BC Children's clinicians who support the development of our resources. It's so inspiring being part of a group who truly wants to make a difference and support families," says Sanaa Majid, Program Manager at the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre.
"It has been amazing to watch the Kelty Centre grow over the years," says Michelle Horn, Program Manager, BC Children's Hospital Knowledge Centre. "The Kelty Centre is such an important resource to the community, providing low-barrier resources and peer support to families all across the province, and I look forward to seeing how it continues to grow and innovate over the next 15 years."
"Everyday I get to witness the resilience of parents and their children who despite obstacles and challenges, continue to find strength and courage to seek supports for themselves and their families," says Mirella Russell, Kelty Parent Peer Support Worker( pictured at right connecting with staff in the Kelty office at BC Children's Hospital).
"This 15-year milestone is exciting! It provides a chance for us to reflect on why and where we started and the incredible growth and impact that has been made up until this point," says Sophia Mauritz, Project Coordinator at the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre.
"Kelty is an integral resource for parents, professionals and even youth to access resources or information about self-care or mental health concerns," says Suzy Fong, Kelty Parent Advisory Council Member.
The Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre offers a range of free services and supports, including:
- Information and resources on a wide range of mental health and substance use challenges affecting children and youth
- Personalized peer support from parent peer support workers with lived experience
- Support navigating the mental health system
- Options for support, treatment and networks in BC
- Free educational events for parents, as well as school and health professionals
To learn more, visit the Kelty Mental Health Resource Centre website, or visit the team in person in Room P3-302 on the 3rd Floor of the Healthy Minds Centre at entrance 85 on the BC Children's Hospital campus. The Centre is open Monday to Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
