Mental Health Panel Discussion
Community development can be defined as “working with people at a local level to promote active participation in identifying local needs, and organizing those needs” (Wright, 2004, pp.36). Community development is an active process, and values local participation, while promoting self-reliance. Community development is important in all communities, as it empowers community members, as well as creates authentic partnerships. There are many forms of community development such as asset based community development, and community building through individual, institutional, structural, and post structural change. Community development can occur through various ways, such as community meetings, events, and art. Supporting …show more content…
Mental health issues regarding stress, anxiety, and depression can be common among university students (Bernhardsdóttir & Vilhjálmsson, 2013). A recent research study dealing with the accessibility of mental health services on university campuses found that less than one third of students in need receive the necessary treatment (Bernhardsdóttir & Vilhjálmsson, 2013). The high demand for services, with limited recourse is a common issue among all universities. The panelists addressed this issue, speaking about plans for change in the structure, and making services more accessible both at Dalhousie and in the greater Halifax community. A study in 2008 demonstrated the relationship between social capital and mental health, showing that ones mental health can improve when they create connections with others (Boyd, Wilson, & Bearsley-Smith, 2008). The study suggests that social capital is important for those suffering with mental health issues, as they are able to create networks, build relationships with others facing the same struggles, and find a sense of belonging. The panel discussion enabled the audience to build links with service providers, and other community members. Mental health awareness is a necessary aspect of community building, so that the community is able to support and empower those who need it. Improving mental health among those who suffer can be done so through asset-based community …show more content…
The program met its goal by providing community members with the recourses to support others, and themselves. The panelists used asset based community development, by identifying the strengths that Dalhousie, and the Halifax community share in regards to resources and services. The panelists identified the strengths, as well as spoke about the weaknesses and created suggestions for change. The event was able to foster community development as it provided the opportunity for the community members to ask questions, and identify what issues they feel must be addressed. The panel discussion provided support for those struggling with mental health issues, as well as discussed structural change, and what needs to be done. As we learned in class from the Recreation for Mental Health lecture, stigma is a major barrier that prevents community members from participating in community development. The panel discussion offered a mechanism for change in regards to breaking down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health. This event provided opportunity for social capital, and allowed community members to make connections. As the panelists were not just from Dalhousie, there was other outside organizations present, which enabled the Dalhousie community to connect with outside community organizations, and create bonds. However, improvements could have been made to
Community development can be defined as “working with people at a local level to promote active participation in identifying local needs, and organizing those needs” (Wright, 2004, pp.36). Community development is an active process, and values local participation, while promoting self-reliance. Community development is important in all communities, as it empowers community members, as well as creates authentic partnerships. There are many forms of community development such as asset based community development, and community building through individual, institutional, structural, and post structural change. Community development can occur through various ways, such as community meetings, events, and art. Supporting …show more content…
Mental health issues regarding stress, anxiety, and depression can be common among university students (Bernhardsdóttir & Vilhjálmsson, 2013). A recent research study dealing with the accessibility of mental health services on university campuses found that less than one third of students in need receive the necessary treatment (Bernhardsdóttir & Vilhjálmsson, 2013). The high demand for services, with limited recourse is a common issue among all universities. The panelists addressed this issue, speaking about plans for change in the structure, and making services more accessible both at Dalhousie and in the greater Halifax community. A study in 2008 demonstrated the relationship between social capital and mental health, showing that ones mental health can improve when they create connections with others (Boyd, Wilson, & Bearsley-Smith, 2008). The study suggests that social capital is important for those suffering with mental health issues, as they are able to create networks, build relationships with others facing the same struggles, and find a sense of belonging. The panel discussion enabled the audience to build links with service providers, and other community members. Mental health awareness is a necessary aspect of community building, so that the community is able to support and empower those who need it. Improving mental health among those who suffer can be done so through asset-based community …show more content…
The program met its goal by providing community members with the recourses to support others, and themselves. The panelists used asset based community development, by identifying the strengths that Dalhousie, and the Halifax community share in regards to resources and services. The panelists identified the strengths, as well as spoke about the weaknesses and created suggestions for change. The event was able to foster community development as it provided the opportunity for the community members to ask questions, and identify what issues they feel must be addressed. The panel discussion provided support for those struggling with mental health issues, as well as discussed structural change, and what needs to be done. As we learned in class from the Recreation for Mental Health lecture, stigma is a major barrier that prevents community members from participating in community development. The panel discussion offered a mechanism for change in regards to breaking down the barriers and stigma surrounding mental health. This event provided opportunity for social capital, and allowed community members to make connections. As the panelists were not just from Dalhousie, there was other outside organizations present, which enabled the Dalhousie community to connect with outside community organizations, and create bonds. However, improvements could have been made to