Mental Health Experts Reach Out to Parents in Renfrew County

Experts in children and youth mental health would like to invite parents in Pembroke and Renfrew County to a free information session the evening of December 6th to discuss suicide, depression, and bullying.

Renfrew County, like many other communities, struggles with these issues. Parents have many questions and want guidance. In this evening event, will provide a two-hour Q&A with a panel of experts focusing on warning signs, practical tips and “how to” talk to your teen. Audience members will be given many opportunities to be heard – they can ask questions of the panelists at the session, submit their questions in writing at the event, or pre-submit their questions on-line. There will also be opportunity for Q & A in French for those attending.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Greg Lubimiv, the Executive Director of the Phoenix Center for Children and Families. Members of the panel will include:

• Dr. Ian Manion: Clinical Psychologist and Executive Director of the Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health. Dr. Manion is an internationally-recognized leader in child and youth mental health, active researcher on youth depression and suicide, and co-founder of Youth Net.
• Dr. Phil Ritchie: CHEO psychologist who specializes in mood and anxiety disorders, urgent care, disaster response and helping parents build resilient teens.
• Karen Poole: Chief of Social Work at The Royal and ASIST trainer who focuses on suicide prevention. 
• Dr. Tina Daniels: Associate Professor, Psychology Department, Carleton University. Dr. Daniels has developed and implemented anti-bullying programs and primary prevention programs locally and internationally. She also helped found the Ottawa Anti-bullying Coalition.

This event is brought to you by Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est, Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB), Renfrew County District School Board (RCDSB), and Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO), the Phoenix Centre for Children and Families, The Royal and The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO).