These are unsettling times: globally and locally, COVID-19 is affecting our personal and professional lives, and the lives of those we care for and love. Mental health is now, more than ever, a shared concern for all of us. 

We want to take a moment to say that although we are living in unprecedented times, we will get through this, together.

IAM has stepped up to the plate quickly, extending the hours on our mental health telephone support line and ensuring that you will reach someone to talk to live. We continue to expand our virtual care offerings, and have already added virtual groups and support sessions to boost our services to you during this difficult time. Session topics include being able to integrate thinking and emotions, helping people deal with anxiety, and supporting caregivers through the increased pressures they face. We continue to add more sessions and topics regularly. Find more information here. 

Prior to COVID-19, the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario was preparing to share exciting news with you regarding our new name and brand. Equally importantly, we wanted to share how we were enhancing our work in mental health. While our response to COVID-19 became our priority over the recent weeks, we want to take this opportunity to share this news with you personally.

As you know, for the past 40 years, SSO has been providing support to individuals and families, advocating with all our hearts for our common cause and contributing to research with the hope of finding answers and innovative solutions. As a responsive and connected organization that listens to the people, families and communities we serve, we began exploring a new direction for our organization. Through surveys and honest consultations with our stakeholders, we heard loud and clear that it was time for SSO to change. We learned that we have a lot to contribute in continuing and enhancing our support to individuals, families and communities. We heard that we need to continue our work in research and focus on creating innovative solutions to mental health problems, moving away from a name which speaks to a diagnosis and rather, focusing on social inclusion for those who live with mental illness. We realized that a new and dynamic brand was needed. 

We are now IAM – Institute for Advancements in Mental Health. 
We envision redesigning society for better mental health. This means creating environments that are more inclusive, positive and accepting for people with mental illness and partnering with others to create solutions that improve mental wellbeing and allow people to thrive.
 
At IAM, the programs and services that we previously offered at SSO still remain, but we are growing these to help even more people. What we have achieved in the past 40 years with you, informs our future today.

For more information, click here to read more about us.