About Equilibrium Burlington

Equilibrium Burlington is a community based advocacy and peer mentoring group for individuals and care partners who are affected by mental health and addiction challenges.

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History and Accomplishments:
 

• In 2013, concerned members of Equilibrium Oakville and the OTMH Mental Health Consumer Advisory and Advocacy Committee approached Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) and proposed forming a Consumer advisory Committee to help improve access to Mental Healthcare services in Burlington.

• In 2014, the first meeting was held, and the group became the first permanent Person, Family and Caregiver advisory committee at JBH

• In 2016, a major success was accomplished in working with the Hospital and Halton Police to change the description applied to individuals apprehended by police and brought to hospital for a mental health assessment from ‘Emotionally Disturbed Person’ to ‘Person in Crisis’.  

• In 2017, the Committee worked with The Wellington Square United Church Friday Night Dinner Committee to provide monthly education to that Community via a ‘Speaker Series’ to improve wellness, awareness and information about mental health treatment services.  

• Also, In 2017 the first Artrageous event was held at the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) to create awareness and celebrate the art and talents of people with lived mental health experience.

• The Committee recommended changing the name of the JBH Mental Health Services to JBH Mental Health and Addictions Services. This recommendation was adopted in 2019.

• Consistently advocated for funding for the re-development of the Hospital’s In-Patient Unit with Local Health Integration Network and elected officials.

• Consistently advocated for increased access to enhanced out-patient services within the Community through efforts for various health services providers to working together.

• A new ‘Welcome Guide’ co-authored with JBH staff for those coming into care in the Inpatient Unit.

• Research and recommendations provided for updates to JBH website for Mental Health and Addictions services.

• A new simplified satisfaction survey developed for JBH inpatient unit patients.  

• From 2018 to 2020, donations raised from fundraising were made to support art therapy via the purchase of supplies for JBH, Summit House to Summit Housing and Outreach Programs and The Bridge (Hamilton)