VCH, CMHA celebrate official opening of Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre at LGH
Clients, VCH-Coastal directors, physicians, staff and the Canadian Mental Health Association joined donors Ginny and Kerry Dennehy and members of the Squamish Nation last Friday for the grand opening of the Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre at the HOpe Centre.
Centre named after couple’s son
The centre, named after Ginny and Kerry’s son Kelty who took his own life at age 17, was established to provide not only resources for those suffering with mental illness or family members looking for information, but to break through the stigma and isolation of mental health and addiction. It is located on the main level of the HOpe Centre next to the Blenz Café and is the second such centre founded by the Kelty Foundation. The first one opened at BC Children’s Hospital in 2006.
Safe, welcoming space
“Some people might think that – in the days of computers, iPhones and apps for everything – that a resource centre might be a bit old fashioned and out of step with the times,” says Elizabeth Stanger, Director, Coastal Mental Health and Addictions.
Elizabeth Stanger, Director, Mental Health and Addictions.
“I believe that this resource centre provides the best of both worlds – access to the most up-to-date web sites and virtual support and a vibrant, safe, welcoming space for people to connect.”
Silent killer
Kelty suffered from depression, which cast a cloud over his life that proved to be unmanageable. Kelty’s friends, family, doctors and psychologists were never able to access, understand or manage his depression, also known as the “silent killer.”
The Kelty family established the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation not long after Kelty died to provide mental health resources to young people.
Second tragedy strikes family
Tragedy hit the Dennehy family again in 2009 when they lost their daughter Riley. When Kelty took his life, Riley not only lost her brother she lost her best friend. In a family when a member suffers with depression, the whole family is affected and suffers along with them. Riley developed an eating disorder and faced challenges with alcohol. Riley went on to graduate from the Vancouver Film School, but at 23, she had finally found peace and solace in yoga. While traveling in Thailand to further her yoga studies, Riley died of a heart attack from strong medication prescribed to manage the pain for a separated shoulder.
Even more determined to help others after the loss of their two children, Kelty and Riley, Ginny and Kerry along with the Foundation’s board of directors, and a strong team of supporters and donors continue along this long journey of changing how the world see depression and fund much needed projects and programs across the country. Read more about their story and many mental health projects at thekeltyfoundation.org.
Place of connection, community
“I am very grateful to Ginny and Kerry Dennehy and the Kelty Dennehy Foundation for their generous financial gift that made the construction of the Resource Centre possible,” says Elizabeth. “I also want to thank the Canadian Mental Health Association for their partnership with VCH – in taking on the development and operation of the Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre. Especially, I thank CMHA for sharing my vision and passion for creating a place for connection, community and support.”
Heather Andrew and Roslyn Nahanee of the Squamish Nation bless the Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre.
Squamish Nation member Roslyn Nahanee, Elizabeth Stanger (back), CMHA Executive Director Sandra Severs (North & West Vancouver Branch), Kerry Dennehy, CMHA peer navigator Bita Ardakani, Ginny Dennehy and Dr. Allan Burgmann at the Kelty Dennehy Mental Health Resource Centre’s official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 6, 2016.