A new regional Consumer & Family Coordinator role has been created at VCH to better support and facilitate consumer and family involvement within Tertiary Mental Health Services programs.
Although similar roles exist, this is a first within Tertiary mental Health and is devoted to working with both consumers and families.
Sharon Marmion, Consumer & Family Coordinator, Tertiary Mental Health
Sharon Marmion began in this role in August of 2012 and is available as a resource for VCH providers working with clients and families within tertiary mental health.
“It’s part of our philosophy to work with consumers and families to ensure their voices are heard at as many decision points as possible, whether it concerns policies and procedures or future impact on loved ones,” says Sharon.
“This is a shift in culture so that our practices are reflective of our People First philosophy and unique and different for every client. When we can collaborate we build people’s sense of autonomy and personal sense of power,” she adds.
To do this successfully, Sharon will work to build a structure to support consultation and engagement with consumers and family members in key areas such as:
- planning and decision-making
- consumer-driven treatment plans
- policy development
- program planning
- educational opportunities
Sharon will also advocate on behalf of consumers and families as part of care planning meeting and will work to ensure that clinical staff develop these plans in ways that are reflective of client and family perspectives and goals.
To learn more about the role, contact Sharon Marmion at (604) 313-1918.
About Tertiary Mental Health
The tertiary programs provide specialized assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services for individuals with complex mental health needs. The goal of the programs is to help adults and older adults with complex, serious mental illness regain optimal functioning and improve quality of life. The program model is person-centered and strength-based and aims to support individuals in achieving quality of life by offering a range of evidence-based clinical services.
View or print a list of all the Tertiary Mental Health programs.
Sarah
This position sounds like an excellent move in the right direction.
Erin
Way to go Sharon! Congratulations on the job. And Congratulations to VCH for the realization and awareness that this position is very much needed.