Although the University of Toronto (U of T) and Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) researchers and practitioners co-exist in close proximity, there are few opportunities for them to interact. To build meaningful bridges between the two communities, Myra Lefkowitz, the Manager of the University’s Health and Well-being Programs and Services and Carolyn Dewa, Program Head of CAMH’s Work and Well-being Research and Evaluation Program, initiated a Convergence Seminar Series. The purpose of the seminars is to provide an opportunity for the two communities to meet and to learn about improving their working environments and the types of resources available. Recognizing the fact that knowledge exchange only can be achieved through dialogue and discussion, each 90-minute session is designed to include equal parts, didactic and interactive components. The location of the seminars alternate between the University of Toronto and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.
In the 2008/09 academic year, six seminars were held that featured innovative topics and speakers from the U of T and CAMH communities. Although many topics were covered, each and every seminar shared a central theme – Mental Health and the Workplace.
“Excellent series with a range of relevant topics. Thank-you for the opportunity to attend!"
Feedback from participants consistently reported that their expectations for the seminars were met, the speakers were clear and open to questions. Participants also indicated that what they learned in the seminars could be applied in their workplaces. They also disclosed that the seminars provided them with ideas of how to address mental illness in their own workplaces, encouraged them to work on communication with employees, and alerted them to the types of programs and supports available for individuals experiencing mental illness. The most notable finding from the seminar evaluations was how much participants valued having presenters who are experts in their respective fields.
2010 Convergence Seminars
2009 Convergence Semianrs
2008 Convergence Seminars
2010 Convergence Seminars
January 22, 2010
2009 Convergence Seminars
2008 Convergence Seminars
July 10th, 2008