Royal City resident Justin Ball hopes residents who are involved with mental health services in the city will make their thoughts known about existing or needed services.
Ball is chair of the New West Mental Health Advisory Committee, which provides Fraser Health with feedback on existing and proposed mental health services.
The group, which meets monthly, is inviting community members to attend a community forum on Thursday, April 19 from 6: 30 to 8: 30 p.m. at the New Westminster Public Library.
"We are looking for consumers and family members to come out," Ball said. "It's going to be a really wide range of people - informative on many different levels."
The community forum includes speakers from the New West Mental Health Advisory Committee who will talk about issues such as employment support, housing and local service providers. Refreshments will be provided.
While some residents are already connected to existing mental health services in New Westminster, Ball said the committee wants to reach out to people who may not be aware of services that are available in the community or who may have thoughts about services that should be offered in the future.
"There are people out in the community who are not involved at the local epicentre, the mental health building," he said.
During the community forum, attendees will break up into small groups to discuss local mental health services. The forum includes a 30-minute coffee break during which time people can chat one-on-one with the various speakers taking part in the event.
More information about the forum and the committee is available at info@nwmh advisory.com.
HISTORY OF HOSPITAL
The history of Royal Columbian Hospital will be highlighted in the upcoming New Westminster Historical Society evening.
The free presentation is taking place on Wednesday, April 18 at 7: 30 p.m. in the New Westminster Public Library's auditorium. Founded in 1862 at the corner of Agnes and Fourth (then Clement) streets, Royal Columbian Hospital is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
"This presentation will cover the colourful beginnings of the hospital through anecdotes and archival materials from its first decades.
"A number of photos will show the early hospital and its growth over the years," said a press release about the event. "This is an important 150-year anniversary story of this prominent institution."
A followup presentation that's taking place in the fall will feature a wide range of photos of the hospital through its many years of service. In addition, two cemetery tours will take place in the summer that relate to this topic.
If you're keen to get even more information about Royal Columbian Hospital, a blog about the hospital's story can be found online at www.RCH150.word press.com.
Everyone is welcome to attend the presentation, and pre-registration isn't required.
YOUTH AWARDS COMING
The City of New Westminster is encouraging residents to nominate worthy youth for its annual Youth Awards.
Each year, the city recognizes youth who have made a positive contribution to the community. Nominations for this year's awards are due April 20.
People can nominate youth in one - or more - of the six Youth Award categories: Adult Ally Award; Youth Group Award; Youth Arts Award; Youth Athletics Award; Youth Volunteer Award; and Youth Leadership Award.
All youth nominees must be New Westminster residents.
Award details and nomination submissions can be found at www.newwest youth.ca.
CITY SWAP MEET FOR KIDS' GEAR
The New Westminster Early Childhood Development Committee's parent advisory group is inviting residents to get some deals or get rid of excess items at an upcoming swap meet.
The committee is hosting a Kids Swap Meet on Sunday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Centennial Community Centre, 65 East Sixth Ave. People are invited to buy, sell or exchange clothes, toys, books and other items for children.
For further information or to book a table, call Pat Davison at 604-525-9144, extension 3665, or email pdavison.@fsgv.ca.
Have an item for Around Town? Send it to Record reporter Theresa McManus at tmcmanus@royalcityrecord. com.
