Dear Friend:

I hope you’ll accept this invitation to submit a proposal to speak at this year’s National Conference on Mental Health – Thriving in 2010 and Beyond. It’s being held in London, Ontario, from October 22-24, 2010, and hosted by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

We’re interested in receiving proposals from individuals to give personal-story presentations; be keynote speakers; and participate in the conference. The call for papers is now underway. We’re excited about drawing a diverse and enthusiastic group of presenters who can share their stories and expertise about creating a mental health care system that helps people thrive – this will give individuals hope whether they’re giving or receiving care.

I’m reaching out to people like yourself who:

• Have personal experience as a family member and have helped your loved one thrive despite a mental illness; or
• Have personal experience with the mental health care system and despite its shortcomings, have taken action to achieve your own recovery; or
• Have implemented changes in the care and treatment of people with a mental illness that have helped them thrive and created a positive work environment for your staff.

More information about the conference, and the call for presenters, can be found at http://www.thrivingin2010.com/.

A Selection Committee will determine the final list of presenters. I hope you’ll consider making a submission. The National Conference on Mental Health has already secured partnerships with and participation by the:

• National Network for Mental Health
• Canadian Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health

I encourage you to send in a speaking proposal because I believe you could reach a lot of people with your very important message.

Thank you,

Canadian Mental Health Association, London/Middlesex