Collaboration. Advocacy. Systemic change.
A collective voice for mental health and addiction service users
What is the Empowerment Council?
The Empowerment Council (EC) acts as a voice for the collective community of mental health and addiction service users primarily in the Toronto area and at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).
The EC is a non-profit organization independent of CAMH and responsible to its members and board. Our history as an organisation is founded on the work, activism and scholarship of people who have firsthand experience of mental health, and addiction system(s). The EC brings service users together to engage and mobilize knowledge to advocate for rights and systemic change. Through education, consultation and advocacy work, we aim to empower clients and make services and policies more equitable, respectful and accountable.
Led by Mental Health & Addiction Service-Users
EC’s activities build on a rich history of advocacy, education and social justice driven by service users locally and internationally. Our work is shaped by people’s experiences and input. Our members direct our work through an elected board of 10 members.
Members participate by providing feedback through polls, surveys, focus groups and various other methods. Their lived experiences are an invaluable resource directing our goals.
What is Systemic Advocacy?
Systemic advocacy is about changing policies, practices, laws or rules that impact how someone experiences mental health and addictions systems.
Changing the Justice System
Changing CAMH Policies & Practices & the broader system
Amplifying Service Users’ Voices
Does the Empowerment Council do individual advocacy?
The EC serves the community collectively through education and systemic advocacy. We welcome hearing what your issues are to inform our advocacy efforts. For resolution of those individual issues check out our resource page on Individual Advocacy.
Know your Rights
Protecting and promoting the dignity and worth of all of the people who use mental health and addiction services is a priority for the Empowerment Council, at CAMH and beyond.