Lets emphasize abilities, not limitations and help empower people to make real changes in their lives!
We strive to inspire change, eliminate shame, discrimination and stigma surrounding youth with mental health problems. We take the responsability and the opportunity to improve health and happiness by developing public awareness and work in partnership with profesional health care and social service providers and other community organiztions to promote mental illness.
The CHAS is a nonprofit organization established in Sherbrooke, Quebec since 1998. Our program provides transitional housing services for young people of 15 to 30 years of age, living with a mental health profile. Our main mission is to help customers gain a better understanding of their illness, achieve their optimal level of social and occupational functioning and develop skills giving access to a healthy and normalizing lifestyle. Each youth receives a supportive, rehabilitaion service designed to meet their individual goals and to help them regain power over their lives. More than 840 young men and women have benefited from this program and have reintegrated the community.
1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental health issue in their lifetime.
Schizophrenia is youth’s greatest disabler as it strikes the 16 to 30 year age group, affecting one person in 100.
Suicide is among the leading causes of death in 15-24 year old Canadians
Stigma and discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community.
75% were experiencing their first-episode of psychosis
90% had co-occurring mental health, anxiety and addiction disorders
85% had an absence of life project at entrance
60% had a weak social support network
90% have maintained themselves in the community after departure
