Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Action Plan

Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Advisory Group - Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the purpose of the Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery (MWAR) Advisory Group?

The purpose of the MWAR Advisory Group is to capture the voices and input from individuals with lived/living experience of mental health and addictions to influence the future direction of services, supports, policies, and more. The Advisory Group will provide knowledge and strategic advice to the Department that is rooted in their unique experiences. This is a commitment under the Mental Wellness and Addictions Recovery Action Plan (2019/20 – 2020/21).

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Who is in the MWAR Advisory Group?

The Advisory Group will be made up of one (1) group lead and have a maximum of eight (8) regular members all with lived/living experience. This includes:

  • Individuals who have lived/living experience with a mental health concern as well as experience with mental health services;
  • Individuals who have lived/living experience with substance use as well as experience with substance use services; and
  • Individuals who have lived/living experience supporting an individual (family/friend) experiencing mental health concerns and/or substance use.
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How are people selected to be members of the MWAR Advisory Group?

Those selected will meet the below criteria and the group as a whole will reflect the diversity and gender balance in composition:

  • KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
    • Interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team;
    • Strong listening and communication skills;
    • Knowledge of and experience with mental health and addictions challenges concerns (personally or as a caregiver/carer); and
    • Well-developed analytical and decision-making skills exercising objectivity and sound judgment.
  • REQUIREMENTS
    • Lived/Living experience with mental wellness and addictions recovery:
    • Individuals who have lived/living experience with a mental health concern as well as experience with mental health services; and/or
    • Individuals who have lived/living experience with substance use as well as experience with substance use services; and/or
    • Individuals who have lived/living experience supporting an individual (family/friend) experiencing challenges with mental health and/or substance use.
    • Flexibility and a willingness to travel for annual meetings/training opportunities; and
    • Ability to meet with MWAR Advisory Group via telephone, webinar, or other as needed.
  • ASSETS
    • Professional training or relevant experience in mental wellness and addictions recovery or related areas;
    • Knowledge of communities and mental wellness and addictions recovery services and supports within the NWT;
    • Prior group decision-making and board or committee experience
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Do MWAR Advisory Group members get paid? If yes, how much?

Individuals who serve on the MWAR Advisory Group will be gifted with monetary honoraria in accordance with established GNWT rates for their time.

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How often does the MWAR Advisory Group meet?

The Advisory Group will meet every 2-3 months over the 1 year (with an option to renew), for approximately 2 hours at a time. Meetings will be held in person and/or via teleconference or videoconference.

One additional face-to-face meeting will occur annually for training opportunities and to connect as a team. The Department of Health and Social Services will arrange and reimburse related travel and accommodation expenses for members attending the annual meeting.

 

 

 

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