Carmen Ledding is a Rosetown mother of five who is passionate about mental health. Ledding is the Rosetown branch coordinator for the Canadian Mental Health Association. Located on the second floor of the Rosetown Civic Centre, Ledding was instrumental in opening up this branch that will cover all of the west central area.

‘The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), founded in 1918, is one of the oldest voluntary organizations in Canada. Each year, we provide services and supports to more than 1.3 million Canadians through the combined efforts of more than 11,000 volunteers and staff across Canada in over 330 communities.’

Through the association, Ledding works collaboratively with different agencies to provide supports, advocacy, education and awareness regarding mental health. Ledding explained that as well as working with schools in the community, CMHA offers services to people of all ages.

“We are trying to offer a number of different support groups for people. An area that I recently identified as needing supports was for care givers of the elderly and vulnerable,” shared Ledding. She adds, “Support groups are just one piece of what we offer.”

On June 19th, 2019, the Rosetown CMHA branches parent support group received a presentation from Alison Bokitch. Bokitch is with Saskatchewan health authority child and youth services.

Ledding explained that the focus of the presentation was, ‘when parents with children who might be struggling with their mental health should seek help.’ Bokitch not only talked about when and where to seek help, she also wanted to let parents know that they are not alone.

Ledding explained, “She outlined things to watch for such as: irritability, changes in sleep and eating patterns, and performance in school and activities.” Ledding goes on to say, “Sometimes a parents sixth sense takes over. Sometimes you just know that what’s going on is more than just a growth spurt or a phase.”

Ledding offers words of advice, “Seek help, whether for yourself or for your child. Start the conversation. There are services out there and you are not alone.”