WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jan 20, 2015) - For the very first time, Bell "Let's Talk" is coming to Waterloo Region, presented by Life Recovery Program and Ray of Hope. The free event which requires registration will be held at the CIGI Campus, 67 Erb Street West on January 28, 2015 from 7-9pm (doors open at 6pm with Hors d'oeuvres provided by Morning Glory Café).
This event was the brainchild of Paul Radkowski, classical pianist, psychotherapist and CEO of the online addiction/mental health resource Life Recovery Program, https://liferecoveryprogram.com/. Orlando Da Silva, President of the Ontario Bar Association, and former resident of the Waterloo region, will MC this unique event which is close to his heart given his own life changing history of mental health issues that he most recently shared in the news.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness about the impact of stigma, mental health and addiction issues and to provide information about some of the resources available in the Waterloo Region. In a recent study, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health reported that there is an increasing number of adults who have rated their own mental health as poor in the last five years, particularly young adults.
What makes the Waterloo Region "Let's Talk" event especially unique is Radkowski's idea to feature the "Musical Journey of Hope" as the focus for this free community event. Paul began his career as a classical pianist before becoming a psychotherapist. This performance highlights the careers of famous composers and shares how each of these creative individuals at some point in their lives struggled with their lived experience with mental health and addiction issues.
Radkowski plays a work by each composer to provide a "living context" of their life expressed through music. "By the end of the presentation most individuals feel not just a sense of validation for what's going on for them or their loved one, but empowerment and inspiration through the realization that they are not the only one who has struggles and can still do great things." Radkowski stated that "it's about helping people leave with the feeling that they can transcend their circumstances, as so many people do."
Along with a team of committed community members which includes Life Recovery Program CEO, Paul Radkowski and Ray of Hope CEO, Harry Whyte. Regional health service providers: Carizon, Canadian Mental Health Association, Dalton Associates, Lutherwood, Parents for Children's Mental Health, Waterloo Regional Homes for Mental Health, St. Mary's Counselling and House of Friendship are showing their support by participating in this event at information tables.
For more information and registration please go to: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/bell-lets-talk-a-musical-journey-of-hope-tickets-14908368331
