CAST Canada helps professionals and corporations better understand addictions, mental health and trauma through the coordination of workshops, trainings and keynote speaking throughout Ontario and across Canada.  CAST is an acronym – it stands for Come And Sit Together.

New Workshops!

CAST Canada Trauma & Addiction Panel – Barrie, February 19th, 2010

Women’s Trauma & Addiction Consumer Panel – Honouring International Women’s Day -Kitchener,  March 8th, 2010

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Regehr and CAST Canada Consumers meet with Ontario Attorney General

November 25th, Toronto

Cris Bentley, Ontario’s Attorney General invited Tom Regehr to bring in a few CAST Canada volunteers – all people with trauma, addictions and mental issues themselves – for a consultation around their personal experience.  Some people from the Schizophrenia Society attended as well. Minister Bentley is interested in improving the experience and outcomes of people with addictions, mental health and trauma issues when they interact with the criminal justice system.

A few themes dominated the advice from the volunteers.  One theme was how the role of trauma, loss and unresolved grief plays a huge role in the lives of those struggling with these issues.

Tom Regehr,
“The Minister seemed to really get the idea that trauma and loss are constant factors whereas the drinking and drugging is a way to cope, not a core issue.”

Says Sean Winger, a consumer volunteer with CAST Canada, “I think it was really positive”

The volunteers from the Schizophrenia society brought valuable experience about moving from police custody to a hospital in a crisis situation as well as difficulties in waiting for court.

Also in the room was Kurt Flanigan, who Bentley called “The man charged with making change”

Vani Jain of the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario,
“We sincerely appreciate the work that Minister Bentley is doing to learn more about these issues from the people who deal with them firsthand.  As a participant I feel like my voice is really being heard”.

Tom Regehr,
“Minister Bentley and his staff did an excellent job of listening. They showed a sincere wish to understand and real concern for our suffering.”

Tom Regehr and Chris Bentley

Back Row:
Maura Jette,  Ministry of the Attorney General
Chris Bentley,   Attorney General
Curt Flanigan,  Ministry of the Attorney General
Tom Regehr ,  Founder/President CAST Canada ( and consumer )
Sean Winger,  CAST Canada consumer volunteer
Murray Jupe,   CAST Canada volunteer
Vani Jain, the Schizophrenia Society of Ontario.

Front Row:
Tim McConnel,  CAST Canada consumer volunteer
Laura Maxwell,  CAST Canada consumer volunteer
Tracey Ferguson,  CAST Canada consumer volunetter
Sheila,  family member
and Alexander, consumer