On January 11, 2019, HopeNet and the County of Santa Barbara co-sponsored the first collaborative community breakfast meeting at the Carpinteria Women’s Club on the topics of mental health and suicide prevention. Key community members were invited to explore what is being done in our community to address mental health well-being and collaborate to create a community that supports the mental well-being of its residents. This was an opportunity for community-based organizations, businesses and their leaders to share their practices, concerns and resources with other organizations and the County of Santa Barbara. Local experts spoke on various mental health topics, followed by group discussions.
Two additional follow-up meetings have been held to date on April 5, 2019 and July 12, 2019. At the second community meeting on April 5th sponsored by HopeNet of Carpinteria, Alejandro Vasquez from Hospice of Santa Barbara spoke. Participants then divided themselves into five interest areas and worked together to identify tasks and were asked to report back to their groups.
At the third collaborative community meeting, following breakfast, participants joined groups and gave updates regarding tasks accomplished. Another meeting is being planned for late October in order to continue to work towards constructive solutions to identified needs. Check websites for updates.
On Friday, July 12, 2019 HopeNet of Carpinteria organized their third Community Meeting. Here are a few photos from that event. Toni Wellen is making a presentation on gun violence and suicide prevention.
On April 5th, we had a great turnout from the community!
Annmarie Cameron from Mental Wellness helped facilitate the meeting.
