Interior Savings and CMHA Kelowna Creating a Mentally Healthy Community One Member at a Time

Interior Savings and the Canadian Mental Health Association, Kelowna (CMHA Kelowna) have partnered to provide mental wellness education and training to Interior Savings’ employees and members.

“We know that even positive changes in someone’s life, such as retirement, marriage, purchasing a home, or having a baby, can all contribute to stress, financially and otherwise, for individuals and families if they do not have support,” says Kathy Conway, CEO of Interior Savings. “We want to be able to ease the financial stress for our members through the services and advice we offer, but also help connect them to other community resources such as CMHA Kelowna.”

The partnership includes workshops for Interior Savings employees on responding respectfully to members who may be struggling with their mental health or grief and loss, as well as self-care and stress management. Information about low- or no-barrier mental health services will be available at each branch.

Additionally, Interior Savings Business Members will receive a 25% discount on CMHA Kelowna workplace Lunch and Learn presentations as an incentive to foster mentally healthy workplaces. “Interior Savings wants to challenge our local businesses to join in the conversation about mental health in the workplace. A one hour presentation is a great introduction to the topic.” Adds Malcom Dunn, Regional Manager of Interior Savings Commercial Services.

“Partnering with Interior Savings is a natural fit. Their staff have the opportunity to build relationships with their members, through highs and lows, which puts them in a strong position to foster a mentally healthy community,” says Aaryn Secker, Workplace Training and Community Education Facilitator with CMHA Kelowna. “Together, we can increase awareness of the importance of taking care of our mental health and continue to reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness.”

Staff training has already begun and will continue into spring. A free community education event will be announced for Fall 2018. Follow Interior Savings’ Local Matters blog for more information.