Mission and Values

Statement Of Mission

Durham Mental Health Services assists vulnerable adults in Durham Region with emotional/mental health problems so that they might attain the best possible personal growth and live independently in the community. First priority is to serve people with serious mental health problems.

To achieve this purpose, Durham Mental Health Services will undertake the following objectives:

1. To provide a range of supportive housing in the community for the seriously mentally ill.
2. To provide emergency accommodation and immediate help to individuals with severe mental health or emotional problems who are in crisis.
3. To work in partnership with clients to provide community outreach and support.
4. To advocate for clients, their families and other natural supports.
5. To assist clients and their families in accessing community resources.
6. To work in partnership with other community agencies to ensure service co-ordination, identify gaps in service and promote the development of needed services.
7. To be pro-active in helping the community to understand and support vulnerable persons with emotional/mental health problems.
8. To regularly evaluate the effectiveness of services in collaboration with clients, other service providers and funding agencies.

Organizational Values

Durham Mental Health Services believes:

• That everyone is entitled to be treated with worth, dignity and as having a right to self-actualization, with full access to opportunity within their capability.
• That clients should take an active role in decisions that affect their lives.
• That we should work in partnership with clients, their families/natural supports and the community.
• That we must recognize the uniqueness of individuals and tailor services to their individual needs in the least intrusive manner.
• That services should be sensitive to gender, culture, race and the special needs of vulnerable people.
• That clients are entitled to a quality of life that includes: decent, safe housing, meaningful work, adequate income, natural supports and a valued role in the community.
• That clients are entitled to a range of services that are accessible, co-ordinated and equitable.
• That hope is essential.