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Editor's Message
Visions In this journal, we hope to create a place where the many perspectives on mental health issues can be heard. The Canadian Mental Health Association is grateful to the Ministry of Health, who has assisted in underwriting the production of this journal. The Canadian Mental Health Association invites readers’ comments and concerns regarding the articles and opinions in this journal. Please send your letter, including your name, address and phone number to: The opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Canadian Mental Health Association, BC Division or its Branch offices. Editorial Board 
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ARA researching the experiences of mental health consumers/survivors living in poverty Cindy-Lee Robinson In October 1997, ARA - Mental Health Action Research and Advocacy of Greater Vancouver - began research to interview and collect information on the issues facing mental health consumers/survivors who are living in poverty. We are also interested in documenting improvements in the quality of life for people who are currently receiving more benefits than they did previously or have better housing than before. The purpose of this research is not to count numbers (i.e. not to count how many mental health consumers/survivors are living on how many dollars per month) but rather, to gather a written record of the experiences of the interviewees. Recurrent themes quickly emerged as common experiences for mental health consumers/survivors who are living on very limited incomes. In particular, people spoke of the huge improvement in their quality of life after being accepted into the category of Disability Benefits II, for which they get "extra" money each month to the maximum rate allowed. Three of the people interviewed shared with the Researcher that they stole money and other items to provide for their basic needs when they were receiving the minimum welfare assistance. More than one man said that he committed crimes just to get into jail, where he knew he would be assured of three meals a day and a roof over his head. These are obviously basic needs that everyone in Canada should be able to receive, but this man could not secure these needs for himself on the amount of money allowed him on welfare. He said that life is so much better now that he is receiving the maximum amount of welfare for a person with a Level II Disability. He points out that he never would have had to commit those crimes if he had received that welfare assistance then. The cost to society (police expenses, court costs, increased insurance fees, an erosion of a sense of security for the people who owned the property he stole) and most of all, the cost to this man's dignity, was hugely out of proportion to the "extra" amount of assistance he could, and should have received then - $311 a month. Many mental health consumers/survivors have reported that they were also living in poverty as children in their families of origin. They have related that the families were under so much stress from money worries that there was little energy left to attend to the children's emotional needs. The research, currently being compiled, will also document which supports, besides financial assistance, makes a positive difference in the lives of mental health consumers/survivors who are living on very limited incomes. Cindy-Lee Robinson is primary researcher with ARA - Mental Health Action Research and Advocacy of Greater Vancouver. Her report is scheduled to be completed by March 1, 1999. For copies, call Cindy-Lee at 689-7938.
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