The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) has launched the SPARK (Supporting the Promotion of Activated Research and Knowledge) Training Institute with the goal of improving knowledge exchange capacity in the field of mental health, substance use and addictions.
Thirty-six applicants will be selected to participate in a fully-funded nine-month knowledge exchange (KE) training opportunity. Successful applicants will receive:
- Two days of on-site training by KE international experts who will develop the skills of participants and help them develop and take away a KE plan
- Ongoing mentoring to support participants in delivering a KE event at their home organization
- A digital learning event as a six month follow up to overcome KE challenges encountered by participants
- The benefit of an online community of practice
Applications are now open to people working in the field of mental health, substance use or addictions in multiple sectors such as health, justice and education. SPARK is committed to diversity, thus it encourages applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as members of a visible minority group, family caregivers and those with lived experience of a mental illness. SPARK will endeavour to balance participation from the research, practice and policy fields.
Application and eligibility criteria can be found at www.mentalhealthcommission.ca. Please note that the application deadline is midnight February 24, 2012.
For information regarding the SPARK Training Institute, contact Nicholas Watters at MHCC at (613) 683-3749 or email at nwatters@mentalhealthcommission.ca.