The Big Picture

The Big Picture graphic is interactive, with 5 rings representing the who, where, how, what, and when of CMHAs. You will find the full range of programs and services represented by 8 interactive hexagons. Here’s how it works: 

1. The inner most circle of the graphic is People and Families, who CMHAs are dedicated to serving. All the activities and services of CMHAs are oriented around people’s needs.  
2. The second ring radiating out from the centre is In communities. All CMHA’s services are provided in and for communities – the places we live, learn, work and play. 
3. The third ring is The Heart of CMHA. Our heart is how we deliver services. Services may vary from one CMHA to another, but the how, the heart of CMHA is constant. 
4. The fourth ring contains 8 hexagons that represent the full spectrum of services and programs offered by CMHA. You will not find all of these services at every CMHA. Each hexagon is a doorway into a lot of detail – you might want to really dive in here. Hover over the hexagons for a snapshot and then click to learn more about each. 
5. The outermost ring of The Big Picture is Advocating for Change.   Everything in The Big Picture radiates out to this last ring which represents when CMHAs have broader impact. 
6. The boxes to the right explain the impact CMHAs have: “CMHA helps save and change lives” and our aspiration: “All people in Canada will receive the care they need. 

Hover over each element of The Big Picture graphic for an introduction and click on it for more details. The circle has 5 concentric rings that are best explored from the centre outward. The 8 interactive hexagons show the range of services and programs that CMHAs provide. 

The Centre Ring: Who CMHAs serve 

People and families are at the centre of our work. That’s who CMHA is dedicated to serving. CMHAs only exist to serve people in Canada. Everything CMHA does is centered on the person. All the activities and services of CMHAs are oriented around their needs. 

The second ring: Where CMHAs serve 

The second ring radiating out from the centre is In communities. All CMHA services are provided in and for communities, both the places we live and the groups we belong to. 

The third ring: How CMHAs serve 

The third ring is The Heart of CMHA, or its distinctive way. Every CMHA provides a unique range of programs and services to meet the needs of its own community. And yet, walk into any CMHA anywhere in Canada and you’ll feel The Heart of CMHA. 

The 8 hexagons: What CMHAs do 

CMHAs deliver mental health services and supports or provide in collaboration with other organizations. The 8 hexagons represent CMHA’s offerings. Hover over the hexagons for a snapshot of each service category and click on them to get more detailed information. 

You’ll notice that each hexagon is connected to the ones next to it by a double-sided arrow. This represents how a person can move between service categories as their needs change. This flexible approach ensures that people get the right support at the right time, based on their own mental and substance use health needs. 

People can always explore other service categories to discover what else is there for them. So, for instance, someone who’s looking for more information about mental health may seek out Mental health education and promotion offerings such as workshops or Recovery College. Another person may experience extreme distress and find CMHA through Crisis services. Whether they enter through Education or through Crisis Services, they may discover that they’d like more intensive supports. They might then look into System navigation so they can learn what else is available to them based on their needs. Or a person may go directly to their local CMHA to access a service, such as walk-in counselling or a peer support group. 

People can also access services in more than one service category at one time. For instance, a person who has Individualized supports may also use Peer support and be participating in education programs, all at the same time. 

The outer ring: Advocating for Change 

The outer most ring of The Big Picture is Advocating for Change. Everything in The Big Picture radiates out to this last ring which represents when CMHAs have broader impact. 

The boxes to the right: CMHA Impact 

The boxes to the right explain the impact CMHAs have: “CMHA helps save and change lives” and our aspiration: “All people in Canada will receive the care they need. 

CMHA is a federation of charities that share the goal of building a Canada where everyone has access to the mental health and substance use health care they need and deserve, where and when they need it. 

Local CMHA offices operate in hundreds of communities across Canada. They offer programs and services to support your mental health and substance use health needs. There are also CMHAs working at provincial, territorial and National levels on behalf of the mental health and substance use health needs of people across Canada. Together, we advocate for change, reshape perceptions, and create the resources, systems and conditions for accessible care for all.