Advocacy
Social change, politics and advocacy have always been a personal interest for Callum Ross, CMHA – Calgary’s Advocacy
Coordinator. After graduating with a degree in sociology and politics, Ross worked with a crisis response centre in the
United Kingdom. He moved to Canada in 2011 before joining CMHA in May 2012.
“I really like social action, I have always been drawn to advocacy, and
I just know how much better life can
be for people,” Callum says. “I’m really passionate about poverty reduction
and mental illness can be a big part of
poverty.”
Callum says he supports people in the
mental health community who have no
other connection to the mental health
world. Advocacy is the only mental
health community program that has no
requirements or forms to fill out to access.
20 C a n a d i a n M e n t a l H e a l t h A s s o c i a t i o n – C a l g a r y R e g i o n
“Sometimes people need a voice, and
that’s what advocacy does – we help
give people a voice,” Callum explains.
“We also try to reduce their worry of
trying to manoeuvre the mental health
system.”