Insights from personal experience, shared with managers and stakeholders

On October 15, 2026, Droits et Recours Santé Mentale Gaspésie–Les Îles will bring together people directly affected by mental health care, managers, practitioners, and community organizations at the Riôtel in Carleton-sur-Mer.

This regional day of reflection and consultation, titled “Toward a Care Pathway That Works for You, ” is based on a strong conviction: people who have gone through a care pathway possess essential expertise in understanding what works, what creates barriers, and what needs to be changed.

Reflecting with the people involved

All too often, services and practices are analyzed without allowing those directly affected to participate fully in the discussion. This event offers a different approach: bringing together experiential, professional, and organizational knowledge around the same table.

The individuals most directly affected will be invited to share—to the extent they wish—what has helped them, what has hindered them, what they have felt was lacking, and what they would like to see changed. Their experiences will be discussed alongside those of their loved ones, service providers, managers, and community partners.

The discussions will cover various stages of the mental health care pathway, including:

• the request for assistance and the initial points of contact;
• access to services and wait times;
• crisis situations and the use of emergency measures;
• hospitalization, informed consent, and respect for rights;
• discharge from the hospital and return to the community;
• continuity of support;
• community resources and alternative solutions.

The event will provide an opportunity to identify common observations, as well as concrete ways to make these journeys more humane, accessible, and respectful of dignity and rights.

Your experience is knowledge

Do you have personal experience with mental health care—whether recent or from the past? Your perspective can contribute to this discussion.

You don’t need any special training, to represent an organization, or to be comfortable speaking in front of a large group. Everyone is free to choose what they want to share. It’s also possible to participate in the discussions without sharing your personal story.

Family members, professionals in the field, community organizations, managers, and network partners are also invited. The value of the day will lie in the respectful exchange of these different perspectives.

“Why? Because people are not just beings of need or victims; they are beings of participation and action.”
– Lorraine Guay

Concrete measures to facilitate participation

We know that simply wanting to participate isn’t always enough. Distance, travel, lodging, or anxiety about attending a group meeting can pose significant obstacles. Several measures have therefore been put in place.

An afternoon orientation session will be offered to those most directly involved. It will provide an overview of the day’s schedule and structure, answer questions, and help each person determine how they would like to contribute.

A limited travel fund will also provide support to a few directly affected individuals from outside Baie-des-Chaleurs.Accommodations at the Riôtel in Carleton-sur-Mer are planned for some of these individuals.

Any needs regarding transportation, lodging, assistance, accessibility, or hospitality can be indicated on the registration form. A member of our team will then contact the individuals concerned to discuss their needs and confirm the support available.

Remote participation is also possible.

Practical Information

Date: Thursday, October 15, 2026
Location: Riôtel in Carleton-sur-Mer
Participation: in person or remotely
Cost: free admission and dinner
Happy Hour: 5 to 7 p.m.
Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Fill out the registration form

This initiative is made possible thanks to financial support from the Bonaventure RCM, the Avignon RCM, and Innergex.

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