On February 7th and 8th, 2025, Goodwill became the epi-centre of change as MINDS London-Middlesex hosted its groundbreaking Co-Creation Event. The focus? Addressing one of our community’s most pressing challenges: the critical lack of resources and support for substance use and addiction in London-Middlesex.

This wasn’t just another conference with presentations and passive listening. It was a catalyst for change, bringing together a diverse group of voices – individuals with lived experience, healthcare providers, community leaders, and concerned citizens – all united in their commitment to revolutionizing addiction support in our community.

Understanding the Challenge: A Deep Dive

Through primary research, direct feedback from London’s youth, and collaborative group activities, we uncovered several critical issues affecting our current addiction support system:

• Pandemic’s Lasting Impact: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly worsened substance use challenges, particularly among young people. Isolation, job losses, and disrupted routines created a perfect storm that continues to affect our community.
• Access Barriers: Despite rising addiction rates, access to care remains a significant challenge. Many participants shared stories of long waiting lists, complex referral processes, and the overwhelming task of navigating multiple systems to get help.
• System Fragmentation: Mental health and addiction services often operate in silos, with addiction care frequently treated as a lower priority. This disconnection creates gaps where people can fall through the cracks, particularly during crucial transition periods.
• Stigma’s Heavy Burden: The event highlighted how stigma continues to be a major barrier to seeking help. Many individuals with addiction internalize this stigma, affecting their self-worth and willingness to reach out for support.

From Understanding to Action: Innovation in Practice

The heart of the event beat strongest during the collaborative working sessions. Groups used innovative techniques to explore solutions, including reverse brainstorming and mind mapping. Some of the most promising ideas included:

• Accounta-buddies: A social group based on introducing accountability between people struggling with substance use and addiction.
• Animation Series: A series of short films on addiction-related topics for teens, aimed at awareness, education, and resource sharing.
• Comprehensive Accessibility in London Map (CALM): A map and database of London addiction, mental health, and housing resources with filters to meet specific needs.
• Safety Net (Hammock): A public education campaign targeting individuals in early addiction stages to promote service access and peer support.
• Talk to Me Like I’m Five: A series of small books aimed at reducing addiction stigma by rehumanizing addiction in a simple, approachable way.
• You Are Not Alone (YANA)/Addictions and Healing Class: High school presentations aimed at raising awareness about drug and alcohol addiction for students.

Expert Insights: A Comprehensive View

The event featured an impressive lineup of expert presentations, each bringing unique insights to the conversation:

• Bio-Psycho-Social Approach: Dr. Tara Bruno, Associate Professor of Sociology at King’s University College, explored how biological, psychological, and social factors intersect in addiction, emphasizing the need for comprehensive treatment approaches that consider the whole person.
• Alcohol Addiction: Sarah Montes, an Internal Family Systems therapist specializing in addiction/recovery counselling, provided valuable insights into alcohol dependency treatment, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive approaches and family-centered interventions.
• Gambling and Digital Addictions: Keely Murdock, Youth Outreach Worker for the YMCA’s Gambling Awareness Program, shed light on the growing challenges of gambling, gaming, and social media addictions, particularly among young people in our community.
• Cannabis Addiction: Dr. Laura Rosen, Assistant Professor of Psychology at King’s University College, presented research-backed insights into cannabis use disorders and effective intervention strategies.
• Addiction Medicine: Sarah Wolff, Addiction Counsellor at CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services, shared practical perspectives on medical approaches to addiction treatment and recovery support.
• Smoking Cessation: Dr. Jesus Chavarria, director of the RoAD Lab and Assistant Professor in Psychology at Western, presented evidence-based approaches to treating nicotine addiction and supporting long-term cessation.
• Prescription Drug Addiction: Natalia Kowalczyk, Registered Social Worker at Phillips & Associates Psychotherapy, addressed the complex challenges of prescription drug dependency and strategies for prevention and treatment.
• Holistic Treatment Planning: Julia Garcia-Weiss, Addiction Counsellor at CMHA Thames Valley, provided valuable insights into comprehensive addiction counselling and treatment planning, emphasizing the importance of individualized care approaches.

Innovation Through Mindfulness: A Unique Approach

What truly set this event apart was its integration of mindfulness practices throughout the two days. These weren’t mere breaks but strategic tools for enhancing creativity and maintaining focus:

• Guided Breathing: Structured exercises helped participants stay grounded and present, particularly during challenging discussions.
• Creative Expression: Mindful colouring activities, featuring artwork by local artists, offered moments of reflection and processing.
• Movement and Awareness: Simple chair yoga and stretching exercises kept energy levels high while maintaining mindful awareness.
• Reflective Practices: Journaling prompts encouraged deeper engagement with the topics discussed.
  
  

Looking Ahead

The event concluded with clear pathways for turning innovative ideas into reality:

1. Prototype Development: From February 24th to June 9th, teams will meet biweekly to develop their solutions, supported by MINDS through resources, mentorship, and regular check-ins.
2. Community Building: Monthly socials at Innovation Works will maintain momentum and foster ongoing collaboration. These gatherings, held the first Friday of each month, will provide opportunities for networking, idea sharing, and community support.
3. Pitch Event: The journey culminates on June 12th, when teams will present their refined solutions for potential funding and implementation support.

Be Part of the Change

This event wasn’t an endpoint but a beginning. MINDS London-Middlesex invites you to be part of this vital work:

• Join a Prototype Team: Bring your skills and perspective to one of our working groups. Join our Discord to learn more: discord.gg/YfkRCMKQtW
• Attend Monthly Socials: Connect with others passionate about improving addiction support.
• Join Our Online Community: Engage with us on Discord for ongoing collaboration.
• Share Your Story: Help us continue mapping the landscape of addiction care.

Together, we’re not just finding our way – we’re creating new paths for everyone. The journey to transform addiction support in London-Middlesex has begun. Will you join us in creating positive change?