Welcome to MINDS 2.0, where we’re diving deep into sensemaking to revolutionize mental health and addiction care. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to understanding and improving the experiences of individuals facing complex and severe mental health challenges, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and co-morbid substance use disorders. We believe that traditional approaches to care often overlook the valuable insights of people with lived experience (PWLE), which is why we’re putting them at the forefront of our sensemaking activities.

But what exactly is Sensemaking? It’s about exploring and making sense of the current state of the mental health and addiction care system. We’re not just looking at numbers or statistics; we’re delving into service provision, treatment modalities, pathways to care, and most importantly, the lived experiences of individuals navigating these systems. Our approach takes a whole systems perspective, recognizing the expertise and unique perspectives of PWLE, their support systems, mental health professionals, social service providers, educators, community members, and more.

One of the key components of our sensemaking process is Systems Mapping. This involves visually analyzing and representing complex systems to understand their interrelated components, identify leverage points for change, and create a dynamic overview of the entire system. By mapping out these systems, we can better understand where individuals enter the system, their journey within it, and crucially, where gaps and opportunities for improvement exist.

To gather insights and feedback, we’re conducting Reflective Surveys and Interviews and Zine Workshops with a diverse range of stakeholders. These engagements encourage participants to reflect on what’s working well, where gaps exist, and how we can leverage opportunities for meaningful change. Additionally, we’re providing alternative engagement formats, including storytelling sessions, poetry, performances, and visual arts, to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

As we gather and distill these insights, our goal is to identify key leverage points for innovation and change within the system. This information will inform the development of targeted interventions through our Mindful Social Innovation (MSI) Training and Collective System Innovation (CSI) streams. Our sensemaking report will serve as a living document, continually updated to reflect the evolving needs of individuals and the system itself.

Sensemaking isn’t just a process; it’s a journey toward creating an ecosystem of social innovation that empowers individuals, drives meaningful change, and ultimately transforms the landscape of mental health care. Join us on this journey as we work together to make a lasting impact on the well-being of our communities and beyond.

Our Six Themes Moving Forward

Download the Sensemaking Event Handout | June 10, 2024: Click here!

Download the Sensemaking Theme Areas: Click here!

Want to get involved in sensemaking? Click here!