Here’s what users of Walk the Talk have to say

At the time of launching this website seven organisations across Canada had used the Walk the Talk toolkit, and three more were joining the Early Adopter Program. Organisations varied widely in terms of size, funding, services offered and populations served. Whether you’re a small community-based organisation, or large public mental health service, you can Walk the Talk!

Early Adopter Program (2021-2022)

The goal of the program was to bolster the adoption of the online toolkit. Early Adopter organisations appointed an internal facilitator to use the toolkit. The facilitator was coached by the Walk the Talk creators.

Facilitator who worked with a non-profit organisation providing housing, support and employment services to people living with a mental illness.

“I appreciated the work and support of the research team [toolkit creators] – it was particularly helpful to have session outlines to guide our meetings and a team of mentors to check in with should we have questions and or a need for support.”

Implementation Team member (caregiver) at a large public mental health institute providing supported housing services

“As a caregiver to a family member with schizophrenia, I felt privileged to be able to contribute as an Implementation Team member. The process can give a family caregiver a clearer understanding of the recovery model, as well as a voice in deciding how a service can be implemented.”

Facilitator who worked with a rural public health network offering mental health services.

“I facilitated the 12 meetings for an Implementation Team in a regional mental health centre. I appreciated that the material was clear and easy to follow!”

Implementation Team member (service provider), at a charitable organisation providing supported housing in a large urban centre.

“I really enjoyed the implementation process as I really felt my voice was heard, as were the voices of everyone at the table. I really felt ownership over the process.”

Implementation Team member (service user), of a faith-based community organisation providing housing support.

“This process of implementation gave me more insight into my own mental health!”

Facilitator working with a not-for-profit organisation providing supported housing to people with mental health needs.

“As a facilitator I appreciated the democratic and collaborative structure of the process. All team members’ contributions were equally valued, regardless of their role or position in the organisation.”

Implementation Team member (service provider) at a community-based supported housing organisation.

“Working with the implementation team was another open opportunity to discuss, learn, table and plan for our daily effort to make the lives of our clients better, or less stressful.”

Implementation Team member (service provider) at a non-profit mental health organisation.

“I came to appreciate the importance of taking thoughtful and focused time with all stakeholders to implement a project, as this allows for far more success in integrating the project into the organisation.”

Facilitator working with a publicly funded mental health service providing supported housing.

“The whole process was stimulating both professionally and personally. The confidence and cohesion that was developed within the Implementation Team over the course of the meetings, as well as having diverse points of view, contributed in a big way to reaching consensus on what innovation to put in place. It also fostered the involvement and cooperation of all members during implementation.”