We believe that scholars have a duty to disseminate knowledge produced through their research beyond the academic community. This is especially the case in mental health, as academics can help destigmatize mental illness and communicate the reality of recovery to the general public. For this reason, we engage in various public outreach activities.

We created and maintain the popular YouTube channel Recovery-mental-health which broadcasts various videos on mental illness. We have also produced a DVD on the subject of recovery, which includes the voices of researchers, family members and people with lived experience of mental illness. This DVD can be used for educational as well as personal reasons and is available from Rob Whitley on request.

We also hold events designed for the general public in order to educate people about mental illness. This includes a CIHR-funded Café Scientifique on “Media and Mental Illness” in 2012 in Montreal.