New BC Mental Health & Addiction Treatment Centre to be Named Homewood Ravensview

Name and Logo Chosen to Reflect Local Indigenous History

VICTORIA, March 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Homewood Health is proud to introduce its newest inpatient treatment centre – Homewood Ravensview, located on the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.  

Homewood Ravensview is a world-class centre for those seeking immediate treatment for mental health, addiction and concurrent conditions. Medically-led, evidence-based programs at Ravensview are provided by an expert team of medical and clinical professionals including psychiatrists, addiction medicine physicians, psychologists, nurses and specialized therapists.

The name Ravensview is inspired by the history of the land on which the centre is located. Homewood Ravensview sits atop a mountain known as ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ or 'place of refuge' and is very significant in the history and culture of Saanich area First Nations.

For thousands of years, local elders have passed down the story of the Great Flood in the region and the ancestors who survived it. During the flood, thought to have occurred over 10,000 years ago, ȽÁU,WELṈEW̱ was where the ancestors tied their boats to an arbutus tree atop the mountain. After many days, a raven brought a symbol of hope - a twig - to the stranded people, showing that the flood had ended. When the survivors came down from the mountain, they were named WSÁNEĆ or the emerging people.

"We were inspired by this story and the symbolic importance of the mountain" said Jagoda Pike, President and CEO of Homewood Health.  "The name Homewood Ravensview draws on the history of the mountain as a place of refuge," continues Pike. "And we are committed to honoring this location and the community with our mission to help and bring hope to people in need."

Homewood worked with well-known local artist Chris Paul of the Tsartlip Nation, who designed the illustration seen in the logo (above). Moved by the story of the mountain and the spectacular natural surroundings of Homewood Ravensview, Paul says the design of the logo became obvious. The resulting illustration ties directly back to the story of the great flood – featuring rising water, the mountain, and the raven.  Please visit homewoodhealth.com/ravensview for more information.

Invitation to Journalists
To celebrate the countdown to opening day at the new Ravensview treatment centre, Homewood Health is co-sponsoring a three-day conference on women's wellness together with the Pauquachin First Nation and the First Nations Health Authority on March 27-29, 2018.

Titled Tsitsulh Suse' (Rise Up!), the conference will be a gathering of Indigenous women from across Vancouver Island that celebrates the hopes, dreams, strengths and triumphs of women.  Participants in this conference will gain a better understanding of wellness education and its prominent role in creating strong and healthy communities.

Journalists are invited to attend the conference:
The event will take place at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney, BC with sessions focusing on four areas: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellness. Homewood Health has the honor of presenting four sessions focused on mental health and wellness on Wednesday, March 28^th:

• The Science of Happiness
• Change How You Think Through Responsible Optimism
• The Wonders of Mindfulness
• The Healing Power of Creativity

The complete three day conference program can be found at: http://pauquachin.com/ and media are welcome to join.

Homewood is excited to be partnering with the local First Nation communities and has also signed a unique Collaboration Agreement which commits to ongoing collaboration and exploring ways for Homewood and the partnering Nations to work together.

About Homewood Ravensview
Homewood Ravensview is a world-class centre for those seeking immediate treatment for mental health, addiction and concurrent conditions. The centre is located on 28-acres of secluded, forested hillside on the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island and focuses on creating an individual experience that helps each client achieve their unique treatment and recovery goals. Clients will experience a comfortable and safe environment featuring spectacular and serene ocean views from spacious private and semi-private bedrooms, exclusive suites and welcoming common areas.

Homewood Ravensview is part of Homewood Health, Canada's only health care organization that offers immediate access to a national network of private, medically-based services for depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and co-occurring disorders. Homewood Ravensview is scheduled to open by the end of 2018 with 75 beds and will employ over 80 full-time staff.

Please visit homewoodhealth.com/ravensview for more information.

SOURCE Homewood Health

Media Contact: Cherie Payne, BA, LL.B, Director of Communications, 778.386.4347 or [email protected]