The Drumheller Starland Rural Mental Health Network is presenting keynote speaker Tom Watson to share his story of overcoming adversity.
Watson will be presenting “Who You Are Makes a Difference” on Wednesday, January 25, at the Cretaceous Conference Centre.
Diana Rowe, chair of the Drumheller Starland Rural Mental Health Network says he is a dynamic speaker who brings a strong message.
“We have never had him at Drumheller before, but I heard him speak a couple of years ago,” said Rowe. “We are really excited to bring him in. He has a great message about the choices we make in our lives. And choices plus our actions lead to our life, and how important it is to recognize the choices we make are so important.”
Watson brings a powerful life story of being abandoned as a baby and living through 13 foster homes before being adopted at age 5. He could not change the challenges he had been dealt, but he could change how he handled them. Through that adversity and using the support network of his foster family, siblings and community, he is now living his best legacy.
“He credits the people in his life who helped shape his life and change direction,” said Rowe.
The Drumheller Starland Rural Mental Health Network has a goal of strengthening the community’s capacity for better mental health in their area through collaboration and training. It is funded through the Canadian Mental Health Association and has trained facilitators in the Drumhller and Starland County areas.
“About five years ago, when we started, I felt strongly we needed to have trained people to work with and have discussions with the community around mental health and emotional distress people experience in their lives. And that can happen at any age,” she said.
Rowe says Watson will be the first of two speakers they are planning to bring to the community. His presentation is on January 25 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
There is no charge for the event. Reserve a seat by calling Rowe at 403-821-3954 or e-mailing diana.rowe89@gmail.com.
