Advocating on behalf of people affected by schizophrenia has always been an important park of SSO’s work. For 30 years, we have been promoting changes to public policy which can improve the lives of people living with serious mental illness and their families. For more information on some of these initiatives, please see “Past Policy Issues” and “SSO Policy Papers”.

For the years 2008-2010, our advocacy focus is improving access to treatment. This includes psychiatric treatment, community-based mental health services and social supports. In 2008, we travelled across the province to hear from people directly affected by serious mental illness to learn more about the barriers to accessing treatment and solutions which could improve the system. In 2009, we will be taking what we have learned and into our public policy advocacy work. For more information on this campaign, click on “Access to Treatment Campaign”. The findings from our Community Forums can also be found on this page.

The advocacy work that SSO does would not be possible without support in communities from people like you. Each and every person has the power to change the system for the better, and we see it as part of our job to help you do this. We are currently in the process of bringing together a coalition of people who are interested in advocating for improved access to treatment, along with some other key issues. SSO is now fully equipped to reach out to you electronically to keep you informed about advocacy issues, educate and empower you to become a more effective advocate, and take action in a quick and simple way. To join our coalition, click here. To learn more or become involved with some of our online advocacy campaigns, click “Take Action Now”. Information about any advocacy training opportunities can also be found here.

For more information about SSO’s policy and advocacy work, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (416) 449-6830.