Sharing Together: Identifying priorities for knowledge mobilization in mental health and addictions
Who we are
Sharing Together is an initiative that identifies knowledge-sharing gaps and strategic priorities, led by the Knowledge Mobilization (KMb) portfolio, in partnership with the Equity and Engagement team at CAMH’s Provincial System Support Program (PSSP). We lead the collective action needed to connect, bridge and integrate the diverse bodies of knowledge required to support high-quality, sustainable and compassionate systems. We work with researchers, community groups, service providers, clinicians, people with lived experience, caregivers and the Ontario government to identify knowledge needs and evidence gaps. We then work to bridge these gaps through diverse and innovative knowledge mobilization strategies.
What we are doing: Project overview
Sharing Together informs and enriches knowledge mobilization work across the mental health and addictions landscape through three objectives:
- Identifying knowledge gaps and capacity-building priorities among providers and mental health and addictions organizations across Ontario.
- Exploring critical gaps in both research uptake and research availability across the mental health and addictions landscape.
- Cultivating the relationships and boundary-crossing connections needed to increase the positive impact of knowledge mobilization.
Why we are doing it
This initiative develops a strategic agenda that articulates knowledge mobilization priorities. The agenda, aligned with CAMH's strategic plan, builds capacity for equitable, compassionate care and meaningful policy responses. These priorities support the transformation of the mental health and addictions system in the service of diverse individuals, families and communities across Ontario and beyond.
Our guiding values
- Equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression: We will foreground the needs and priorities of populations who experience systemic marginalization and oppression.
- Valuing of diverse ways of knowing: We move beyond traditional paradigms that privilege scientific knowledge, recognizing knowledge is produced in multiple ways including through practice and lived experience.
- Transdisciplinarity and multi-professionalism: We draw on diverse disciplines and professional practices to harness relevant expertise both within and beyond the health sciences.
How we did it
Using a multi-phase approach, we collected data on knowledge mobilization priorities across a range of topics. We invited input from diverse interest groups:
- community agencies
- policy makers
- clinicians
- health system leaders
- scientists
- CAMH researchers
- people with lived experience
- caregivers
- service users.
These groups provided information on issues that align with their experiences and expertise. Following the sharing of this information, we synthesized responses and consulted knowledge mobilization literature and policy priorities in order to set strategic recommendations.
An information sheet is available here.
For more information and to get involved, contact kmb@camh.ca.