The Mental Health Rights Coalition of Hamilton (MHRC) is a consumer/survivor initiative—a peer-run organization where members, staff, and volunteers have lived experience of mental health and/or addiction. We exist to strengthen the voice, participation, and rights of people who use mental health services, while providing welcoming, community-based supports that reduce isolation and stigma and improve access to help.
Who We Are
MHRC is built on the belief that lived experience is expertise. As a peer-led community, we offer support that is grounded in mutual respect, dignity, choice, and self-determination, creating space for people to connect, participate, and be heard—both in their personal lives and in the systems that affect them. Our work includes drop-in social supports, peer support, education and training, and system-level advocacy, shaped by what members identify as most important.
What We Do
MHRC provides community-based supports for adults (18+) with lived experience, including a consumer-run drop-in and resource centre and peer support available in person and over the phone. We also contribute to education and peer support training, and engage in advocacy and planning efforts that elevate consumer/survivor perspectives within the mental health system.
Our History
MHRC was formed in 1991 by consumers who were deeply concerned about the lack of adequate community supports and services for people leaving institutions as systems shifted toward community care. In 1994, MHRC representatives were already speaking publicly as a group of consumer-survivors advocating on behalf of people affected by psychiatric hospitalization and related policies. MHRC was then incorporated as a non-charitable, not-for-profit organization in 1995, strengthening its ability to sustain peer-led supports and rights-based advocacy in Hamilton.
Over the years, MHRC has continued to develop as a peer-run hub for community support and systemic change—offering a drop-in space, peer support services, and training, while working to reduce stigma, reduce isolation, increase accessibility, support integration, and promote participation.
Staying Connected: The Rights Stuff
MHRC also publishes The Rights Stuff, a newsletter created to keep members and community partners informed about MHRC activities and events, with periodic content on rights, advocacy issues, and broader topics affecting people who use mental health services.