“We are often the first point of contact for people in need of mental health and addiction support. Once a first contact has been made, people are able to access a whole continuum of care within one agency.” — Pam Tobin, CEO, CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services
When Pam Tobin first joined the Canadian Mental Health Association Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services (CMHA TVAMHS), she took part in a review of every program the organization offered, including one that offered footcare. She questioned if, as a mental health and addictions agency, that is something they should provide since there are other groups in the community that offer it as well.
In discussions with leadership, she soon realized that footcare was often the first point of contact with CMHA TVAMHS.
"That really resonated with me," Pam says. "When we see someone through our low-barrier services such as footcare, we can then wrap our supports around that individual to help them live well. That speaks volumes to the continuum of care we provide."
Every Corner of the Region
"We've integrated four agencies into one and are now the largest CMHA branch in Ontario," Pam explains. The branch has more than 600 employees serving all the communities in the counties of Middlesex, Elgin, and Oxford as well as the municipalities of London, St. Thomas, Woodstock, Strathroy, Exeter and South Huron.
There are more than 200 programs that span the continuum of care, from harm reduction through to treatment, recovery and supportive housing. A dedicated team of social workers, nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, and peer support workers work side by side to serve the community.
"The need is growing astronomically in our region, and people are presenting with complex issues," she says. “Being able to wrap multiple services around one person, in a space that is safe and not stigmatized matters more and more every year.”
A Career Built on Access
Pam's career has focused on improving access to health care. It was her work with the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians on mental health and addiction service provision that first drew her to this field. She joined CMHA TVAMHS "to work with the team to navigate through the integration of four agencies and establish the new organization as the leader in community-based mental health and addiction services."
Two Ways into Pillar
CMHA London Middlesex, one of the four agencies that integrated, was a long-standing member of Pillar Nonprofit Network (Pillar) and CMHA Thames Valley continues to support Pillar.
Pam joined Pillar’s Board of Directors in 2023, and served as the chair of Pillar's board from 2025 - 2026. Among the work that stands out most to her is Pillar's commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and to Indigenous rights and title.
"That's a heavy lift to take on for any organization that’s not familiar with that work," she says. "Pillar's done a very good job at advancing the calls to action." She adds that Pillar’s fireside chats with Indigenous leaders, focused on urban partnerships, have complemented CMHA TVAMHS's own community partnerships.
Other highlights of Pillar’s work have been their fireside chats on Supportive Housing, building awareness that it isn't just about affordable housing or about people working in isolation. For her, the message is clear: "It's not one organization that's going to solve the challenge of homelessness. It's everybody working together."
CMHA TVAMHS branch sits within provincial and national CMHA networks. Collaboration with Pillar supports the work locally by keeping them informed of municipal priorities and changes. Pillar is out front as "a very strong voice and advocate" for nonprofits.
Pam also credits Pillar CEO Maureen Cassidy with the organization's strength. "Maureen entered Pillar at a time of upheaval and she stabilized the organization, stabilized the team, and stabilized the board," she says. "It's now a strong organization because of Maureen's leadership."
Every Door Is a Way In
Looking ahead, Pam hopes for continued partnership with Pillar including making sure new CMHA TVAMHS staff and leaders know Pillar is there as a resource. "I would recommend that all organizations in the London area become members of Pillar," she says. For grassroots groups looking for space, she points to Innovation Works, where simply being in the building means "you're connecting with other like-minded individuals."
It's the same belief behind CMHA TVAMHS's footcare program: every door is a way in. The goal is to meet people where they are and walk with them from there.
To learn more about the work of CMHA Thames Valley Addiction and Mental Health Services in the community, visit https://cmhatv.ca.