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"I experienced stigma in the church I was involved in when I was developing schizophrenia. People started to tell me I was possessed by demons and spirits."

"I gathered these three wonderful human beings together who I have worked with over the years because they had a really diverse background; each had a specialty. Tony loves to write, Rick has sat on all kinds of boards with me, Melinda is a talented editor, very exacting.

"We've applied for years for programs outside employment. (This time) we got it and you would not believe the things we've been able to do. Our board is so thrilled," largely because funding for the mentally ill is traditionally so scant.

All three have been diagnosed with some form of mental illness and, as a result, they know first hand what it feels like to be stigmatized and shunned by society.

A similar sense of optimism drives Legere, Cadarette and Merrill in their efforts to inspire faith, hope and courage through their publishing project.

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The three hope their new publication Balenciaga Clutch Red

The second issue of "A Mental Health Perspective" a project in association with the Kings branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Bottega Veneta The Knot Clutch

In February's edition, for example, an article written by Nathan Young, a former area resident who now lives in Halifax, details his experiences with schizophrenia, from the point where the illness took away his spirit, ambition and drive to do even the simplest things in life to the more hopeful person he is today. At one point he writes, "I have returned to school, found meaningful employment and can see clearly, through relapse or remission, that there is hope for myself in becoming someone in society."

Merrill says the newsletter gives the mentally ill a chance to speak out on their own behalf and learn about options for recovery.

"We like to see more people getting reliable information on mental illness than is presented by the media. The stories very much distort the realities," says Merrill.

In an interview last week, Legere, 46, recalls his first bitter taste of public prejudice.

"It was interesting. Basically, we're trying to get people within the mental health community to get encouragement and support from our articles and stories."

Receiving the funding was the catalyst for this innovative project, says Ferdinand.

"Unless you have a mental illness or know someone," it's likely you have no clue about the realities.

Michelle Ferdinand, CMHA Kings County program manager, says after receiving funding for the project from Eastern Kings Memorial Health Foundation, she approached the three with confidence, not only because she was confident of their writing skills, but because of their experience and outlook.

will be ready by March 5.

After many hard times, Legere has learned to put a long held passion for writing to good use. The next edition of "A Mental Health Perspective" carries articles he wrote on a local depression/anxiety self help group and on Seasonal Affected Disorder, or SAD. He also developed the newsletter's mission statement and, several years ago, The Regional Magazine published an article he wrote on his illness.

will shed light on the topic, partly through the personal stories of people with mental illness, which will Bottega Veneta Red Hobo Bag

The first issue of a new monthly newsletter created for and by members of the local mental health community is hot off the Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Medium Woven Clutch Bag Light Blue presses and available to the public.

be included in each issue.

The newsletter also carries current information about services and supports available to mental health consumers and their families.

Mental illness won't stop news staff

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