World Mental Health Day - Oct 10, 2015

Liquid Amber Tattoo is proud to announce that we will be donating 100% of all tattoo profits to Canadian Mental Health Association- BC Division on Saturday October 10th, 2015 to contribute to an important cause and raise awareness for World Mental Health Day . 

We would like to extend this invitation to everyone interested in celebrating their story through tattoos, which to many represent bringing to light stories of hope, recovery, tragedy and persistence that illustrate the effects of mental illness. 

Why?

Did you know that mental illness is a leading cause of disability in Canada? According to a survey conducted in 2008, just 50% of Canadians would tell friends or co-workers that they have a family member with a mental illness, compared to 72% who would discuss a diagnosis of cancer and 68% who would talk about a family member having diabetes. It’s important to recognize that in 2008, 42% of Canadians were unsure whether they would socialize with a friend who has a mental illness.

Thankfully, things have changed for the better. According to a survey conducted earlier this year, 57% of Canadians believe that the stigma associated with mental illness has been reduced compared to 5 years ago, 81% are more aware of mental health issues compared to 5 years ago, 70% believe attitudes about mental health issues have changed for the better compared to 5 years ago. Though we’ve seen an increase of awareness, there’s still a long ways to go.

Stigma or discrimination attached to mental illnesses presents a serious barrier, not only to diagnosis and treatment but also to acceptance in the community. We wanted to outline Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW, October 5th-11th). In our community many of us have been directly affected by this illness, whether it be ourselves or close friends and family members. There’s nothing easy about mental illness and this broad term can carry many definitions. We believe that simply opening up this conversation to our readers and followers promotes knowledge and takes away from the mystery of mental health. page1image20744 page1image20904 page1image21064

As we are a studio creating permanent art, Liquid Amber is constantly connecting with individuals who want to share and empower themselves through telling a story with tattoo, so to this we want to give back.

Unsure of how you would like to take action & get inspired? Check out the following...

Project Semicolon 
"A semicolon represents a sentence the author could have ended, but chose not to. That author is you and the sentence is your life.” Although tattoos were not originally a part of this project, they have helped make this movement well known internationally across social media.

Get Involved with Canadian Mental Health Association:
Visit this page for information on how you can donate, volunteer & become a member. http://www.cmha.ca/get-involved/#.VhS-JLyMDVo (3 branches near Vancouver!)


“Promote acceptance and actively challenge social stereotypes. Through powerful words and actions, we will shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditions and encourage acceptance and understanding.” Visit the following link to sign the pledge. http://www.nami.org/stigmafree

Need to talk? Check out Agora Cares, and options through Canadian Mental Health Assosiation in British Columbia

Sources :

www.cmha.ca
www.camh.ca
www.projectsemicolon.org

 

Bikers for Burns Ride 2015

If any of you motorcycle riders in the lower mainland are looking to support a good cause and go on a nice ride, check out the Bikers for Burns event held on Aug 29. All proceeds raised go to the BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund. You also just might win a gift certificate for tattoo time! Check out their event for more details. 

 

Welcome back, Milo!

Remember when Milo was here for a guest spot in November and December? Well, he liked it so much here that he is moving to Vancouver and going to be a resident LAT artist! Milo fit in so well with the LAT crew, we are thrilled to have him back. Feb 14 is his first day back in the shop. Happy Valentines Day to us!