TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 115 - A Voice at Every Age

TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 115 - A Voice at Every Age

June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month, so in this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci explores the often-overlooked realities of elder abuse, senior safety, and the importance of protecting the rights and dignity of older adults. Julia is joined by Amy Friesen founder of Tea & Toast, best-selling author, educator, speaker, and one of Canada's leading experts in helping seniors and families navigate the complexities of eldercare and senior living. Together they examine issues such as isolation, loss of autonomy, caregiver burnout, family conflict, vulnerable life transitions, and the challenges seniors can face when major decisions are made on their behalf. This conversation focuses on awareness, prevention, and empowering seniors and families with the knowledge needed to recognize warning signs, navigate difficult transitions, and ensure older adults remain active participants in decisions about their future.

TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 114 - When Stress Becomes Crisis

Mental health struggles and unmanaged stress can quietly build over time, sometimes escalating into crisis before the warning signs are recognized. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci concludes this mini mental health series for May by exploring mental wellness as a form of prevention through practical conversations focused on awareness, coping, and early intervention. Julia speaks with registered psychotherapist Joanna Meister about grounding techniques, stress management, and healthy coping strategies, while therapist Ashley Bagg discusses recognizing warning signs in yourself or others, when a mental health struggle may be becoming a crisis, and how bystanders can safely respond. This episode focuses on practical tools, awareness, and the importance of supporting mental health before situations escalate.

TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 113 - The Battles We Don't See

Mental health struggles and addiction can affect anyone, even those working in careers built around protecting others. In this episode of TIPS, host Julia Vellucci chats with Leo Petrilli for the second time on this podcast. They share a deeply personal and honest conversation about addiction, recovery, mental health, and life in law enforcement.After spending 36 years in law enforcement while privately battling addiction for over four decades, Leo shares how he tried to hide behind what he calls “booze and a badge.” Since becoming substance-free in 2011, he has dedicated his life to helping others through addiction recovery, peer support, and advocacy. Together, Julia and Leo discuss his journey and internal battles, the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction, the emotional toll high-pressure careers can have on individuals, and why open conversations and support systems are so important. This episode focuses on awareness, recovery, resilience and the importance of reaching out before struggles escalate into crisis.

TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 112 - The Grey Area: Mental Health, & Justice

Mental health and the justice system often intersect in complicated and deeply human ways but where is the line between getting help and being criminalized?This episode of TIPS explores just that as host Julia Vellucci continues the growing conversation around mental health, public safety, and the criminal justice system in this mental health mini series for May. Julia is joined by criminal defence lawyers Cassandra Richards and Tonya Kent, who bring first-hand insight from years of representing youth and adults facing a wide range of criminal charges across Canada. Drawing from their experiences inside courtrooms and within communities, they discuss access to justice, the impact criminal charges can have on individuals and families, and whether some people are being criminalized when what they may truly need is intervention, treatment, or support. This episode focuses on awareness, prevention, and the importance of understanding the realities that exist at the intersection of mental health and the legal system.

TIPS by Peel Crime Stoppers - Epi 111 -  Prevention Starts with Awareness: Mental Health Matters

This episode of TIPS is the first in a five-part mental health series for the month of May. As we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, we focus on awareness, early support, and the power of connection. At Crime Stoppers, recognizing when something isn’t right and taking action is at the core of what we do, and that same approach applies to mental health. By understanding the signs and supporting one another early, we can help prevent situations from escalating and build safer, stronger communities.Host Julia Vellucci speaks with Tajman Grewal, director of clinical services at the Canadian Mental Health Association Peel Dufferin, about the role social connection plays in mental well-being and how community-based supports can help prevent challenges from escalating. In the second half of the episode, Diana Martin, senior director of clinical integration and partnerships at Kids Help Phone, shares insight into youth mental health, the importance of accessible support, and how reaching out early can make a difference. This episode highlights the connection between awareness and prevention because recognizing the signs and supporting one another can help build safer, healthier communities.