5 minute read
A PLACE TO BE YOURSELF
Isabela Zabava
A PLACE TO BE YOURSELF: Matt’s Story
Matt enjoys some time outside with other members of the Coast Mental Health Clubhouse
Photos: Amy Romer
For many people living with mental illness, the way they first connect with mental health services is walking in the door of Coast Mental Health’s drop-in Clubhouse.
“I found out about Coast’s Clubhouse through my case worker,” remembers Matt. “Right away, I loved it.”
Located in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, the Clubhouse offers hot meals, laundry facilities, social opportunities, and crucially—a chance to talk to an outreach worker. That’s the first step in connecting vulnerable residents of downtown Vancouver to Coast Mental Health’s housing, support services, education, and employment programming. Matt’s positive attitude and openness to trying new things led him to take all kinds of classes at the Clubhouse, and to discover new strengths.
for my next shift. But it was good, too, because I got to know everybody in the Clubhouse.”
Coast’s employment programming helps young people like Matt build work experience at the Clubhouse, and apply to work in the community through the supportive Transitional Employment Program. Step by step, the programs reduce barriers to employment while helping clients build new skills and eventually offering them
the dignity of a job.
The Coast Clubhouse creates a sense of community through group sessions including music and singalongs.
Today, Matt helps make his neighbourhood a better place to be, as part of Coast On-Site Solutions, a street-cleaning team trusted by over 20 local individuals and businesses. He’s able to do this work confidently now, without fearing he’ll lose his job. “I came into this street cleaning after not working for 2 years. I couldn’t fully explain to the last people I worked with that I had a mental illness or that something was wrong; they didn’t accept it. And it was really scary. One beneficial thing that I learned is that here, you can always talk to your staff member or talk to your boss about what’s going on, which really makes it a huge weight off my shoulders. It makes everything easier.”
And all that time at the Clubhouse in between work shifts gave Matt a chance to try new programs. “I did Zumba, TED talks, and info sessions where we talk about the news. I even took a career literacy course there; it was a good achievement to take and put on my résumé.”
So when Coast Mental Health started a new education program called Healthy Living, aimed at reducing the risk of diabetes, Matt gave it a try, too. The class ended up motivating him to quit smoking.
“At first I sat in there and because I was smoking, I didn’t really agree with everything; I was kind of fighting it. But after 2 or 3 sessions, this stuff really set in. It got me thinking . . . Jeez, I should really quit smoking because I just learned all this new stuff about good health. And the group always got me into a positive mood. You know that it’s all about health, so it puts you in the right thinking for the day or even the week! It’s definitely beneficial to your health.”
“On Thanksgiving,” Matt remembers, “my mom said one thing she’s thankful for is Coast’s Clubhouse. I said, “Me, too.”
Today, Matt is feeling confident in his ability to build a bright future for himself with the support of the Clubhouse community. “It’s safe, it’s positive, there’s no judgment, which is really big for me—I feel like I can go there and I can be myself. You can be yourself; you know you’re in a safe place and you know they have the best intentions for you. I’m learning a whole bunch of new skills, and there’s a way to grow from it and maybe move on to other employment.”
Coast Mental Health is BC’s largest community-based mental health services provider, with over 50 facilities across the Lower Mainland. Every day since 1972, with compassion and courage, the organization has helped people like Matt recover from mental illness. We know that people living with mental health challenges can thrive in our communities if they are given the right resources: housing, support services, employment, and education opportunities.
Together with the people we serve, we work side-by-side to set goals and decide on the right services and programs to help each person on their own unique path. Our approach is people-focused and community-based.
This work is only possible thanks to the incredible generosity of donors. As demand for services continues to grow, we encourage supporters to consider taking the step of including Coast Mental Health foundation in their Will. That will help ensure that no matter what the landscape of mental health is like in 20 years, 30 years, and beyond, Coast will be here to respond, improve, and save lives. s Isabela Zabava is Executive Director at Coast Mental Health Foundation.
Recovery from mental illness is possible. You can help.
When your clients take the step of including Coast Mental Health Foundation in their Will, they help ensure that no matter what the landscape of mental health is like in 20 years, 30 years, and beyond, Coast will be here to respond, improve, and save lives, just as we have since 1972.
Your legacy will ensure people like Matt can recover from mental illness.
Coast Mental Health Foundation Registration Number: 86150 8018 RR0001
