CHARITY PROFILE
Mental Health Connections Virtually Assisting Clients Focus On Wellness During The Pandemic The coronavirus (COVID-19) has taken its toll on many residents and families throughout Windsor-Essex. Social distancing requirements, store closures, job losses, and school closures are some of the pandemicrelated consequences that can increase anxiety. For people living with a mental illness, the added stress and concern about the pandemic has been a top priority for Mental Health Connections (MHC). Due to safety concerns for both clients and staff, MHC had to close its doors and transition from in-person to online programming. “We are pleased to have stayed connected with our clients through virtual programming and daily wellness calls, which have served to guide clients through these difficult times,” says Jean Laforge, Executive Director. “While we miss the activity and laughter at MHC, we are equally impressed by our client involvement in, and response to, our online classes.” Erin Pardy, a Social Worker and certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Recovery Practitioner, leads online group sessions on anxiety and self-esteem. She notes that people who are vulnerable to increased levels of anxiety and depression during the pandemic are participating more and more frequently.
Erin Pardy, a Social Worker and certified Psychosocial Rehabilitation Recovery Practitioner.
Jacqui Janzen, Art and Writing Instructor.
“COVID-19 has ironically provided an opportunity to bring people together in new ways, which is important since we do not know when things will return to normal,” states Pardy. “While routines have been disrupted, there have also been unexpected benefits, such as letting down barriers and becoming more familiar with technology. Some clients are even getting together online between classes for increased social time.” MHC’s physical fitness and nutrition classes are taught by Steve Collins. He also regularly checks in with clients by phone, and reports continuous positive feedback from clients who only miss online classes when they have an essential appointment outside the home. “About half of those ages 16 to 76 in my online classes, had not participated previously. They have never worked out before, but expressed they felt safe trying an online class,” says Collins, Fitness and Nutrition Instructor with canfitpro certification as a personal trainer. “It is important to keep up with fitness and nutrition since exercising and eating healthy can positively affect mental wellness.” MHC provides integrated psychosocial rehabilitation services (recovery strategies) to approximately 1,000 clients who are living in Windsor-Essex and experiencing mental health issues, as well as to family members.
Additional day and evening online classes for Windsor and Leamington clients are offered by certified instructors, including: Recovery Strategies (Depression and Coping Skills); Mindfulness (Self Care and Meditation); Zumba Gold; Zumba Gold Seated; Zumba La Blast Dance (Solo Ballroom Dancing); Yoga; Games and Socializing; and a Leamington Group. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to offer online classes in creative writing and visual art (drawing, painting and sketching),” expresses Jacqui Janzen, Art and Writing Instructor and retired high school teacher. “I am pleased to see both men and women in my classes. The appreciation they show through positive feedback, and their excitement about being able to try new things, is inspirational.”
Steve Collins teaches physical fitness and nutrition classes.
MHC, established in April 2004, is today utilizing online programming to maximize each person’s growth and potential in a support community that cares and understands. Through careful planning over the years, strategic partnerships and support of other community agencies, MHC has positioned itself as a necessary and integral service in Windsor and Essex County. For more information, or to become a client, email: info@mentalhealthconnections.ca or call (519) 256-4854 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A monthly calendar of online classes can be found on the MHC website: mentalhealthconnections.ca.
519-256-4854 • www.mentalhealthconnections.ca BIZ X M A G A Z IN E • M A R C H 2 0 2 1
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