Logan
Lives at McQuesten Lofts (Hamilton)
“I was first inspired to start the craft/crochet group at Indwell’s Wentworth Program by the positive impacts I saw at similar groups at the Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic I attend. People in such groups use crafting as an expressive outlet and a way to have positive interactions with other members. I’ve also done craft/crochet groups at Indwell’s Rudy Hulst Commons. I teach a variety of crochet stitches and help participants find projects that they wish to accomplish.”
Chris
Lives at Blossom Park (Woodstock)
Chris has run peer support groups for tenants once a week for the past two
years. According to Chris, the residents can come to “talk about whatever they want” and it’s a “safe space for people to talk about their problems.” Sometimes people will stop Chris in the hall just to talk and he will do his best to connect tenants with staff when the need arises. It’s important for him to be a person that people trust.
Ed
Lives at Wentworth Program (Hamilton)
Tineke, the Wentworth Program’s Household Administrator, often brings
her dog, Gnarly, to work with her, and Ed loves to care for him. Ed describes himself as an animal lover and sometimes cares for the 14-year-old Bichon Frise for weeks at a time. Ed, who has suffered from a few serious health problems over the years, says “to have Gnarly is a big support.”
Deborah
Lives at McQuesten Lofts (Hamilton)
Deborah runs Teatime twice a week for the tenants at McQuesten Lofts. She says running a group keeps her mind occupied and helps with her mental health: “I want to put a smile on someone’s face. Because we’re independent, we need community. COVID put a damper on things and community makes [life] a whole lot brighter. I’m looking forward to summer so I can do Teatime on the terrace in the morning. If it makes people happy, then I’m happy.”
