Services
Community Is Key To Mental Health
The theme for Canadian Mental Health Week this year is “Come Together, Canada.” It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of community to one’s mental wellness.
Centennial Place
This month is also the 15th anniversary of the Centennial Place Clubhouse in Mission. This mental health clubhouse, which is facilitated by Communitas Supportive Care Society, is a safe space for people who live with mental health challenges. Centennial Place is member-driven and offers opportunities for wellness support, friendships, and group activities.
Krystina Hetherington is the manager at Centennial Place. Krystina says that isolation can be a big challenge for the people she serves.
“We always tell our members, don’t isolate at home, come here, even if it’s just for a cup of coffee and a chat,” Krystina says. “Being in a safe space with others who understand you is key.”
Jeanecile’s Story
Jeanecile is a member of Centennial Place. She says the clubhouse has been instrumental on her journey with mental health.
Jeanecile has struggled with mental health challenges since she was a child. Her parents got her addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. She has successfully overcome her addictions because she made a choice to take care of herself. She celebrated 10 years of sobriety in April.
“I brought in a cake and celebrated with my friends at Centennial Place,” she says, proudly.
But while she overcame the addiction, the anxiety and depression remained. Eventually, through the help of transition and recovery homes, Molly’s House and Peardonville House, Jeanecile was able to reclaim her independence and return to community.
But Jeanecile understands the importance of having ongoing support and is grateful for the community she has at Centennial Place. She participates in a number of support groups and enjoys the outings like going to Music Bingo.
“I love Centennial Place,” she says. “I would be heartbroken if I couldn’t come here.”
Community is essential
Jeanecile acknowledges the importance of being part of a safe and supportive community like Centennial Place, adding that the staff at the clubhouse make the difference.
“The staff here are amazing,” Jeanecile says. “I have really enjoyed being a part of the clubhouse.”
She’s sharing her story as a way to encourage others, who might be living with mental health challenges in the Mission area, to consider coming to Centennial Place.
“Everyone is welcome here,” she says. “The more the merrier.”
Membership at Centennial Place requires a referral from Mission Mental Health or their family doctor. People can also self-refer through the Mission Mental Health Access Line at 1-833-866-6478. For more information, visit the Centennial Place website.
Related Stories
Moving from Despair to Hope
Adria is living a good life, far different from where she was just a few years ago when mental illness took its toll. Find out what’s made the difference!
Coming Back to Self
Ryan says that WRAP – a mental wellness tool – helped him come back to the person that he once was.
Just Breathe
Inhale. Exhale, Breathe. Sometimes we forget that our breath is a tool to help us maintain our mental health. Follow along with the video at the end!