Breaking Barriers through Mental Health and Wellness Programs
Research demonstrates the efficacy of Heath & Wellness programs in reducing depression and isolation, enhancing physical activity, improving overall quality of life, and alleviating stress and anxiety.
Individuals in Halton grappling with mental health challenges encounter formidable barriers when trying to engage with their community through social recreation programs. High registration costs, limited public transportation, and persistent societal stigma often hinder program participation, contributing to isolation. With the generous support of TD, Summit Housing & Outreach aims to overcome these obstacles and extend its Health & Wellness programs to aid more vulnerable community members.
Summit proudly hosts Halton's only low-barrier, peer-led Mental Health and Wellness Program. Research demonstrates the efficacy of such programs in reducing depression and isolation, enhancing physical activity, improving overall quality of life, and alleviating stress and anxiety.
People facing mental health challenges often confront systemic barriers to accessing healthcare and community connections. Summit's Health & Wellness Program promotes Mental Health Recovery through peer-supported groups, activities, and vocational services. The program provides a safe, inclusive space with activities co-designed and led by peers, alongside a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.
Participants enjoy a wide array of activities, including mindfulness, yoga, walking, cooking, gardening, writing, journaling, youth drop-ins, lunch and learns, arts and crafts, and large community events such as picnics and holiday parties.
As clients progress towards wellness, the demand for clinical services decreases. However, participants still maintain a link to higher-intensity services if needed. Reviews indicate that involving Peers, individuals with mental health diagnoses who have been service users, enhances wellness and quality of life. Peer specialist positions not only instill hope for recovery but also offer valuable employment options for mental health consumers.
Research also supports the positive impact of recreation programs on self-ratings of loneliness, self-esteem, social functioning, satisfaction with social relations, and overall life satisfaction. Since its inception, the program has served over 330 people, with an average of 250 active participants annually.
Adapting to Challenges: Navigating the Pandemic
Pre-pandemic, Summit's Health and Wellness Program operated four full days each week at dedicated client spaces in Burlington and Milton. Recognizing transportation as a barrier, the agency provided vans driven by volunteer drivers and offered breakfast and lunch to address food insecurity.
The onset of the pandemic prompted a swift transition to virtual programming via Zoom. Recognizing the challenges faced by clients in participating virtually, emergency COVID-19 funding facilitated the purchase of tablets for loan, ensuring continued community engagement during these isolating times.
Client-Centric Approach: Co-design and Evaluation
Summit's Health & Wellness Programming, coupled with clinical services, adopts a holistic approach to support individuals in the community. The program, conceived in 2013 by the Client Advisory Committee, focuses on co-design with clients and peer leadership. Client volunteers, numbering over 40, play a crucial role in delivering the program, providing their time, skills, and expertise.
Client engagement is fundamental, with participants advising staff on programming preferences and leading activities based on their skills and strengths. The Client Advisory Committee, representing clients, offers feedback and recommendations, ensuring the program remains responsive to their needs.
As part of the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, an ongoing evaluation assesses the program's impact. Through an anonymous survey, participants share their goals, sense of belonging, and demographics, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the program's effectiveness.
Summit's commitment to diversity is evident in its Core Values, ensuring the program reflects the diverse communities it serves. Periodic evaluations identify and remove barriers to access, emphasizing the agency's dedication to inclusivity and client-centered care.