By June St. Lawrence
When I first came to CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association), I didn’t know what to expect, the people and staff were caring, polite and easy-going. If you had a problem, the staff were always there for you. This is my second home and I don’t know what I’d do if it was discontinued.
We have many activities: Pickle ball, ping pong, pool, information sessions (which are my favourite), music. We can choose the videos we want to hear, a delicious lunch is prepared every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for $3 and coffee is only a quarter.
We have plants inside which are watered, and a beautiful flower garden to enjoy. I look after it and also do some landscaping. We have a creek to enjoy while we drink our coffee outside.
We also offer bingo, bowling, yoga, meditation, computers and birthday celebration is offered every month. My favourite place is the art room. The beautiful art is shared by all of us. A teacher comes in to assist us. We submit our paintings to the art gallery yearly and people buy our work.
We have a Christmas dinner each year and a Thanksgiving dinner as well. Oh yes, we have an information bulletin so we will be aware of the activities.
We also have chores to do.
We go out on many occasions to pick apples and peaches. We go horseback riding and hiking is one of our favourites. I am also a commentator for one of our groups.
We also have a chiropractor, chef and hairdresser come in almost every month and also have a community meeting. At month’s end, we have a monthly forum on mental health. I sure don’t want to miss this session. We also have a peer support group.
Remember I told you the CMHA saved my life? Well, marijuana, saved my life too. I was in the throes of a deep depression for seven days. I felt like I was dying. My mind and body were in a terrible state. On the seventh evening, I decided to roll a joint. I was desperate. I smoked it and my mind felt different and allowed me to go on with my life.
I would recommend the CMHA to anyone who needs a helping hand.
