Be a Hero for Mental Health.

COVID-19 has become a mental health crisis. The mental toll of lockdowns, self-isolation, financial stress and uncertainty have increased anxiety and longer-term mental health problems such as clinical depression. 1 in 10 Canadians reported recent thoughts or feelings of suicide, in addition to 40% of Canadians who reported a decline in their mental health1. Many struggle in silence due to the stigma surrounding mental illness, while others who need help don’t have any place to turn.

The need for mental health support has never been greater. Put mental health first.

The Bloom Group Community Services Society helps by providing housing, healthcare and social services for those with mental health challenges in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. The Bloom Group is dedicated to delivering important therapies and treatments that help treat mental health issues, bring comfort, encourage peace of mind, and improve quality of life. Art and music therapy have proven to have a profound positive impact on patients facing chronic mental health issues.

Art therapy uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals. It can help guide and promote self-expression, feelings and emotions. It has an ability to facilitate positive perspectives on one’s life and promote a sense of personal independence, self-reliance, and self-sufficiency.

Music therapy promotes healing and comfort and provides physical, psychological and social benefits. Music therapy provides a safe outlet to encourage communication and patients exposed to music therapy may demonstrate enhanced ability for self-expression and improved memory, speech and cognitive skills. Music therapy increases social activity, connection and reduces stress.

Your donations to mental health will help provide important therapies for the residents of four  supportive housing sites in the Downtown Eastside.

Cordova House offers a stable home with access to a range of support services for 66 residents aged 45 years and older in the Downtown Eastside. Residents are assisted in managing day-to-day tasks and activities so they are able to succeed in maintaining stable housing.

Victory House is a supportive, nurturing home with 24hr on-site care for 48 residents in the Downtown Eastside. Residents are encouraged to increase their stability, independence, and self-worth by working toward self-directed wellness goals that recognize and build on each individual’s strengths. Wellness goals are developed and achieved with input and assistance from care teams and families.

At Santiago Lodge and Cecelia House, 33 residents live more independently with access to an on-site Licensed Practical Nurse and a variety of community supports that promote health, recovery, social inclusion, and independence.

Your donation will provide recreational activities and a weekly registered music and art therapist for our residents for the first time.

                                                    Thank you for being a hero!

Your gift will help improve the psychological health and wellbeing of people with mental health challenges.

References

1. https://cmha.ca/news/despair-and-suicidal-feelings-deepen-as-pandemic-wears-on

The video below speaks to the benefits of art therapy. Produced on behalf of hospice patients, the messages are relevant for those struggling with mental health issues.

                          Dr. Susan Burgess talks about the need for art therapy.

The Bloom Group Community Services Society

Since 1961, The Bloom Group has led many of Vancouver's most progressive social services to reduce homelessness, provide end-of-life care for individuals with mental health challenges and addictions, ensure women-led families in crisis can stay together as they rebuild their lives, provide financial management for at-risk seniors and much more. Our ‘low-barrier’ services are inclusive and available to all individuals in need, regardless of their circumstances, and without conditions. 

We are grateful for your generous support.

The Bloom Group Community Services Society is a charitable, non-profit organization. Our charitable tax number is BN108021544RR0001