In September, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences introduced an innovative pilot program, redefining the approach to mental health care. This initiative offers prescriptions, but not for medication or traditional therapy. Instead, patients may receive a knitting kit, a pair of comfortable walking shoes, or even a bus pass.
Named the Bridge to Hope Recovery Program, it recognizes the transformative power of small, meaningful moments—"the little things"—in a patient's mental health recovery journey. By tailoring these moments to each patient's interests, the program fosters joy, healing, and self-discovery, empowering individuals to move forward on their recovery journey.
The Program
Every inpatient unit receives allocated funds to support patients' transitions and facilitate their recovery. The program empowers staff, particularly recreation therapists, to bring these meaningful moments to life, with eligible patients able to access funds for items or experiences that align with their recovery goals.
While the actions may appear simple—like buying art supplies or arranging for a fitness class—the impact is profound, touching lives in unexpected and heartfelt ways.
Heartwarming Stories
The success of the program is best told through its patients.
Joy: For Joy, recovery meant rediscovering a sense of self-worth. She used the program funds for a manicure and pedicure. While some might see this as trivial, Joy saw it as a turning point. “I made it. I can take care of myself again," she exclaimed. “Ontario Shores has given me my life back."
Craig: Transitioning to a community with limited in-person mental health services, Craig faced an uncertain road ahead. A recreation therapist surprised him by helping him select a tablet—an essential tool for attending virtual appointments and staying connected to his care team. “The team here put me back together," Craig says. Equipped with the tablet, he has enrolled in four Recovery College courses, a significant step in his ongoing recovery.
N: For N, hope was elusive. Therapy wasn't enough to spark visions of a brighter future, but the program funds allowed her to purchase a tapestry loom—an item tied to joyful memories of creating tapestries with her grandmother. The loom unlocked a sense of possibility and even inspired her to consider selling her creations.
These stories are just the beginning. Others include patients finding comfort in noise-cancelling headphones or self-confidence in new clothing. The real magic lies in how these carefully chosen items, tailored to suit individual needs, accompany patients after discharge, easing transitions and supporting their recovery.
Looking Forward
We are grateful to our team members, especially our recreation therapists, for supporting this program and making these moments possible for our patients.
For patients like Joy, Craig, N, and countless others, this program proves that recovery isn't just about medical treatment—it's about restoring dignity, rediscovering passions, and nurturing the soul.