Mental Health Services

At the Y, we are committed to fostering the growth and development of people not just in body – but in mind and spirit as well.

Our Mental Health Learning and Leisure program is designed to maintain the dignity and realize the potential of adults who have experienced mental illness. Through skills teaching and leisure programming, our trained staff provide the necessary supports required to assist with an individual’s successful integration back into the community.

Skill enhancement courses and family educational workshop
Leisure program activities
Admission criteria
How to apply
Costs
Frequently asked questions
Resources

Skill Enhancement Courses and Family Educational Workshops

Leisure Program Activities

The Leisure Program offers a regular program of activities designed to provide a natural social environment for recreation. Many of the activities are in general public facilities where participants will have the chance to enjoy themselves in a welcoming, supportive environment, meet others and develop genuine friendships.

Admission Criteria

Individuals referred to the program should be:

over 18 years old;
able to relate to others at a level appropriate for group interaction;
interested in developing skills and personal supports;
able and willing to attend the program two times per week;
stabilized in their mental health; and
able to manage the reading and writing requirements of program learning materials.

Both self-referrals and referrals from mental health professionals are accepted.

How to Apply

To schedule an appointment, please call Mental Health Services or email us.
You can also complete a referral form:

Submit your form online
Print off and send in your form (PDF form)

Once received, we will contact you to schedule an intake interview, help you select the courses you wish to take, and set a start date.

Costs

Skill Enhancement Courses – there is no cost to take the skill enhancement courses, as the program is funded through the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the United Way.
Leisure Program Activities – There is no cost to join the group, but some activities may cost up to $3.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Q. May I take more than one course at a time?

A. You are encouraged to take one course at a time. This affords you the best chance of successfully completing the course and benefitting from the skills learned.

Q. Can I repeat a course?

A. Yes, especially if you missed a number of sessions in the course or were struggling with symptoms of your illness the first time.

Q. Am I expected to attend every session of the course?

A. Yes, the expectation is that you will attend unless there is a satisfactory reason not to (e.g. illness, family emergency, etc.).

Q. If I am enrolled in a course, can I also attend leisure activities?

A. Yes, in fact, you are encouraged to do so.

Q. How long can I stay in the leisure programs?

A. Our leisure programs are intended to be ongoing supports and are available for as long as you need them.

Q. Do you offer counselling services?

A. Our program is based on an educational model not a therapy model and is focused on the “here and now”. Our staff provide counselling on how to reach the goals you have chosen for yourself.

Q. Do you help me find employment?

A. We are not an employment program, but we can help you develop the skills you need to access programs which provide that service.

Q. Is exercise part of the program?

A. Exercise is not built into the program schedule, but we provide the opportunity for you to use the health and fitness programs of the YMCA-YWCA of Winnipeg on your own or with a group of peers who also attend the program.