The DMHS New Winds Day Program has re-opened and is again serving clients face-to-face!

There is a small gathering of members in the morning and another in the afternoon every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. In addition, there is an afternoon “Chill and Chat” group on Mondays and a weekly walking group on Fridays.

Many precautions are in place to operate safely. The groups are held in the backyard of the day program building and no members are allowed inside. Chairs are spaced two metres apart and both staff and clients wear masks the whole time. The chairs are sanitized each morning and again between each group. All members are screened for COVID and there is a lot of discussion during the groups about COVID and COVID safety.

Members have responded very positively. Here are some of their comments:

• I feel great. I really, really missed it badly.
• I missed it!
• It’s wonderful to have somewhere to go and see some people.
• It’s good to chat and spend time with friends.

Peer Support Specialist Lynn Moulds helps run the day program groups. “I am so excited to be back,” she says. “It is truly wonderful to see the New Winds clients and hear their stories of how they have coped during these unsettled times. I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing, caring, supportive, positive group of individuals that I call my New Winds family!”