Clients of the Mental Health Day Program at the Ross Memorial Hospital will benefit from a generous donation from the Lindsay Lions Club. Today, Lions President Rick Roddy presented a cheque for $1000 to Erin Coons, Executive Director of the RMH Foundation. The Foundation will direct the funds to the Mental Health Department to help purchase crafts supplies.

Arts & Crafts is one component of the Mental Health Day Program. Working on crafts has many benefits for clients. Often clients are shy and nervous about discussing difficult issues. Gathering a group to work on a craft project allows clients an opportunity to chat while they work, building trust. 

While they work at their projects, many clients find they’re good at a particular craft, which not only builds confidence, but also gives them the opportunity to sell their crafts. They can also give them away as gifts, helping to build relationships while saving money. 

Art therapy provides clients an opportunity to express themselves without words and gives staff a means of following their moods by what they create. Depending on the group, the staff in Mental Health can use this program to assess clients' hand-eye coordination, skill development, concentration and ability to follow instructions.

When the program began, staff paid for supplies out of their own pockets and brought in items from their own homes. They asked hospital staff to search their own basements for artificial flowers, ribbons, and paint. The Program Director of the Mental Health Department, Wendy Decaire is thrilled that the community is assisting with financial support. “Getting the interest and support of service clubs in the community helps to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. They’re helping to provide programs that, without extra funding, wouldn’t be possible.”