ACCESS Fort Garry Therapeutic Garden
Providing a Breath of Fresh Air that Youth in our Community Need
We're envisioning an outdoor greenspace that embodies healing, mindfulness, and mental health wellbeing. This space is about bringing mental health care outside to offer unique and innovative programming to support patients on their journey to recovery.
Counselors and therapists at ACCESS Fort Garry often receive feedback from the youth and young adults that the option to receive treatment outdoors has been highly appreciated, particularly by those who enjoy activity and have difficulty meeting in an institutional space. The ACCESS Fort Garry Therapeutic Garden will provide a safe, outdoor space for staff to provide treatment that will further build trust, lead to more open conversations, facilitate wellness and build comfort in accessing formal supports.
Research shows the physical, emotional and social benefits that being in nature can provide for a wide range of populations. This research is particularly strong in supporting the mental health benefits of being outdoors for those facing mental health and addictions challenges. Greenery, colourful flowers, and fresh air improve mood, while outdoor activities lead to more physical activity and opportunities to regulate emotions.
Together, we can extend mental health and addictions counselling and therapy outside by creating a welcoming and safe space that offers wellness and healing, in the heart of our community.
Your support of the ACCESS Fort Garry Therapeutic Garden will empower our staff to meet the needs of young patients and offer a fresh approach to effective treatments.
“Our staff are phenomenal at accomodating a variety of unanticipated needs. Right now, they're sitting with clients in the parking lot, standing for the entirety of the appointment. I can't tell you how much we need this space as an option for care.”
Natalie Imbrogno
Director of Health Services - South Winnipeg
Over 69% of the patients who present at the Teen Clinic at ACCESS Fort Garry require mental health supports. This $100,000 investment will bring the mental health greenspace from vision to reality.
Your generosity will take mental health care outside to offer a fresh approach to effective treatments. Your gift will help support this safe and healing space that will help patients feel connected and valued, while promoting their wellness and dignity.
“Some of the youth and young adults that I work with struggle to meet in a formal clinic setting. Either they dont trusts institutions or they have trouble being still.
A landscaped outdoor area with benches and picnic tables would meana ll the difference in being able to allow them to engage with their counsellors and therapists”
Cynthia Kroeker
Counselor, Youth Community-based Services, Mental Health & Addictions
