Opening Doors Sarnia

In 2012, West Lambton Community Health launched Opening Doors to help with mental health and wellness. Staying mobile and active is a huge part of mental health, but it isn't easy either for someone who struggles with mental health, mobility issues and addiction.

With decades of research-backed evidence, we know that being physically active not only supports physical wellness but also mental health. You might say, well, the unhoused walk a lot as it's their primary mode of transportation, and you wouldn't be wrong, but with programs like this, it's not just physically moving; it's a new connection, learning new skills, adapting to new norms, getting out of their own heads.

We asked if those we support would be welcome at these programs. They informed us that as long as they behaved in a socially acceptable way, they were more than welcome.

Part of me wants to yell and scream that it's not very inclusive or welcoming. The other part of me understands that there are others in that space, and they need to feel welcome and safe, too.

As we help others navigate new worlds for them, new rules, new expectations, new spaces and new connections, we have to remind ourselves every day that not all situations do we have to be in defence mode. Which, for those of us who work with the unhoused on the ground, is a hard thing to shut off.

These programs require registration; many of ours don't actually have a way to register or know how to do so without help. If you are interested in any of their amazing activities, please follow the instructions to register.