Social isolation – never getting out of the house – is one of the biggest threats to the health of people with mental illness.

Houselink’s Social Recreation Program offers meaningful activities to resident and community participants alike.  builds the bridge from isolation to physical activity, good nutrition, affordable entertainment, and most importantly, a community of peers.

The program’s success depends on active participant leadership at every level.  A volunteer elected committee comprised entirely of people with lived experience oversees program design and delivery.  Houselink offers peer employment to help manage our Community Drop-In, cook meals, and organize events

The Social Recreation program includes:

  • Community Drop-In open seven days a week to both resident and community participants.
  • Community kitchens, including a weekly community lunch and Sunday dinner, plus a semi-monthly Breakfast Club. Meals rotate among our larger buildings to reach all.
  • Sports, events and activities. We offer low-cost or free tickets to sports and cultural events, and organize sports activities, card tournaments, movie days, and picnics.
  • Arts and crafts, led by trained participants.
  • Finding Recovery through Exercise, Skills and Hope (F.R.E.S.H.) in partnership with the Gerstein Centre
  • Recovery forums: where participants are learn about recovery and discuss personal progress with peers.
  • A computer club, including coaching by and for participants
  • Men and Women’s Group.