The Lakeview Regional Wellness Centre opened in Moose Jaw in October. The Centre, in the old Angus Campbell Centre, is a trauma recovery centre that will fill the gaps in aftercare for people who are at risk of relapse on their road to recovery.
The Centre opening comes at a time when the provincial government says there is a need for more wellness centres in the province, although the Lakeview opened without Saskatchewan Government funding. It is being funded by Metis Nation Saskatchewan.
The program helps people from all walks of life on their recovery from addiction, mental health, homelessness, trauma, or abuse.
Jana Horsnall, CEO and Facilities Director, says the time between detox and a treatment/recovery bed is usually a six to eight week waiting time. A long waiting period often causing people to relapse before they get the help they need. The Lakeview Centre exists to cut the waiting period and get people into treatment as soon as possible.
One of the unique things about the Lakeview Centre is the absence of red tape. There are no restrictions on how long it takes for the treatment journey. Other wellness programs have time restraints based on solution-focused models – usually 28 days.
At the recent Saskatchwan Medical Association (SMA) Conference doctors voiced their concerns about the gaps they see in the current model of addictions treatment.
The chair of the SMA’s addiction medicine section, Dr. Peter Butt, says it takes between three to 12 months for someone to be considered in remission from an addiction.
Dr. Butt believes there is lack of supports for those going through detox and recovery, and individuals are often set up for relapse.
The Lakeview Centre does not take a cookie cutter approach when dealing with individuals. Horsnell says, people’s needs may be similar, but they are not the same. She says aftercare is critical to successful outcomes.
The facility has 18 units, and accommodation is made for clients and their family members as needed. The Centre is designed to be a place where people feel they belong. Current program participants say Lakeview functions like a family and staff really care about them.
Program and Development Director Dennarah Martin says the Centre exists first to fill the basic food, shelter, clothing, and medical needs of individuals. The next step addresses the person’s safety needs. Things like emotional and intellectual needs; their need to belong and loved. Another part of the program is building trust and support systems. Meeting these needs helps individual realize there is a way through their situation with support.
The Lakeview Regional Wellness Centre has put a lot of effort and investment into its staff. Horsnall says many staff members bring ‘lived experience’ to the Centre which is a great asset when working with clients.
The Centre is located on a10-acre site that provides a relaxing environment along the Moose Jaw River. Future plans will include outdoor recreation activities.
In helping residents prepare for the future, the Centre offers aftercare skill training. Such things as personal development, skills and job readiness training. The Centre also refers people to community support programs and services, including trades training at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Gabriel Dumont Institute, and a variety of Metis Nation Saskatchewan programs.
Clients also learn life skills to help them plan their day. Basic things like cooking, cleaning, setting boundaries and how to maintain them. Present residents say a big plus for the Lakeview program is that it helps them find housing once they leave the Center, rather than being left out on the street.
Since the Centre opened, it has connected with many partners and outside services to promote recovery and after-care to help clients avoid relapse.
