Intermunicipal Advisory Committee on Disability Issues

Additions to the agenda under Agenda Item No. 6 - New Business - Section 4 - included the following:
a) AC P D
b) handicap parking at Juan de Fuca
c) new gym equipment
d) Westhaven workshop phase 2
e) proposed future of a ATAC

Approval of the amended agenda was moved by Karen and seconded by Doug.

Carried.

Sandy Warren, a Counsellor and peer support worker at Westhaven, did a presentation regarding the purpose and activities of Westhaven Activity Centre.
The purpose of Westhaven is to provide a welcoming, supportive and safe place for people with mental disabilities.
Spontaneous and planned activities including self-help workshops take place at Westhaven.
Emotional and social support through social activities forms part of the purpose of Westhaven.
Activities are consumer driven as consumers help to help themselves.
A hot meal program, which is provided each lunch hour Monday to Friday, encourages social interaction. Food donations are always welcome.
Support groups include those for mood disorders, family for adults with a mental illness,
gardening, Young Adults Connecting and Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.
All support groups are led by a peer support worker.

Sandy then answered questions:
Q. Does Westhaven have any permanent funding?
A. Pacific Centre from VIHA provides some funding but Westhaven is always looking for donations; food, books or otherwise.
Q. What is the process if we know someone who would be suitable for your program?
A. The consumer or friend or family member could phone Westhaven or drop in to inquire.
Q. Is Westhaven the only program of its kind in the Western communities?
A. Yes.
Q. How many consumers are there in Westhaven?
A. There are 40 to 50 registered consumers and 20 to 22 regulars.
Q. Does Westhaven ever advertise for donations? For instance you mentioned that you need a washer and dryer.
A. Occasionally in the Goldstream Gazette or the Times Columnist. Various suggestions were offered.

There was discussion of the requirements for land and housing to meet the needs of consumers for a transition house and permanent housing.
Joe Kadar, who sits on the board of the construction association, provided information on possible connections for provision of housing.
Sandy McPherson volunteered to contact Kelly Reid, Assisted Living Manager from VIHA, to alert him to the options as described by Joe.

Q. Are their statistics tracking where consumers come from?
A. There are no statistics, but consumers come mostly from Colwood and Langford.

Marnie pointed out that there had been a workshop at Westhaven to assist people with completing their DB 2 form, long version.
Marnie thanked Sandy Warren very much for her presentation and for Westhaven hosting the IACDI meeting.