The path to Pathways It's an aging, two-storey office building on Elmbridge Way in the city centre. Outside, its sign is small and its front door is unassuming, but when you walk inside, there is an immediate 'wow' factor that first-time visitors may feel on account of the bustling activity. Hundreds of people may visit the clubhouse on a daily basis. It provides members with a place to read a magazine, work on a computer and, most notably, have an inexpensive lunch and interact with one another. To become a free-of-charge member, all a person needs is a note from a doctor indicating a history of mental illness as well as an assurance he or she is not a threat to other people.
"For us at Pathways, we started up a young adult program. They can gather and do social activities that most everyone does, like go to the movies and paintball," said MacDonald of one of the many programs offered to members.
Pathways is largely a tool to connect people with what they need, he said.
"A lot of times, when you're first diagnosed, you don't know how to navigate the system - medications, someone to talk to, dealing with family members. It's a crucial part of what we're trying to accomplish," said MacDonald, noting Pathways shares a good relationship with other social agencies in the city.
On the visit to the clubhouse some members appeared reclusive, and understandably so as they may not have been having a good day.
As Patko noted, "the fact that they were able to get to the clubhouse is a huge thing. It means they're not alone at home."
Others, like Graham and Ariel, were happy to talk to the News and briefly share their stories. Graham is a volunteer at Pathways, helping anywhere he can, be it with a group activity, working in the kitchen or helping with general duties. He's unemployed at the moment but also spends his time speaking to community groups. Recently, he spoke to CHIMO, the RCMP and the local welfare office.
Finding a voice The 32 year-old Richmondite has schizophrenia and came to Pathways years ago to seek help and connections to services.
"It makes you feel useful," said Graeme.
Another local resident, Ariel, who suffers from depression, worked in manufacturing and security until he lost both jobs as a result of his illness. He says Pathways gives him a sense of belonging. "Pathways helped me look for work and helped with my resume and cover letters. They also helped me go to a company that gives clothes for interviews. Everyone here is open and helpful," he said.
Ariel and Graham are just two examples of Pathways members who have benefited from donations and government funding. They're also two examples of people in need who were able to stay in their communities instead of heading to Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, where Metro Vancouver's social services are concentrated.
A failed policy It's an issue the City of Vancouver is trying to steer away from, according to Vision Vancouver councillor Kerry Jang, who is also a member of the Metro Vancouver Housing Committee.
"When you look at why, it was a deliberate policy to concentrate services in one place and that has been a failed policy because of the problems we see. The 1970s saw an increase in cheap drugs.
There was an epidemic of overdoses and people were easy to prey on. ...So in response (the government) dumped services there," said Jang, a professor of psychiatry at the University of B.C. Jang said Vancouver is now trying to disperse its services throughout the city. He said the same should be done throughout the region.
"You're actually taking people out of their safety zone. What we want them to do is get services close to where they are," said Jang.
Jang noted that because services are so concentrated in Vancouver, it likely leads to those with mental illness to leave their community. "I would probably suspect that Richmond is being short changed and could use more services. And it's not so much about lessening Vancouver's burden, but rather ensuring how as a region we can solve these problems.
Surrey has taken up the challenge. New Westminster has done well to respond in kind. Richmond is kind of interesting. In some ways it's more of a suburban community but it's changing as it develops its own downtown," said Jang. "More interestingly you have a large Chinese population and they have a different view of mental illness. They won't call it mental illness and it's often hidden and not treated," he said.
Treating Chinese Treating the Chinese-Canadian community in Richmond is something that is becoming more and more of an issue as the new generation of Canadians attempts to integrate into society. Pathways runs a Chinese Support Program, citing on its website that mental illness in the Chinese community is often viewed as bringing shame upon the entire family. In turn, those who are ill, as well as their families, tend to not seek support. The program attempts to integrate the Chinese-Canadian community into the clubhouse. Last year, Pathways counted 59 ethnic Chinese members. The tide of saving face may be shifting, however, according to Dr. Carolyn Steinberg, a child psychiatrist at Richmond Child Health Clinic at Richmond Hospital.
"I've been here for eight years. When I first started up the clinic I was concerned the Western model might not translate, however, I've been very surprised in that my case-load is at least appropriate to the population in Richmond. The Asian families are very dedicated to their children; they're enthusiastic about accessing services," said Steinberg, who's visited China.
At her clinic, Steinberg is noticing more behavioural problems among children as a result of busier, changing home environments. "More parents have less resources. Life has gotten expensive. Two parents are working and kids are in daycare earlier and parents have less to give. Some kids tolerate this more than others," said Steinberg.
"We're social animals. We can't survive without parents when we're born and we seek out relationships later to manage. It's important for families to find support so they can think through issues to raise their children," she added.
Steinberg's advice to parents is to take the effort to enjoy playing with their children.
"Don't educate them, don't train them. Just hang around. The children will feel listened to and they will grow up having learned that when someone is present and listening to them they feel better. And it becomes full circle," said Steinberg.
Ariel has a similar message to those who may need help. "There is help out there and you're not alone. There are places you can go. It's about asking for help and accepting that you need help."
