The Ear Falls Clinic held an open house last month to showcase their brand-new Wellness Centre.
Clinic staff hosted a free barbecue in the parking lot and door prizes were won, as locals were able to go in and see the new resources offered at the wellness center. Around 80 people were in attendance.
“The reason we started this wellness room was to bring awareness to mental health and self-care,” said registered practical nurse Ashley Williamson.
The new centre has a massage chair, recumbent bicycle, treadmill, yoga mats, therapy light, and soothing sounds. The wellness room is available by appointment for Ear Falls residents and rostered patients for free.
“If you are looking to improve your physical and mental health or just need a place to escape, this is the place for you,” says Williamson.
There are also pamphlets with information and contacts about resources available for community. Some of the programs available include the walking program, chair exercises, and a small library with books about mental health. There is a new Budii Projector with over 300 games that is great for social interaction, cognitive stimulation/engagement, encouraging movement, emotional well-being, and is great for those with sensory processing issues.
There is a new program called ‘I’m Here’, that is designed to combat loneliness. It is put on by a nurse and is for anyone who wants to chat, has questions, or feels as though they are not being heard. There are one-on-one sessions available as well as group sessions. Refreshments such as tea are available during this service.
“It is proven that that taking care of yourself is great for your overall well-being,” says Williamson.
Along with the new programs, the clinic is hosting an intergenerational program where seniors in the community teach classes for youth. The classes include gardening, exercises, emergency scene management, sewing, and woodworking.
Youth are encouraged to sign up for these lead classes as a fun way to encourage connections between youth and seniors. Refreshments are provided afterwards.
“These activities will be beneficial for seniors and youths as we build connections in our community,” says Williamson.
People have already been making appointments to use the wellness centre.
“Our hope is that this gets the residents of Ear Falls to improve their mental health,” says Williamson. “The point is we want to make others more mental health aware and reduce stigma. We all have to0 care for our mental health and we are here if people need to talk.”
