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It’s time to end the stigma that is attached to mental illness.
That was the message that over 75 people came out to support on Friday for the 10th Annual Walk-A-Mile for Mental Health Awareness, held during National Mental Health Week. The walk was put on by the Rainbow Club, which is a local organization that provides a supportive atmosphere for the psychosocial rehabilitation of people with mental illness. The club is a division of Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Community Services.
The festivities began at Memorial Peace Park in Maple Ridge, with balloons, music and guest speakers. After the speakers, an instructor led the crowd in light warm-up exercises to prepare them for the route, which went down 224th along Lougheed Hwy, to the Clubhouse at 11907 228th St.
Sandy Craig, supervisor of Mental Health Services, was one of the coordinators of the event.
“It’s a magical day. I feel proud and privileged to be a part of it,” said Craig. “Rainbow Club offers so many services, from vocational to social, and it helps it’s members live independently. We get 25-30 people a day.”
She said that although people may have their own reasons for coming out for the walk, they are all there to support a common cause.
Maureen Martin came from Chilliwack to walk with her grandchildren and support her daughter who works for mental health services, and Candice Kutyn, who is bipolar, came out to raise awareness.
Kutyn is a mother of two who volunteers at the Maple Ridge Self-Support Centre.
“I walk to help reduce the stigma that is attached to mental health,” said Kutyn. “Mental illness is a journey, and you have to work through recovery.”
Kutyn said that media play a role in stigmatizing mental illness by only reporting on negative stories that come from people with psychiatric disorders.
“You have to take that and realize that it may happen, but that is not all that it is. I’m functioning, and I’m fine.”
After the walk, the crowd converged on the clubhouse, where a band played and food was served.
The band, which plays classic rock covers, was comprised solely of members of Rainbow Club. Jeremy Huntley is the lead vocalist; he also has schizophrenia.
“We jam pretty regularly,” said Huntley. “And we do about two shows a year. We still don’t have a name for the band yet, though.”
Huntley has been an active member of the Club for a year. He helps with chores, acts as tour guide and visits there five days a week.
“The main focus here is rehabilitation. And it’s a very good place, the staff are great.”
The clubhouse is a hub of activity, and boasts a pool table, kitchen and computer lab. It is open from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with evening programs offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call 604-467-7165 for more information.
“It’s more than a place to hang out,” said Huntley. “It’s a place to get involved.”