Despite officially closing two years ago, Riverview continues to be a refuge for people with mental health issues and this fall a new program will launch for people recovering from both mental illness and addiction.
The executive director of non-profit Coast Mental Health confirmed this week that three years of funding has been granted by the Provincial Health Services Authority for a program for 40 men and women to run out of the Hillside and Brookside buildings.
On Saturday, a job fair is being held at Riverview to seek out people for more than 40 positions, including mental health practitioners, cooks, housekeepers and leisure therapists.
September Riverview open house dates set
Referrals will come from the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, Burnham said, with Coast Mental Health providing up to a year or more of support through a variety of counseling and clinical programs, including 24-hour nursing care.
"It will be very much a person-centred approach, looking at what strengths they have what challenges and what do they need to move forward in their life." he said, noting that some clients will have other health issues as well, such as diabetes or Hepatitis C, and some may have been homeless.
Denise Bradshaw, program director with BC Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, said the funding comes from a $5 million fund announced by the Ministry of Health this year to deal with people who have both mental health and addiction issues. "The goal is to allow people to have a longer stay in treatment and recovery before moving back to home communities," she said.
Members of the Riverview Horticultural Centre Society are welcoming the news as a sign that the former provincial mental health hospital is still regarded as a place to support people with mental illness.
"It's such a place for healing," commented Norma Gillespie, who said her members will be cleaning up the creek next to the Hillside and Brookside to make the area welcoming for the new residents.
The group has long championed Riverview as a centre for mental health excellence and Gillespie said the establishment of a new program, albeit relatively short-term, is a good sign. "We are thrilled," she said.
Burnham said the reuse of the two buildings was considered because they didn't need much work except for some safety upgrades and paint and could be up and running quickly. As for the longer term use of Riverview, Burnham said that would be decided through BC Housing's ongoing vision and review.
Coast Mental Health also operates a cottage program at Riverview for approximately 41 men and women.
Meanwhile, open houses for the Riverview visioning process are planned for Sept. 23 and Sept. 27 and more information can be found at www.renewingriverview.com
Treefest is also being held on the site this weekend, with tours, a Blackberry Tea, and other events. It takes place Saturday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
