New View Society has been around for almost 50 years providing support for people with severe mental health issues.
Now it’s finding new ways to connect using virtual musical evenings, game nights, small group sessions and other programs to bring people together during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nobody felt the shutdown as much as Danny and Allan, two of the more gregarious members of New View’s clan of people with diagnosed mental health concerns.
The two were despondent as meetings were called off and music and poetry nights cancelled.
For Danny, who found himself homebound, the vibrant companionship of gatherings at the Port Coquitlam club house was a big loss.
“Being on my own was kind of a drag,” he admits.
Sure, staff called clients to make sure they were okay and New View continued to operate even though face-to-face programs were closed March 17. But staff were mostly working from home and though phone calls socially-distanced walks kept people in touch, it wasn’t the same as before coronavirus struck.
“We spoke to everybody, some were doing better than others,” admits Chantelle Burga, New View’s executive assistant and program manager. “But we missed the contact, that’s why we are in a helping profession.”
In recent weeks, however, New View has pivoted to provide programming through a blend of face-to-face and online methods.
And so far it’s a hit with New View clubhouse members, who can now express their thoughts on a new Facebook group, play virtual crib via video chat and take part in other programs online.
Staff are holding virtual trivia nights and Allan has enjoyed reading his poetry in a new audio visual studio established in New View’s basement
“It’s a creative outlet for me,” he says.
One of the biggest successes appears to be the Friday night coffee houses where members tune in to watch a live band on a video livestream.
Still, there are challenges, according to Burga.
New View would welcome the support of people who understand the video livestream technology, and funding so equipment can be purchased instead of rented.
“We’re not technology experts,” she acknowledges.
New View has also found a way to welcome members back to the clubhouse, with wellness checks, social distancing signage, frequent sanitization, reduced occupancy and increased space between chairs, “It’s like learning a new job,” said Burga.
And while Danny and Allan say they are expanding their bubble to see more of their friends and family in line with Provincial Health Officer Bonnie Henry’s orders, they appreciate the effort New View is making to provide companionship and support.
• Founded in 1973 in response to the closing of Riverview Hospital, New View Society provides programs and housing for 600 adults in the Tri-Cities who are challenged by severe and persistent mental illness. New View provides housing, employment, community support, and social recreational programs. To find out more about New View Society and to donate, visit www.newviewsociety.org
