Chai Tikvah, Reena’s mental health arm, acts as resource and advocate supporting individuals and families experiencing mental health concerns.
What we do is driven by the voices of our clients who, despite their mental health illnesses, are thriving and surviving in their communities.
The Need is Great
1 in 5 people will need support.
Serious mental illnesses disrupt people’s ability to carry out essential aspects of daily life, such as self-care, maintaining employment, and household management.
Mental illnesses may also prevent people from forming and maintaining stable relationships or cause people to misinterpret others’ guidance and react irrationally. This often results in pushing away caregivers, family, and friends who may be the force keeping that person from becoming homeless.
The Tough Reality
Mental illness costs the Canadian economy a staggering $51 billion a year.
Mental illness is the number one cause of disability in Canada, accounting for nearly 30% of disability claims and 70% of total costs. Each day 500,000 people will miss work due to mental health problems. Mental health disorders in the workplace cost Canadian companies nearly 14% of their net annual profits and up to $16 billion annually.
Community Matters
There are a staggering number of individuals who silently suffer with mental illness — which also places a huge burden on families and communities. Additional supportive housing gives everyone the option of expert care and support.
You can help us bring life and hope to those suffering with mental illness!
What We Do
Chai Tikvah’s self-help groups allow people with mental health issues, such as depression, to both provide and receive help.
Self-help groups are a fun and uplifting way to make new friends and to share support and ideas through illness and recovery. People in groups support one another, which can help their self-confidence.
Being with others who understand mental illnesses such as depression, can be a lifeline. Knowing that you’re not alone can make a world of difference.
Many people tell us they feel ashamed about being depressed. When they meet other people with similar mental health issues, symptoms and behaviours, they realize that it’s not uncommon to feel and act as they do.
What happens at support group meetings?
Club Simcha is Chai Tikvah’s community support group program, an enjoyable and simple way to find others affected by their loved one’s mental health illness who may live near you or who may share your interests.
Groups meet once a week on Mondays, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. and can accommodate 20 to 30 people.
Consistent interaction within the safe and close-knit community, this support group helps to combat social isolation and stigma while empowering participants with a sense of possibility and achievement.
Benefits of Support Groups:
- Group leaders often arrange social events and special activities to help boost mood and wellbeing.
- Though going to a group for the first time can feel daunting, you can be sure of a warm welcome as it’s a very friendly and close-knit community.
- Many who participate in support groups have felt a boost in their confidence and a transformation in their attitudes about living with a mental illness that has helped them manage some of the symptoms associated with their illness or treatment plans.
You need to remind yourself that you are not to blame for a loved one’s mental illness. Mental illnesses are caused by many different factors that work together, such as genetics, biology, environment, and life experiences.
Loved ones play a big part in helping a person recover, work towards their goals, and stay well. Care and emotional support go a long way in recovery and well-being. So can practical help, like managing doctor’s appointments and other daily tasks.
You can also play a part in helping a loved one maintain well-being. You and other close supporters may be the first to notice changes in a loved one’s mood, behaviour, self-care, or other areas that show their mental health may be worsening. This means you can help your loved one find the right help early.
How can we help?
We will be happy to answer your questions or direct you to a helpful resource!
Phone: 905.889.6484
Email: info@reena.org
Service Area: Toronto
Office Hours: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: 313 C – 1 Promenade Circle, Thornhill Ontario L4J 4P8
Charitable Registration Number: 11884 90 82 R0001
