Good work: 3 ways businesses can support recovery from mental illness

“Nothing could bring me back my self-esteem and take me out of that depression; but working did. It gave me a reason to live. There’s nothing in the medical system that can do this. Working can.” – Ron Alexander, Coast client

Work can be powerful. 

All over Metro Vancouver, local businesses are helping people to have the #couragetocomeback from severe mental illness, one job at a time. 

For someone recovering from #mentalillness, finding meaningful work is an important step on the road to recovery.  Employment offers all kinds of benefits beyond a paycheck - the right job can build confidence, skills and a sense of purpose. Work creates structure and a schedule - which are both key to maintaining good #mentalhealth. That’s why Education and Employment is one of Coast’s pillars for support: by training and supporting people to return to work, we’re helping to build financial independence and a brighter future.  

One of Coast’s clients shared: “I had a hard time finding a job; my disability made it difficult. Now that I’m working, I have a reason to get up and a routine to stick to. I’ve been able to save some money. I pay all my bills, go out for dinner occasionally, and connect with friends. I feel good about myself, and I’ve accomplished a lot of goals.” 

For many clients, the path back to work begins with Coast’s Clubhouse, a community hub that ensures members can access healthy meals, community and individualized social supports. While there, clients can also find volunteer work and training opportunities. Beyond this, Education and Employment programs like the Transitional Employment Program (TEP) offers skills training and employment opportunities. Through #employmentprograms like our On-Site Solutions Street Cleaning Team, and social enterprises like Landscaping With Heart, local businesses can receive regular service while providing a safe and supportive work environment for folks recovering from mental illness.  

Justin, one of our clients, had this to share: “The Clubhouse has been vital to my recovery and I enjoy the good food and fellowship. Getting a job in street cleaning has been a blessing – low stress. I care about the streets of Vancouver by keeping them clean and giving back while representing Coast Mental Health. It’s the most enjoyable job I have ever done. I have aspirations of eventually doing the peer support program at Coast, as I would like to share my experiences, strength and hope with other people and help others that struggle with mental illness like myself. Thank you to Coast Mental Health and all of the people who donate to our programs to keep them running. Being involved in meaningful employment has been key to my recovery.” 

With 50 years of our own work in the community, we’ve learned that businesses can be a powerful ally to support mental health in three ways: 

• Donating to community-based health care, to ensure that folks in your community are able to get the care they need.
• Supporting employment programs and social enterprises by choosing them for business contracts. On-Site Solutions Street Cleaning, The Social Crust Cafe and Catering and Landscaping With Heart all provide safe and supportive work environments that are a valuable stepping stone to further employment. A business contract with these programs puts you in good company: Coast works with over local 20 Business Improvement Associations and local businesses.
• Implementing inclusive hiring practices: when companies prioritize supporting mental health and hiring people from diverse backgrounds and abilities, the whole team benefits.  Many of the skills learned at Coast’s Clubhouse and through the TEP programs are transferable to a variety of different work environments. Making a point of supporting mental health is good for everyone. 

Matt, one of our clients, shared a powerful point about why inclusive workplaces matter:  “I came into this street cleaning after not working for two years, because the last people I worked with — I couldn’t fully explain to them that I had a mental illness or that something was wrong — it was like they didn’t accept it. And it was really scary. One beneficial thing that I learned is that here, you can always talk to your staff member or talk to your boss about what’s going on, which really makes it a huge weight off my shoulders. It makes everything easier.” 

In the past year, local businesses helped create 161 employment opportunities for our clients, helping them work towards a brighter future. If you’re interested in finding out more about how your business can support TEP or Coast’s social enterprises, click here. And to donate, please click here.