The Province is renewing its commitment to Westminster House Society, which for nearly four decades has supported women and girls throughout the province living with addictions challenges on their pathway to healing and hope.

“I am so excited that we are able to support Westminster House so it can provide holistic care to people struggling with addiction. We know that so many people are dealing with addictions challenges across the province right now, and they need access to services when they need it,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “This commitment ensures that when women and girls reach out for help, Westminster House Society will be there to help them on their healing journey.”

Westminster House Society is a long-term residential recovery centre based in New Westminster tailored specifically for women with addictions. The society will receive $45,000 to fund crucial services for its wellness program. The program takes a holistic and progressive approach that includes meditation, Zumba, acupuncture, yoga and cultural exploration.

The program works to help women by teaching coping strategies for stress and fostering healthy habits, creating a desire for recovery and re-establishing feelings of hope and happiness.

“Wellness is an important component for women to build recovery capital so that women can have long-term sustainable recovery,” said Susan Hogarth, executive director, Westminster House Society. “People with substance-use disorder can recover from addiction with the right supports, and thanks to the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, we have been able to continue to provide the wellness program to our residents.”

Expanding access to addictions treatment and supports is an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for making mental health and addictions care better for people in British Columbia. Implementing A Pathway to Hope is a shared priority with the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

Quote:

Kayla, who is six months sober and an alumna of Westminster House Society’s program –

“Wellness and physical activities helped me to feel better about myself and give me self-confidence. I especially enjoyed the fitness class because it gave us unity.”

Learn More:

A Pathway to Hope:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/initiatives-plans-strategies/mental-health-and-addictions-strategy/bcmentalhealthroadmap_2019web-5.pdf

Westminster House Society: https://www.westminsterhouse.ca/