Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference.

That was the sentiment at an end-of-summer program on a mental health unit located on the lower level of Providence Care Hospital in 2022.

With Lake Ontario visible from their outdoor courtyard, approximately 25 clients relaxed over a barbecue lunch while enjoying the waning summer sun.

Talking over a knotted T-shirt while carefully sprinkling it with dye, one-client smiled brightly talking about the tie-dye shirt he was making.

“This is the second time I’ve done this program,” the client says proudly as he spread his shirt on the grass to dry. “It’s nice to be able to express myself. It’s soothing.”

Held twice a year, this innovative program at Providence Care Hospital is creative expression with practical application; clients wear the short-sleeved shirts in the summer and long-sleeved shirts in the fall and winter. The shirts are supplied by the hospital and valued by clients on Heritage 0.

According to staff in Forensic Mental Health, leisure-based programs in the specialized unit include yoga, spiritual and art classes, and direct behavioural therapy (DBT).

Clearly enjoying the warm summer weather and activity, Recreation Therapist Brent Stevens is one of several organizers at the barbecue who help design programs in the unit that allow clients to keep the things they make. It is a good day for clients and staff.

“Staff put a lot of work into making this a nice event,” he says kindly.

Providence Care Hospital is proud of its innovative programs by staff. To learn more about our work, please visit www.providencecare.ca