In the Volunteers in Partnership program I have found the opportunity to meet and get to know a wonderful person. Tanya has taken the time to open doors and has helped give me the strength and courage I need in a positive way to do things I never would have thought possible.
I have the support and understanding I need to carry on through the sometimes lonely world of being mentally ill. We have done a range of different things on outings from exploring the outdoors to computers and I realize with help that I am learning and able to do things I never would have though possible.
Our support for each other helps relieve the pressure of living in the city, the tensions of day to day life and the difficulties of living in a psychiatric boarding home. I think we give and take a little knowledge and learn from each other. And our difference in age, I am 44 and Tanya is 25, gives me a different outlook and insight into different aspects of life and generations without being misunderstood like so many people are. We have been meeting for 2 years and I have accomplished a lot with my partner’s help. I will always regard Tanya as a loyal volunteer and a good friend.
Stephen
Volunteer at CMHA Vancouver/Burnaby’s Volunteers in Partnership Program: matching volunteers with individuals who live with mental illness for social/recreational/cultural and leisure activities
- go back to the Success Stories page