As an anglophone, it can sometimes be difficult and intimidating to ask for help when experiencing a mental health episode in Quebec.
Health care services in the province are majority French, which can be challenging for anglophones seeking support. L’Éveil is a non-profit community organization in Cowansville that offers bilingual services in the field of mental health.
The name “L’Éveil” loosely translates to “Awakening” in English, which reflects the organisations mission statement:
“Our mission is to help adults (18 - 65 years of age) living or having lived with serious mental health problems (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, etc.),” the L’Éveil website states.
L’Éveil offers services such as support groups (but group meetings are suspended during the pandemic), accompaniment to the doctor or legal proceedings, assistance in finding housing, setting up a budget, finding work or volunteering opportunities, among many others. One of the largest goals of the organization is education.
“We spend a lot of time in schools…for our whole prevention mission we want to reach out to everyone in society. We even go to elementary schools,” said Tim Wisdom, director general of L’ Éveil.
The goal is to demystify mental health. Currently, most services are being supported virtually through Zoom, Facebook, or over the phone.
“We support recovery. We work with the strengths of people,” said Wisdom.
If you need help and live in Brome-Missisquoi please reach out to Tim Wisdom and his team:
tw@eveilcowansville.com
https://www.facebook.com/eveilbromemissisquoi
Or by phone at: 450-263-6240