WHAT IS CONNECTIONS OXFORD?

Connections Oxford is a project of Oxford Self Help Network in cooperation with Regional Mental Health Care-London. This new program is made possible with Ontario Trillium Foundation funding.

The goal of Connections Oxford is to connect hospitalized consumers with consumer/survivor volunteers. This creates a social connection when the consumer is back in their community.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Help Others While Helping Yourself

Step 1: Identify yourself as a Mental Health Consumer/Survivor; this is any person who feels that he or she has had to experience any type of mental health challenge.

Step 2: Apply to attend a free training session which is approximately two hours per week for five weeks.

Step 3: If interested, apply to become a "Leisure Buddy" volunteer.

Step 4: Once accepted as a "Leisure Buddy," the coordinator attempts to find a "match." A "match" is the pairing of a volunteer "Leisure Buddy" and a Mental Health Consumer who have some features in common.

Step 5: Enjoy the rewards. Tese include decreased loneliness and isolation and increased opportunity to have fun. Everyone is helped!

Note: Any Mental Health Consumer whishing to have peer support may apply to be matched with a "Leisure Buddy."

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

There is no exchange of personal information such as phone numbers or addresses. All contacts and meetings are arranged through the coordinator.

A vehicle is not required (transportation provided as Ontario Trillium funding permits).

Weekly 1 hour visits occur in public areas.

554 Princess St.
Woodstock, Ontario
N4S 4H1
(519) 421-2980
1-877-464-3571
E-mail: oshn@on.aibn.com
www.ocl.net/projects/selfhelp/