It’s an event organizers admit will involve some tough conversations.
The Art of Recovery is a presentation of Somerset Recovery, a Canadian non-profit organization supporting mental health, recovery and the arts.
It was founded by Canadian singer/songwriter Michelle Titian who is also a mental health advocate and recovery coach.
Program director Sarah Patriquin (pictured below) explains what the evening will entail.
The goal, adds Patriquin is to “get the conversation going about mental health, because we are trying to kill the stigma around mental health and addiction.”
And Patriquin has travelled that path.
“I got involved with Somerset about two years ago. I am a recovering addict/alcoholic.
“During the pandemic, things got a little bit crazy and Women of Recovery is a group on Facebook that Michelle (Titian)started and she offered weekend retreats.
“And the first one I went to was 12-step based with Indigenous elements throughout the weekend and a lot of time with fellow women who have the same struggle as me.
“It changed my recovery and it changed my life. It got me back on track as to the zest for life.”
She offers more details on the community mental health panel.
Patriquin talked to myFM about the initial event last October dealing with the stigma associated with mental health.
She assures the evening will be empowering.
Everyone struggles at some point in their live, notes Patriquin, but the takeaway is you are not alone.
The event – which begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday at St. Thomas Public Art Centre, 301 Talbot Street in St. Thomas – is open to everyone with free admission, however, you are asked to register at http://somersetrecovery.com
