October 7, 2019

The Pottle Centre is pleased to announce that we are kicking off our 40-year Anniversary by partnering with Tada Events, with the 2019 presentation of “Our Divas Do Christmas”.

The Vision of the Pottle Centre is this: “Supporting and empowering members in a safe and accepting environment through purposeful activity, meaningful relationships and inclusion.” The Pottle Centre began in 1980 and is named for one of its founding members, Dr. Clarence Pottle who was a brilliant Psychiatrist. We offer free activities and services to our members as most of them are on a very limited and fixed income. Each day, activities are planned that promote socialization in a safe and warm environment that is free from alcohol, drugs, and violence. The people who attend the Pottle Centre have complex mental health issues and are often quite vulnerable. Our members live with Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Schizophrenia and Addictions to name but a few. The Pottle Centre provides service to a vulnerable population who struggle with everyday living and may be limited in financial, food security, social, emotional, and other supports and resources. We believe that everyone deserves to have hope for a better future and hope for a healthy, happy life. Members come to the Pottle Centre for a sense of community most of us take for granted: to relax, play games, exercise during our fitness program, meet with our drop-in nurse, and just come in from the cold.  As stated by one member:

“It keeps me healthy. I can be (with) friends. It gets me out into the community and helps me to stay positive”

As an organization, we are working diligently to break down the barrier of stigma, and to support those suffering from mood disorders and mental health issues. Often, people who are interested in joining the Centre, find out about us through word of mouth and from health professionals with whom they interact. The Funds raised through this partnership will be used to further the programs and services of the Pottle Centre that will support and enhance the lives of our members who are residents of our city.

Yours truly,

Leanne Lewis,
Executive Director of the Pottle Centre