SERRE ESSER AEDES 80 TREE OEM PE ae PRR FETT ESS ERC RTE ET ER NEWS photo Mike Wakefield LEIGH THOMPSON (left) of Cafe Canora and Bonnie Berdahi teamed up and baked a cake to mark the recent open house of North Vancouver's Canora Club. The club provides a supportive environment in which adults with mental if!ness can share daily experiences, develop basic work skilis and enjoy social, recre- ational and educational activities. RA TETNES LETS RES 8 PRR A RES URRIEE ab Local facility treats schizophrenics as ‘full partners’ in club functions, services SCHIZOPHRENICS have a special place to go on the North Shore: Canora Club. Located near Lions Gate Hospi- tal on East 13th Street, the facility helps integrate schizophrenics. manic-depressives and others into the community. And it also provides vocational and support programs for people suffering from schizophrenia. The mental illness causes people to experience uncontrolled or delusionary thoughts that affect their ability to function property in the community and develop social contacts. Schizophrenia is usually a chronic, long-term condition, but its most debilitating aspects can now be controlled through medication. The illness occurs in one per cent of the population. Scientists are unsure if schizophrenia is he- reditary, biological (lack of certain chemicals in the brain), or en- vironmental — or a combination of all three. Because medication controls any extreme, bizarre behavior and because there are various degrees of schizophrenia, a person suf- fering from the disease can appear outwardly normal. They might) seem = slightly withdrawn, passive, moody and depressed, but not overtly so. They might not pay too much at- {ention to personal appearance. They might be difficult to motivate and appear overwhelmed by the simplest task. And they might suddenly change the subject of a conversation and appear con- fused. On the whole they are people much like you and me — only their depressions are much more NOW $100°° OFF 1991 HE2 FTIR SAR Me RPO REM i! a Sale Ends Oct. 20/90 Can be seen on display and burn- ing at your local fireplace store. FOR MORE INFORMATION The New Unit Features: ® Larger viewing glass e Front and Back Burner ¢ Automatic Fan e Thermostat Available © 3 Colors to Choose From GAS EFFICIENT FIREPLACE INSERT AND FREE BROCHURE CALL: 644-2091 INSTA-FLAME The Leader in Gas Fireplace Technology By Mark Allan Contributing Writer 44 Because medication controis any extreme, bizarre behavior and because there are various degrees of schizophrenia, a person suffering from the disease can appear outwardly normal.99 acute than those of normal peo- ple. Canora Club does not provide psychistric care, but works on a club model. The people using Canora are not treated as mentally iil, but as full partners with the staff and volunteers in the running Verticals « pleated shades « venetians eee ce at wen of the house. They are also refer- red to as *‘members.”’ Largely funded by the provin- cial government through the North Shore Community Mental Health centre, Canora provides its members with such recreational programs as bowling, bingo, cards and swimming. Canora also provides such vocational programs as art thera- py, lunch services (where members can gain food service experience), clerical services and a maintenance program that gives members skills in house maintenance and upkeep. In addition, Canora is a place to socialize — where those feeling ostracized by the community can gain instant acceptance. Canora Club has taken on even more importance in our communi- ty given recent announcements by the provincial government in 1990. The government is phasing out institutions like Riverview, in favor of a more community-based mental health approach, where people with mental problems can be rehabilitated with more com- munity support and integration. Through Canora, members can take that all-important step toward a first job, or living on their own. For more information about Canora Club call 987-2111. “Opes. House Sat. Oct 4 90. Free coffee and doughnuis.at. our Squamish/Whistler store. A SHADE BETTER 1877 Marine Drive, North Vancouver 38943 Progress Way, Squamish , Parking in rear FAX: 984-4178 892-5857 984-4101