We are fortunate to have the strong support of many people from all walks of life, including health care professionals, business leaders, people who have mental illness in their family and other community members.

I am writing in support of the Cottage Farm concept and plans. I, too, agree that meaningful activity and engagement in life is so fundamental to every one of us. As a registered nurse working in an acute psychiatry inpatient setting, there is only so much that an inpatient treatment stay can offer our chronically and persistently mentally ill patients. Due to staffing limitations, physical space restrictions, and financial constraints I believe we actually limit our patients’ abilities to develop their full capacities. This is especially true when the patient is waiting for a decent and safe place to live.

The concept of Cottage Farm, where individuals can learn to reclaim themselves as “persons” rather than “patients” is very appealing to me both therapeutically and humanistically. Living in a safe environment, as you know, is so essential. As is the ability to engage in activities that encourage new learning, develop skills, cultivate a sense of purpose, and fun. I only wish I could be able to discharge some of our patients to such a place! You can definitely count me in as a supporter of Cottage Farm.

Alice Chan, RN, MS (N), CPMHN(C)
Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health, St. Paul’s Hospital, Providence Health Care Adjunct Professor, University of British Columbia, School of Nursing

The Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce supports the vision of Cottage Therapeutic Community. Cottage Farm is a desperately needed facility whose concept is ideally suited to a safe and rural environment like Bowen Island. And we are fortunate to have the kind of community that I am convinced will not only accept but embrace the Cottage Farm concept.

Not only would Cottage Farm answer a need that extends far past our shores but it have a significant and positive economic impact on the island as we continue to develop a sustainable on-island economy.

The Chamber is committed to assisting where we can to ensure a place for Cottage Farm on Bowen Island.

Tim Rhodes, President
Bowen Island Chamber of Commerce

I strongly support the development of Cottage Farm. Although considerable lip service is paid to the principles of the recovery model and client-centered care, there is a virtual absence of programs that are truly guided by these principles. A therapeutic community of this nature will help to fill the void in ideal care for individuals with severe mental illness.

Laura Hanson, Ph.D., R.Psych.
Consulting Clinical Psychologist

I wanted to express my strong support for the concept of a therapeutic community in a farm setting for individuals with severe mental illness. As a Psychiatrist working with the severely mentally ill in downtown Vancouver, I have often wished for long-term therapeutic options for mentally ill people, and have tried with little success to locate adequate housing for people leaving hospital after an illness episode. It would be ideal to have an option of housing outside the Downtown Eastside, where persons with mental illness could have practical occupational rehabilitation and evidence-based treatments in a kind and supportive setting.

Megan Sherwood, MD, FRCPC
Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry, University of British Columbia

At their Special Council Meeting held October 1, 2008, Bowen Island Municipality Council passed the following Resolution (RES. #08-195).

It was moved and seconded that Council endorse the concept for the proposed Cottage Farm Centre for Mental Health project.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Bowen Island Municipality
Kathy Lalonde, Corporate Office