Fall Newsletter 2023
What a Summer!
We hope you were able to soak up some rays and get outside to re-create and connect with self and others this Summer.
We’ve been busy at Tantalus Wellspring, with a few exciting programs and events to share.
The Empowerment and Choice program:
In April 2023, Tantalus Wellspring received a grant from the Telus Friendly Futures Foundation to assist youth, along with their families or caregivers, to access counselling (either individually or as a family), provided by the therapist of their choosing. With this amazing pilot funding, TWS launched the “Empowerment and Choice” initiative to provide subsidized counselling services in the Sea to Sky region. We have built relationships with several incredible therapists who have been enthusiastic and engaged partners in the success of this program. We used our networks in schools, community centres, and local therapists to spread the news on this project, and demand was greater than ever expected. This pilot funding allowed 12 youth in Squamish to receive subsidized counselling and demonstrated the great need for a program like this in our community.
With additional generous funding provided by 100 Women Who Care Squamish, as well as from the Squamish Community Foundation, we have now funded counselling for 22 youth in Squamish and will continue to process intakes as the new school season starts.
Be on the lookout for future fundraising campaigns to allow us to continue the important work of getting youth access to the mental health supports they need.
The Paddling event at Squamish Howe Sound:
Tantalus Wellspring was invited to participate in a magical SUP event and was lucky enough to be the recipient of fundraising efforts on September 10. RiseHwy99 collaborated with All-Acess-Adventures and the Squamish Paddling Club to offer a community paddling event, with gear, guided paddle and BBQ offered at very low-cost (sliding-scale rates removing barriers).
Well over 30 people gathered at the Paddling Club, where we were led through a beautiful mindfulness activity with Jody Radke before setting off to paddle. Stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, canoes and other water vessels were launched from the Paddling Club.
We meandered our way into Howe Sound, and explored the entrance to the Estuary and the west wall areas of the Sound. The seals were very visible and actively fishing, with fish spawning and jumping, and water sparkling in the sun. It was wonderful!
It was great to connect and paddle along with some incredible people, and we left feeling inspired and hearts full. A special thanks to Lynn (RiseHwy99), Sarah (All Access Adventures), and Jenn (Squamish Paddling Club) for that beautiful experience.
The proceeds from their generous donation will be going toward another Fall/Winter program offering. Back by popular demand, Tantalus Wellspring is pleased to offer the Collaboration Project again this Fall.
The Collaboration Project:
An initiative that will help community members access recreational activities that contribute to mental and physical wellness. We have partnerships with local service providers and businesses to reduce financial barriers that may limit people’s ability to participate in activities that are not only fun and interactive but contribute to wellness.
We will be offering this Program again this Fall and Winter, in the hopes of keeping people active all Winter and “shoulder season”.
The goal: To provide easier access for people to exercise and recreate this Winter, despite challenges such as cost, confidence, gear, and weather/ restrictive daylight hours.
We believe that sport, recreation, and movement are major factor in mental wellness and connectivity to nature, to self and to others.
Last Winter, this program was well-utilized, and we are hoping to expand our collaboration and partnerships for even more variety of offerings this year.
TWS currently has partnerships with Shala Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Ground UP Climbing Gym, Sacred Light Yoga, Return to Balance and Brennan Park.
Through these partnerships, people can access yoga, climbing and other recreational activities at a reduced cost. Each partner is able to provide support in different ways so please visit our website for full details.
If you are a provider of fitness, yoga or other services that contribute to mental and physical well-being and want to become part of The Collaboration Project, please contact info@tantaluswellspring.ca