Community News
Nature Coaching

Nature Coaching is an approach developed in connection with nature. Coaching sessions are carried out in the natural environment. This generates relaxation and enjoyment for the Coachee through sounds, scents, and visuals. Research shows that nature positively impacts our well-being. It helps you feel centered and aligned with your needs, values, objectives, and actions. It strengthens your decision-making skills and self-esteem. You feel more yourself and discover your uniqueness. The role of the Coach is to unite you with the natural elements around you, either created indoors or outdoors, to facilitate expanded awareness, observation, listening, and general connection to nature.

Celebrate Mental Health Week with Empathy

May 2-8, 2022 marks the 71st CMHA Mental Health Week and this year’s theme is all about empathy. The pandemic has had a significant effect on our mental well-being leading to reduced overall civility and respect at work. Empathy has now been touted as the most important skill we can have to support each other. Ways we can practice empathy to support ourselves and others are by listening to understand, not replying, only offering help if asked, and not putting a silver lining on things. For more organizational well-being resources visit.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

Chronic inflammation is an ongoing immune response to something your body believes is damaging your cells. This involves increased blood flow to the damaged area and the release of antibodies and proteins. Chronic inflammation can have a negative impact on your tissues and organs and has been linked to diseases like cancer and heart disease. Some of the possible causes of chronic inflammation include long-term exposure to toxins, untreated causes of acute inflammation like injury or infection, and autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Smoking, chronic stress, obesity, and alcohol use may also contribute to chronic inflammation.

Government Grant for Restrictions in Walking

With tax season upon us, it’s important to consider whether you are eligible for the disability credit. If you have had a prolonged disability due to a hip or knee condition or other medical conditions such as copd, diabetes, neuropathy, etc, that cause restrictions in walking or dressing, you may qualify for a $2,500 yearly credit, as well as a $20,000 Lump Sum Refund. We have assisted thousands of Canadians to get this credit and can help you get the money you deserve. For the most reliable service in Canada and the lowest fee, call Brett Scott 204-453-5372.

From Surviving to Thriving

Is your partner or adult child suffering from a substance abuse or mental health problem?
Learn about the recovery process, develop a plan for success, and retake control of your life. Our Family Program offers individual and couples counselling for friends and family of individuals suffering from substance abuse problems. Our Spring program begins on Monday evening, April, 25th, 2022. Spots are limited, register today! 204-956-6650 or [email protected].

Pay it Forward

Your help is vital to saving lives. Be a hero today. Donations of money or time can make a big difference to a small local charity like SRWC Wellness Centre. For over 25 years, SRWC has helped people from all walks of life find their personal recovery path. SRWC supports recovery and harm reduction for substance abuse, addictions, and other mental health issues. You can donate over the phone by calling Cindy at 204-956-6650 ext. 101 or mail a check or a money order to: St. Raphael Wellness Centre Inc. 2nd floor, 225 Vaughan Street Winnipeg, MB, R3C 1T7. Donations can also be completed online.

Mental Health & Plants

Plants reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plants have shown an increase in creativity, both in school and the workplace. They found plants brought a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety, a 58% reduction in depression and a 44% reduction in anger and hostility. Studies showed an improvement in preschooler’s memory, and cognitive function when participants walked in nature. Children with ADHD had better concentration after a walk in the park than after an urban neighborhood walk. Taking breaks to view or be in nature helps restore everyone’s attention.

Physical Health & Plants

The physical work of gardening, preparing soil, planting seeds, watering and weeding produces good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Garden work can also help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels keep inflammation down and manages carbohydrates and blood sugars. Being physically active through gardening provides lasting wellness benefits. Physical exercise – digging, hoeing and watering uses balance, muscles, and strength. While all physical activity is beneficial, your emotions benefit too!

Emotional Health & Plants

Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.

Who is SRWC?

SRWC is a unique, welcoming, recovery-oriented community, accompanying individuals, families and friends affected by substance abuse in their journey towards recovery. We offer, group individual, couples counselling, and family counselling and education programs during the day and evening, co-ed and gender specific programs and support for individuals and their families. The Access, program for those awaiting a program of their choice, Exploring Options participating in a recovery plan, gender specific Continuing Recovery Program, or our co-ed evening Work Sober Program focusing on recovery maintenance. We support your recovery by helping you find the services you need.

Meet Your Practitioner: Cheryl LeMay

Cheryl LeMay is a Social Worker/Therapist who has 21 years of experience helping clients with anxiety, depression, stress, addiction, and relationship issues. She earned her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba in 2006 and is a Registered Social Worker with the Manitoba College of Social Work. Cheryl uses a number of therapy approaches when working with clients, including cognitive behavioural therapy, strengths-based therapy, solution-focused therapy, client-centered therapy, and relaxation strategies. She helps clients explore their thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour and learn new coping skills for managing a variety of stress-related issues and mental health concerns.