“My Shack” offering new workshops in Lennoxville

The "My Shack, my choices, my future," project, which is currently building a bilingual living environment in Lennoxville for English and French speaking youth of the Eastern Townships who live with mental health issues, is getting off to an early start by hosting a series of workshops in the community.

Aimed at individuals 18-35 who are living with a mental health problem, but open to everyone, the workshops include walking group, a yoga course, and a group cooking class. All activities will be held on Tuesdays or Thursdays starting at 1 p.m.

“Come alone to meet new people, come with a friend or family member,” the flyer for the activities states, putting an emphasis on the activities as a way of building positive new relationships.

Josée Parent, Founder and President of the project, said that the workshops are similar to the sort of programming that will be offered through “My Shack” once their building is finished. The programming was able to get off to an early start, however, thanks to the support of the Hope Community Church, who offered the use of their building.

Parent explained that although it might seem odd, the early afternoon timing is meant to make the events more convenient to the target audience.

“Most young people living with mental health problems do not work,” the founder said. She added that the timing is not set in stone, however, and that she is open to adjusting the schedule according to the needs of the people who come out to participate.

Construction of the eventual home for the project is visible on College Street near the Oxford Crescent, and an update on the timeline and progress of the work is expected in early December. Anyone interested in finding out more about the workshops and the work of the “My Shack” project is encouraged to call 819821-0515 or email direction@monshack.ca