Pathways | Supported Education Program - For Adults with Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Issues

Supported Education Program - For Adults with Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Issues

Addictions / Substance Use, Education, Financial, and Mental Health - Adult

Provided by Island Community Mental Health Association (ICMHA)

Works with adults (19+) interested in increasing their formal education, whether that means completing a GED, taking a few courses, or completing a university degree. Support is individualized, and moves at the pace chosen by the client.

The Supported Education Program works with adults (19 and over) experiencing mental illness and/or substance use issues who want to pursue education. Support is individualized and moves at the pace chosen by the client. Educational bursaries available.

Goals are to:

Support individuals to successfully pursue their educational goals.
Reduce the effect that mental illness or a substance use issue has on finding and staying in the program/course the individual wants.

The program provides Psychosocial Rehabilitation (or PSR) services designed to promote personal recovery, successful community integration, and maintenance of a satisfactory quality of life. PSR focuses on helping individuals develop skills, access resources, and improve their quality of life by building on their strengths. Individuals set their own goals and choose how to achieve them, with or without support from staff.

Services Provided:

Clients work collaboratively with Education Coaches, developing approaches to finding and staying in programs/courses that work.
One-on-one assistance for education seekers in meeting their employment goals and continual support once the desired program/course has been obtained.
Work with individuals and educators to develop accommodations if necessary.
Support to build strengths and skills required to be successful in finding and staying in the desired program/course.
Education coaches are experienced in all aspects of the education process and can assist you with the application process, finding the right program or course and problem-solving.
Education Support
Education Coaches work with clients to improve learning skills. This can happen on campus, in ICMH offices (on Skinner Street), or even in a coffee shop if there is a private space to talk.
Some people meet with a coach just once for some information, while others receive support throughout the time they are in education.
Coaches can help to problem solve with clients about their mental illness and its impact in the classroom, connect them with disability services and find solutions or accommodations that will allow them to be successful.
Support is ongoing until it’s no longer required, with no time limits.
Education Coaches offer practical support to ensure clients achieve their goals.
Offer advice on navigating the educational system, from grants and bursaries, exploring courses, finding their way around the campus and connecting them to the resources they need to be successful.