Mental-health Supports Strengthen Community, Reduce Stigma

NEWS RELEASE | July 16, 2025

Connections Place Welcomes Minister of Health Josie Osborne

Celebrating Community, Recovery, and Support for Mental Health in Victoria

Victoria, B.C. — Connections Place was honoured to welcome Minister of Health, Josie Osborne, to its Clubhouse today for a special visit with members and staff. Minister Osborne joined the kitchen team to help prepare and serve lunch—sharing in the Clubhouse spirit of meaningful work, collaboration, and connection.

Over the past few years, Connections Place has received support from the Ministry of Health through year-end funding, which has helped stabilize operations and ensure continued service for individuals living with mental health challenges. “People struggling with their mental health need to know that when they reach out for help, they will be able to receive it in a welcoming, supportive environment,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “That’s why the work Connections Place does is so valuable. By providing peer support, reducing stigma around mental illness and promoting self reliance, they help people get the supports they need while fostering a safer, healthier community.”

This visit was an opportunity to celebrate that partnership, showcase the Clubhouse model in action, and engage in thoughtful dialogue about the future of recovery-oriented mental health supports in the region.

“We are deeply grateful for the Ministry’s support,” said Neelam Pahal, Executive Director of Connections Place. “It has allowed us to build stability, so we can do more than just survive. We can invest in our members, strengthen systems, and continue as a meaningful contributor to mental health care in the broader community.”

The Clubhouse model is an internationally accredited, evidence-based approach to mental health recovery. As a member-led space, Connections Place offers programming that reflects the real needs and strengths of its community, including employment and education support, housing assistance, meals, and social inclusion. “The point of coming in is to contribute and be part of a community,” said Michael, a Clubhouse Member. “To be needed. Everyone that comes here has unique skills and abilities. I don’t see people’s mental health issues here – I see what they’re good at.”

“Our goal is not just to grow for growth’s sake,” said Pahal. “We are focused on deepening our impact, on making sure that what we do continues to be meaningful, useful, and rooted in the values of recovery, inclusion, and purpose.”

Minister Osborne’s visit was a celebration of community, resilience, and the shared responsibility of building a more compassionate and effective mental health system. The team at Connections Place is excited to continue working alongside government, health system partners, and the broader community to ensure that recovery is not just possible but expected.

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For media inquiries, contact Neelam Pahal

[email protected]

250-857-1763