New drop-in program in Waterloo Wellington supports substance use recovery

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Waterloo Wellington has introduced a new drop-in program for individuals seeking support for substance use and wellness. This program comes as the CMHA prepares to close its consumption and treatment services site at the end of March. Tonya Evans, a peer navigator for CMHA, explained that the program is designed to help both those in recovery and those who are still using substances. Evans emphasized that the initiative creates a space for people to come together. “It’s just a real open format where we just connect as humans,” she said. The current safe consumption site is one of nine in Ontario facing closure. The new drop-in program will meet every Tuesday evening and offers an alternative to traditional 12-step programs. Participants can share their experiences and goals in a supportive environment. Evans, who has faced her own struggles with substance use, believes her experiences can help others. She has learned what approaches work and hopes to support positive changes. Looking ahead, Evans is optimistic about partnering with community organizations to grow the program further.