Swan River HERO Club Celebrates 30 Years of Community Support

The Swan River HERO Club marked its 30th anniversary on July 17, 2023, celebrating three decades of fostering community, education, and support for individuals living with mental health challenges. The club, which stands for “Helping Everyone Reach Out,” was established in the wake of the Brandon Mental Health Centre’s closure in the early 1990s, providing a vital gathering space for former residents facing uncertainty and isolation.

A Model for Community Connection

Since its inception in 1995, the HERO Club has evolved into a model that has inspired similar initiatives in Dauphin, Roblin, and Russell-Binscarth. “It’s their club,” said Dorleen Sagert, a Community Mental Health Worker with Prairie Mountain Health. “We help guide, but the members make the decisions, plan the activities, and run the programs.” This structure empowers members to take ownership of their experiences and fosters a sense of belonging.

Operating five days a week, the HERO Club serves approximately 15 members who pay a nominal annual fee of $3. This fee grants them access to various resources, including a hot lunch program, canteen, and a community garden, all of which are managed with active member participation. These initiatives teach essential skills such as money management, cooking, and daily living.

Vocational Opportunities and Community Engagement

Vocational training plays a significant role in the club’s offerings. During the summer months, members participate in a lawn care program, while in winter, they take on snow shoveling contracts, providing them with both income and valuable work experience. Each HERO Club also boasts unique initiatives; for instance, the Dauphin location operates a popular hot dog cart.

Health and wellness education is another cornerstone of the HERO Club experience. Members benefit from guest speakers, including dietitians, pharmacists, and addiction specialists, who provide practical information on maintaining well-being. Additionally, members enjoy outings to local attractions such as lakes, movies, and museums, which often culminate in larger gatherings with other HERO Clubs. These “Four Club Events”—including Christmas parties, spring kickoffs, and summer picnics—offer opportunities to connect with peers from different communities.

The impact of the HERO Club is profound for many members. For example, a woman in her sixties, an original member, proudly shares that she has not been hospitalized in a psychiatric ward since joining the club 25 years ago. “That means her mental health has been stable for 25 years, which is huge,” Sagert noted. “Keeping people out of hospital is one of our biggest goals, and programs like this really help make that possible.”

Currently, the HERO Club is funded in part by Prairie Mountain Health, which covers staffing and facility costs. Following a period of reduced hours, the club is now fully staffed once again, much to the delight of its members. “It’s a place, a purpose, and a family,” Sagert emphasized. “For people who might otherwise feel isolated, the HERO Club shows what’s possible when community steps up to support one another.”

The ongoing success of the HERO Club illustrates the importance of community-driven initiatives in enhancing the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. As it celebrates this significant milestone, the club remains committed to its mission of fostering connection and providing essential resources for its members.