Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What hours are you open?
A. 12PM-6:30PM, Monday to Thursday
Q. If I arrive after 5 PM and the main door is locked, what do I do?
A. An intercom system is located to the left of the main door. If you find that the main door is locked, press the intercom button and a volunteer will come down to let you in.
Q. Are you located near major bus routes?
A. We are located directly on Route #1 – Kipps/Thompson and are within 500 metres of 10 other major bus routes.
Q. Do you provide individual counselling at Hope’s Garden?
A. No, Hope’s Garden’s services are all non-treatment. If you are looking for treatment, we do have a referral directory listing all of the treatment resources in the area that can help you. Hope’s Garden offers support in a group setting.
Q. Is there any cost to participate in your programs or use your centre?
A. No. All of the programs and services offered by Hope’s Garden are free of charge. We are a charitable organization.
Q. If I need someone to talk to, do I need to make an appointment?
A. No, we offer drop in hours 12PM-6:30PM, Monday to Thursday. We have volunteers available to answer your questions over the phone or in person.
Q. Where can I park at Hope’s Garden?
A. Parking meters are available on Waterloo St in front of the facility. Parking in the rear of the building is only available after 5:30PM.
Q. Is your facility wheel chair accessible?
A. At present, our facility is not wheelchair accessible. We are located on the 3rd floor at 478 Waterloo St. - HOPE is only 37 stairs away!
Q. How can I volunteer with Hope’s Garden?
A. Interviews are held regulary for Reception and Speaker’s Bureau positions. We also have opportunities on our fund development team. Click here for more information on how to get involved.
Q. Do I have to sign up in advance for support groups?
A. The Ongoing Support Groups do not require registration – they run year-round and you can drop in any week. 8-Week Groups and Workshops do require advanced registration.
Q. Is there a teen support group and, if so, do I have to have permission from my parents to participate?
A. Unfortunately, due to poor attendance, the weekly drop-in teen group was cancelled some time ago. Currently we offer various 8 week groups throughout the year that are open to those 14 and older. In September 2010, plans include a monthly teen workshop. Please click here for more programming information
Q. I have a family member/friend who has an eating disorder. Can I get help from Hope’s Garden?
A. Yes, we offer a support group called Family and Friends for family members and friends of someone with an eating disorder. You might also wish to visit our library to learn more.
Q. Do any men join your groups?
A. Yes! Men do participate in our groups and use our centre regularly. We would like to start a support group specifically for males dealing with disordered eating. If you are interested, please contact us to join the waiting list.
Q. What is the difference between treatment and support?
A. Hope’s Garden is not a treatment facility and thus is non-clinical in nature. The following describes our view on what differentiates support groups from treatment groups.
Treatment Groups are clinical in nature to the extent that:
- The facilitator holds more responsibility for the welfare of individual group members and the nature and outcome of the group.
- Participants can expect help in gaining insight into the causes of their own problems and patterns of communication between group members.
- The focus is more on meeting individual needs and detailed personal exploration within the context of the group.
- Confidentiality is sacred and information obtained about group members stays within the group.
Support Groups are non-clinical in nature to the extent that:
- The individual participant is responsible for welfare of self. If the group is overwhelming, it is the individual’s responsibility to seek outside treatment.
- Participants can expect information, coping strategies and peer support.
- The focus is more on meeting the general needs of the group around a theme.
- Confidentiality is sacred and information obtained about group members stays within the group.
Support groups at Hope’s Garden are offered as an adjunct to treatment. They complement or supplement existing outpatient and hospital-based programs to the extend that they can encourage treatment where needed and serve as a place where gains made in treatment can be consolidated and maintained through providing peer support and information.