Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What hours are you open?
A. 12pm-7pm, Monday to Thursday
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-7pm, 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 Colborne and Dundas Streets.
Q. How can I volunteer with Hope’s Garden?
A. There are many ways to get involved with Hope’s Garden. We hold Volunteer Orientations once a month where you can find out more information about this organization and how you can help. Click here for more information.
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. I am a teen who wants to join your Teen Support Group. Do I have to have permission from my parents to participate?
A. No, you can join the Teen Support Group without permission from your parents.
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 Pillars 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.