On August 8th, we organized a bike trip along the seawall in Stanley Park for our clients, followed by a relaxing stop at Third Beach for lunch and games. Seven staff members from various departments we on hand to provide support to the youth. Our own Dan’s Diner provided us with a selection of delicious foods and refreshments, ensuring we were all well-fed and energized throughout the day.
Many of our clients lack access to recreational opportunities like bike riding and attending gyms which is why we created our Fitness and Recreation Program. The purpose of this program, and our Stanley Park ride, was to offer a secure and inclusive environment for our youth to participate in physical activity, socialize with peers, and cultivate healthy habits, which are essential for their holistic development and stress relief.
As our Program Director Tom Littlewood emphasizes, physical activity can be profoundly therapeutic, particularly for those who have experienced trauma.
“Dr. Levine teaches that our flight, fight or freeze reaction to trauma was originally meant to give us the best protection against predators. Most trauma is perpetrated on children is by other humans, who can’t run or fight – so they freeze. Locking up the trauma within our bodies (along with disassociation) is an attempt to protect ourselves, but this trauma can be released through exercise which can be very therapeutic but scary when it actually happens, which is why we ensure staff are on hand to assist the youth. Our Fitness Program is designed to help unlock this trauma in a constructive way.”
Exercise is essential for burning off the cortisol levels that build up over time from the stress our clients experience dealing with their childhood trauma. Giving them a place to go twice a week that is safe, warm and dry, allows them to hang out and relax. A youth that spends twenty minutes in the gym, does a few laps, sits in the hot tub, and finishes with a sauna before a hot shower often finds their anxiety and stress levels significantly reduced by the end.
If you or someone you know would benefit from our fitness program, counselling, or any of our wrap-around services, please let them know that they can self refer here.
