Dorchester House

Dorchester House is a community-based mental health program. It is aimed at assisting men involved in the Criminal Justice System who have been diagnosed with Severe and Persistent Mental Health Disorders (Axis-I) as well as other men who fall within Correctional Services of Canada’s Mental Health Initiative and the needs of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority. This 8 bed facility in the Corydon neighbourhood. To contact the Manager visit our Contact Page. A brochure designed to be shared with potential residents can be downloaded here.

Programming at Dorchester House is based on a Psycho Social Rehabilitation model and emphasizes Relapse Prevention principles. The multi-disciplinary treatment team includes a Program Manager, a Case Manager, permanent and casual Community Reintegration Facilitators, consulting Psychiatric Nurse and Psychiatrist, as well as multi-disciplinary teams through external agencies and community partners such as Correctional Service of Canada, Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, Forensic Psychological Services and Provincial Alternative Support Services.

A 10 bed facility in a quiet, residential neighbourhood.
The kitchen is a hub of community: coffee is always on.
Residents assist in meal preparation and eat together in the dining room.
A large lounge area for TV and using the telephone.
Residents can make the bedroom space their own.
A small lounge room allows for quiet conversation.
Exercise equipment in the lower level encourages residents to be active.
Residents set up and keep schedules for appointments with the aid of staff.
Staff office in the House: commitment to the well being of the resident's is foremost.
Well maintained grounds provide a place for summer recreation.
Summer activities like BBQs and gardening.

Programs include (more detail below):

Individualized Case Management
Outreach Services and Support
Life Skills Development
Spiritual Development
Weekly House Group/Relapse Prevention
Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)

Programs

Individualized Case Management

Dorchester’s Case Manager works individually with each resident to review previous correctional and/or treatment plans, identify areas of need and create goals for future success. Progress reports are written monthly and shared with the individual and his support team in order to demonstrate his growth and development.

Outreach Services and Support

Dorchester’s Case Manager focuses on supporting each resident as a whole person, making efforts to address a wide variety of areas. This includes, but is not limited to: connecting residents to community resources, educational opportunities, employment support and services, religious/cultural activities, recreational activities, assistance with medical needs, budgeting, and so on.

Life Skills Development

Dorchester House expects all residents to share the workload of keeping their home running smoothly and looking presentable. Each resident is expected to cook and clean just as they would if they were in their own personal home as well as to manage their personal business. Residential staff are present to teach and assist with these life skills where necessary. Residential staff assist and support residents to attain identification, open a bank account, understand the importance of medication and symptom management. All staff also focus on modeling appropriate behavior and recognizing teachable moments as they arise, for example: anger management, appropriate boundaries, coping with anxiety, stress management, and resolving family issues.

Spiritual Development

Dorchester House encourages residents to develop their spiritual self, irrespective of the particular form of spirituality. Examples of spiritual development include: accessing Elders, smudging (in designated areas of the home), participating in Traditional ceremonies and cultural events, exploring churches in the community, meeting with positive supports, praying and reading positive materials. Residents are encouraged to explore a variety of spiritual practices to determine what suits their needs.

Weekly House Group/Relapse Prevention

Dorchester House runs a Weekly House Group with the focus on Relapse Prevention. Topics are chosen which are particularly relevant to current resident’s areas of need and may include: Relapse Prevention, Self-Awareness, Values Clarification, Mindfulness, Dual Recovery, Community Based Seminars/Workshops, in addition to others.

Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA)

Dorchester House encourages individuals who experience a dual disorder to attend DRA weekly and provide transportation to this community based meeting where possible. DRA is an independent, non-profit, non-professional self-help organization established to help men and women affected by both chemical dependency and psychiatric illness. The purpose of DRA is to help one another achieve dual recovery and to prevent relapse. It is based on the principles of the twelve steps as well as the personal experiences of men and women in dual recovery.