The Secret Handshake • by Sofia Ariza 1

Hamilton Arts & Letters   PLAY AUDIO VERSION: voice of Ally Fleming  Canada’s first and only clubhouse for people living with schizophrenia, The Secret Handshake, opened its doors to the public in 2004. Founded by politician and mental health activist Jordan Stone and writer bill bissett, the organization has served as a safe haven for people living with schizophrenia and acts as an essential link to the local community. The clubhouse at 170 A Baldwin Street serves not only as a secure space for its members to receive support but also engages the local community in conversations around mental health. Some of the activities open to everyone in the community include gala poetry readings, dance and music performances, art shows, and, of course, group counselling, which bissett claims is instrumental in decreasing hospital readmission rates for people diagnosed with schizophrenia.  [  >>>>>  FORWARD ]   + [Distillate © HA&L + Sofia Ariza {from the Greek bios} -- the course of a life.]