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A Gathering Place (AGP)

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Program Overview

A Gathering Place (AGP) is a member-driven, peer support mental health clubhouse operated by the STEPS Society of Red Deer.

The Mission of AGP is to provide a social and safe environment where people living with mental illness can engage with peers in activities that promote wellness. AGP operates within the guidelines of the Clubhouse International model; through its activity-focused programming, and the Work Ordered Day, AGP strives to promote a feeling of dignity and respect in the members, as well as working with them to improve their quality of life. Goals of AGP include:

  • Promoting the wellness of members in a fun and creative atmosphere
  • Fostering a relaxing environment where members are free to socialize and participate in recreational activities of their choice
  • Creating a community that supports individuals living with mental health concerns work towards their full potential
How We Work Contact Us
Promotes positive connections for members
Advocacy and referral
Offers supports and connections to community and government resources

What to Expect

  • Opportunities to connect with others living with mental health concerns
  • Contribute to the operation of the Clubhouse
  • Provide input and feedback to Clubhouse operation and activities
  • Build personal and pre-employment skills
  • Opportunity to take part in events and presentations

Who is this program for?

Adults 18 years and older who are living with a mental illness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be at the Clubhouse every day to keep my membership active?

Members have a choice regarding how to access the AGP program based on their preferences and availability. All members are always welcome, wanted, needed, and encouraged, but they are free to choose how and when to use the program.

Tell me more about AGP?

A Gathering Place Clubhouse is organized to support adults living with a mental illness. The AGP Clubhouse provides members with the opportunity to thrive in a friendly, supportive, and safe environment, with a focus on helping members build life skills, promoting community inclusion, and friendship through work-ordered day programs and group activities. AGP’s Clubhouse is a member-centered program that relies on the active participation of members to complete daily tasks. This concept emphasizes the crucial roles played by members in the program.

Who can join AGP – how do I become a member?

We welcome all people with a history of mental illness to join our membership program (free). Contact with AGP can be made via an agency or self-referral. After an in-person interview, a temporary membership (7 visits) is granted and a permanent membership is issued upon successful completion of the 7 visit trial period. All members agree to and support the shared ownership and shared responsibility for AGP’s success. Our members’ talents, skills, and creative ideas are valued and encouraged.

In the autumn of 2019 I happened to discover the AGP clubhouse downtown in Red Deer. The first things I realised were that everyone accepted each other and there was no atmosphere of judgement. It was the perfect place to drop in to say Hi, and meet new friends. Even now as we await re-opening, it’s nice to chat on the phone and I look forward to enjoying the new location.
Chuck (Red Deer)
AGP has become like a family to me. They have always been supportive. A place to go when I needed someone to talk to, or just stop in for a coffee & a few laughs. They understand me, never judgemental. They always take the time to talk whenever I have a problem. I love and trust the staff.
Audrey (Red Deer)
We visited the clubhouses in Edmonton Ponoka and red deer that was back in 2013. It was only until I met someone in my building who also suffered from mental illness told me how great AGP was, so we walked there together. I really enjoyed the environment when at AGP. I was much different then, more reserved than now, the staff, the members and the volunteers is what makes this place special. I have found a confidence boost in how many people love and support me at agp. It's a great place before and now even better as we are working towards coping skills and activities. This is a very good move, I invite any curious mind who suffers from mental health illness to come give us all at AGP a chance. Hope to see many new faces :D
Lindsay (Red Deer)
AGP gives me structure like someone’s work or school gives them structure. The staff are very helpful. The chores keep me busy and keep me going. I like to help people. During the lockdown I reached out to staff when I needed help and someone to talk to and they were helpful.
Raymon

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