Along with psychiatric disorders and illness oftentimes comes social anxiety and isolation making it increasingly difficult for afflicted persons to work, socialize, and/or cope with day-to-day life. For those at the stage in their recovery where they are capable of working, residual difficulties to intermingle with others often comes into play. The beauty of working for a company like Fresh Start whereby all employees are dealing with a mental health issue is the way company employees offer a peer supported environment that is not forced but rather comes naturally through shared experience and with compassion. Without the necessity to disclose about medical and life circumstance any more than each worker chooses; the non-judgmental atmosphere helps employees feel like they are a part of a family environment where they have room to share about themselves if they choose in contrast with many other more mainstream workplaces where the need to hide their personal struggles is much more commonplace.
Throughout the year, Fresh Start offers a variety of opportunities for employees to eat, lounge, and interact. From free outings visiting city attractions to attending dinners at the Mandarin buffet, good entertainment is rarely far away. Further to this, the company offers a second floor at the office complete with computers, video and arcade games, and a wide screen television to keep employees entertained. Apple picking is an employee favourite excursion, as is the yearly fun-filled festivities enjoyed at Fresh Start’s Annual General Meeting each year.
Community spirit is what Fresh Start is about when it comes to easing the lives of those faced with mental health challenges and the socio-economical difficulties connected with it.