However, the economic changes of the past few decades have been accompanied by a significant shift in social policy away from institutions towards community living. The government closed many of its psychiatric hospital beds-a trend which continues. Today, most psychiatric survivors live most of their lives not in hospitals but in communities across the province. Service providers have become the primary source of human contact and warmth. But, consumers need the support from both professionals and the community.
Social contact is of prime importance for the well being of everyone including the mentally ill.
November 01, 2000.