Journeys of Hope

Author: Krystina Clarke

Each year, World Mental Health Day invites people around the world to pause, reflect, and take action in support of mental well-being. This year, Ontario Shores marked the occasion with an evening dedicated to care, connection, and community, celebrating those who give so much of themselves to support others.

On Thursday, October 2, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health hosted "Journeys of Hope” and brought together healthcare workers, staff, family caregivers, community members, and families of patients to recognize the vital role that mental health and caregiving play in building a compassionate society. 

The event was set against the beautiful backdrop of the Ontario Shores gardens, with the crashing waves of Lake Ontario and softly lit candles. Surrounding the venue were interactive booths, which offered guests an opportunity to connect and learn more about OS programs and initiatives.

The evening began with welcome speeches that emphasized gratitude and collective strength, followed by powerful performances from the Town Screechers and the Resound choir. Guests were invited to enjoy dinner, share stories, and visit a series of interactive exhibits showcasing innovative mental health projects and ongoing research at Ontario Shores.

Among these displays was the VR-SIM Carers Project, a collaborative initiative that caught the attention and curiosity of many attendees throughout the night.

VRSIM Project Booths

At this year’s event, our VR-SIM Carers Initiative was proud to be among the featured Ontario Shores initiatives highlighting the power of innovation in mental health care. The project is designed to support family caregivers of persons living with dementia (PLWD) through immersive, virtual-reality–based psychoeducational training that builds empathy, confidence, and coping skills.

Our booths featured 2 interactive stations that invited visitors to explore both the science and the heart behind caregiving. Guests were invited to leave messages of gratitude and hope for their fellow peer caregivers.   Throughout the evening, our encouragement wall quickly became a vibrant mosaic of compassion and solidarity. Some of the handwritten notes read:

“You’re making a difference”

“You are a hero”

“You are enough”

“You are appreciated”

You’ve got this”

“Thank you for doing your best”

“One day at a time! XO”

Each visitor also received a small thank you card with practical caregiving tips and wellness strategies - a simple gesture to honour the dedication of those who support loved ones living with dementia.

Guests were also invited to watch short demo videos of our current simulation scenarios and even try on a headset to experience what it feels like to step into the shoes of a caregiver. Participants expressed a mix of curiosity and emotions after the demonstration , noting how it offered new insight into the realities of caregiving and the empathy required in daily care interactions.

Initiatives like VR-SIM Carers reflect Ontario Shores’ ongoing commitment to integrating innovation, empathy, and education into every aspect of mental health care. Behind every patient is a caregiver whose emotional and physical well-being directly shapes recovery and resilience. Yet caregivers are often seen as the “invisible backbone” of the healthcare system, providing essential support while facing significant personal stress and isolation.

By combining virtual reality technology with evidence-based psychoeducation, the project aims to bridge the gap between research, technology, and lived experience. Demonstrations like this one remind us that advancing mental health care means not only developing new tools, but also deepening our understanding of the human stories that drive them.

As the evening drew to a close, candles glowed across the gardens and the message of World Mental Health Day resonated clearly: caring for those who care for others is one of the most powerful ways to build a healthier, more compassionate world.

The VR-SIM Carers Project continues to evolve, with new scenarios and partnerships on the horizon. Ontario Shores remains committed to supporting caregivers and advancing innovative mental health education, ensuring that empathy, technology, and community remain at the heart of every journey of hope.