At Royal University Hospital, we understand that healing involves more than just physical recovery—it also requires tending to the emotional and mental well-being of every patient. Recognizing this, we continue to explore wellness-focused therapies that uplift the spirit and calm the mind. Through initiatives like Adventures to Wellness and our hospital-based Yoga Program, we are creating thoughtful, evidence-informed opportunities for patients to reconnect with themselves and the world around them. These programs offer more than an escape from hospital routines—they are an invitation to rediscover resilience, restore balance, and reimagine the healing journey.
Adventures to Wellness: Building Confidence, Connection, and Bravery
Through mental health programs supported by Royal University Hospital Foundation—young adults struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and isolation are discovering confidence, community, and a sense of belonging—one adventure at a time.
Thanks to a generous $50,000 gift from Canada Life, the Adventures to Wellness group is fully funded for five years. Designed for participants aged 18 to 25, the program uses experiential learning to help young adults connect with nature, with others, and most importantly, with themselves.
Through adventures like canoeing, equine therapy, escape rooms, art classes, and plant therapy, participants learn new skills, build resilience, and find courage to step beyond their comfort zones. Each week begins with an educational session, followed by an experience, and closes with a thoughtful reflection that ties their learning back to real-life challenges.
“We’re giving them a chance to be braver,” says Bronwyn Wyatt, Senior Social Worker and program supervisor. “It’s not just about teaching skills—it’s about opening a whole new world for them. A world where they can connect, grow, and believe in themselves.”
The growth participants experience is remarkable. Bronwyn recalls one young woman who arrived shy, isolated, and fearful that no one would like her. “By the third week, she was speaking up. By the fifth week, she was showing leadership. Today, she’s attending college, training to work with young adults like herself,” Bronwyn shares.
Beyond personal growth, the program has sparked lasting friendships. “Years later, many of the young people are still in touch,” Bronwyn says. “That sense of belonging—that someone truly understands them—has been life-changing.”
The impact of Canada Life’s contribution has been profound. It allowed Adventures to Wellness to move from a shoestring project with a $500 budget to a fully realized experience, providing participants with resources like canoe club memberships, art supplies, fidget tools, and a warm, welcoming group space.
“Without this support, we would never have been able to offer experiences like equine therapy or memberships that encourage continued engagement,” Bronwyn says. “It’s made a difference we couldn’t have imagined.”
Looking ahead, the team hopes to expand Adventures to Wellness to offer sessions in both fall and spring, reaching even more young adults who are searching for connection and courage.
“When you change the world for 10 young people, you change the world for 10 more in their lives after that,” Bronwyn says. “That’s how we build a community we all want to live in.”
Bringing Mindfulness to Mental Health Care: Yoga at RUH
When Brandon Wicks spent time in the Adult Mental Health Short Stay Unit at Royal University Hospital in 2021, he discovered a powerful tool for healing: yoga. Amid the stress and anxiety that brought him there, the simple act of stretching and focusing on breath each night grounded him and offered peace. That personal experience sparked a mission—to share the calming and restorative power of yoga with others walking the same path.
Brandon teamed up with Jen Rondeau, paramedic and owner of Ivy Yoga House, to launch a pilot yoga program in the unit. What began as a single weekly class—offering movement, mindfulness, and breathwork to patients—has now expanded to two classes per week. With guidance from Jen and her team, patients are learning skills they can take beyond hospital walls to support their mental wellness.
The impact has been profound. Nurses have observed a noticeable shift in patients after class, and many participants express a desire to continue practicing yoga.
“The yoga program has become a powerful tool in supporting our patients’ mental health—helping reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and foster emotional resilience in a trauma-informed, healing environment,” shares Sharyn Peterson, Manager, Adult Inpatient – Mental Health & Addiction Services.
“We are deeply grateful to the donors whose generosity makes this meaningful care possible.”
Thanks to donor support, the program is now funded through the Royal University Hospital Foundation for two more years.
This growth wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our supporters. The Step Up for Mental Health Fund, through the 2024 Run/Walk organized by 321 Go Running and presented by Cameco, contributed a generous $10,000 grant. And Shelly McGrath, a dedicated supporter, donated over $20,000 in shares to ensure patients continue to benefit from this transformative program.
Shelly, who is also a Women Leading Philanthropy donor, shares why she felt compelled to support the yoga program: “When I heard the RUH Foundation was looking for support to continue the yoga program in the Mental Health Short Stay Unit, I felt an instant connection. Yoga has been an important part of my life for over 15 years, and I’ve seen firsthand the difference it can make. I didn’t make this gift for recognition—I gave because I believe in this work and hope others will feel inspired to support something that speaks to them, too.”
At its core, this is a story of healing, hope, and paying it forward. It’s a reminder that small moments—like a deep breath on a yoga mat—can have a lasting impact. Thank you for helping us bring peace, presence, and possibility to those on their mental health journey.
As we reflect on the past year, it is clear that mental health has become a central pillar of compassionate care at Royal University Hospital. Whether it’s the gentle stretch of a yoga pose or the invigorating step into nature, these experiences provide vital moments of peace and empowerment. With the support of our generous community, we are expanding what care looks like—making space for joy, serenity, and connection in the recovery process. Together, we are paving new pathways to wellness, honouring the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Read the full 2024–2025 Annual Gratitude Report.
