Rebuilding, One Canvas at a Time!

These workshops have been held in Sherbrooke for the past year thanks to financial support from the CHUS Foundation. Recently, around twenty participants unveiled their creations—emotional and deeply personal works—in a moving exhibition.

"Thanks to Les Impatients, I chose to stay alive!"

Brigitte has been through many hardships over the years, but her most recent crisis plunged her into a deep depression. She couldn’t see even the faintest light at the end of the tunnel—until she discovered Les Impatients, an organization whose mission is to break isolation and support recovery.

"I wanted to die and had a plan to make it happen! I was hospitalized in psychiatry and spent months trying to pull myself out of the depression. Some time ago, a nurse told me about Les Impatients. The first time I went, I was still in a very dark place and still having suicidal thoughts. Les Impatients helped me realize that I’m worth something. I’m still very fragile, but now I feel like I have a reason to get up in the morning! I’m starting to want to live again—to get off the couch and do things. Thanks to Les Impatients, I chose to stay alive."

Creating as a Way to Express and Connect

Johannie says she struggles greatly with self-confidence and isn’t naturally comfortable in social situations. Her occupational therapist was the one who introduced her to Les Impatients.

"I have a really hard time building relationships with others, but the workshops allow me to meet people without feeling judged. Everyone here is so kind and caring," explains the thirty-something, who discovered a true passion for painting. "It helps me face my emotions and behaviors."

Léonie also rebuilt her confidence through the art workshops. “When I first started going to Les Impatients, I wasn’t working because I was going through a severe depression. I felt like I didn’t belong anywhere. Then I found a place where I felt accepted and valued,” says the 24-year-old, who has recently returned to the workforce.

A Path Toward Healing

Initiatives like Les Impatients produce real, tangible results. The organization operates at over 30 locations across Quebec and offers free art workshops to more than 950 people each week. In Sherbrooke, 37 CHUS patients have participated over the past year.

“We try to act as a social fabric for participants,” explains Stéphanie Demers, an artist and art therapy practitioner. “For some people, Les Impatients becomes like a family. I see friendships form between people from completely different worlds!”

At the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS mental health and addiction program, officials note that demand for the workshops currently exceeds capacity.

“The success in Sherbrooke is tremendous,” says Frédéric Palardy, Executive Director of Les Impatients. “I’ve been informed there’s a waiting list—not only for people who want to attend the workshops, but also for professionals who want to get involved. It’s the first time I’ve seen this, and it speaks volumes about the scale of the need.”

These workshops are made possible thanks to support from the CHUS Foundation and its donors.

“Mental health is an integral part of our Foundation’s mission. We are proud of this major success in Sherbrooke and honored to have contributed by purchasing art materials for the workshops.”  – Fannie-Claire Normand, Executive Director, Carmand Normand Foundation

“It’s a great source of pride for us to fund such a valuable resource in our region. These workshops complement the therapeutic care offered by the CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS and provide participants with a safe, compassionate space to express themselves through art and form connections during and beyond the workshops.”  – Martin Clermont, Executive Director, CHUS Foundation

“We firmly believe that mental health is everyone’s concern. That’s why we prioritize collaboration and partnerships to offer the most comprehensive range of care and services possible. These workshops are a great example of that. I want to warmly thank the CHUS Foundation and its donors, the Carmand Normand Foundation, the organization Les Impatients, and artist Stéphanie Demers, whose dedication and support make these workshops possible.”  

– Gaëlle Simon, Director of Mental Health and Addiction Programs, CIUSSS de l’Estrie – CHUS