Questions about Drop In Club
What is Drop In Club?
Drop In Club is an inclusive social, cultural and recreational program for people of all abilities aged 12 years and older. We are open 7 days a week for a mix of afternoon and evening programs. Our members help us plan our programs based on their interests – some popular activities include Walking Club, Dance Team, Date Night, Paint Night, Theatre Club, Culture Club, Science Day, Music Therapy, and many more!
How does Drop In Club work?
Joining the Drop In Club is easy, and does not require any commitment (unless a program specifically says “registration required” or “tickets required”). Club Inclusion members are invited to come by anytime during regular Drop In Club hours. Members do not need to let us know when they will be coming, and can simply “drop in”! Each month we put out a list of all the programs and activities going on so you know what to expect when you come by. There is also information about our other programs (such as the Day Program, special events, fundraisers, outings, etc.) found on this calendar as well.
When is the Drop In Club open?
Drop In Club is open everyday for a couple hours. Our typical open hours are:
- Mondays 3-6pm (Halifax): Book Club, Walking Club, & more
- Tuesdays 7-9pm (Halifax): Paint Night, Date Night, & more
- Wednesdays 3-6pm (Halifax): Theatre Club, Member’s Council, & more
- Thursdays 3-6pm (Halifax): Dance Team Practice, Culture Club, & more
- Fridays 7-9pm (Halifax): Music Therapy, Dances, Special Events
- Saturdays 1-4pm (Halifax): Theme Days, Boxing Team Practice, & more
- Sundays 2-3pm (Dartmouth): Inclusive Community Choir ** Free to all
Do I have to take part in the programmed activities?
You do not have to take part in activities if you do not want to. The Drop In Club is your place to do what you want. Sometimes staff, volunteers, or peers might encourage you to take part in a game or activity, and you can choose whether you want to or not. They won’t mind if you say ‘no’.
Who else will be there?
At each session we typically have 2-3 staff and a few volunteers. We expect between 12 and 30 members to come to each session. Most people who come are between 12 and 40, but some people are older. We all have many different skills and talents. Over time you will get to know lots of different people.
Do I have to be a Member to come to Drop In Club?
Yes, please reach out to our Supervisor of Youth Initiatives & Opportunities, Linnea Sinclair, LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca. She can tell you more about Drop In Club, answer any questions, get you started!
How will I get there?
There are many buses that stop near our Halifax location (2652 Joseph Howe Dr). The Mumford bus terminal is not far away. Parking is at the front, near the Armdale Rotary, and there are disabled parking bays on the far side of the church.
Some people get the Stock transport bus directly from school to The Club.
Information for people using Access-a-Bus.
How much does Drop In Club cost and how do I pay?
We have 3 different types of memberships, and the way you pay depends on your level of membership.
- Yearly Membership $750
This membership is good for our regular Drop In year (September- June) and includes unlimited use of all Halifax Drop In Programs. The yearly membership is a discounted rate for programs and is the best value (at just under $3 per session!). This discount is provided because it helps to keep administrative hours for accounting and receipting down. This fee is due in one payment in September.
You can pay your yearly membership by cheque (made out to Club Inclusion), money order (made out to Club Inclusion), cash, debit, or e-transfer (clubinclusion@prescottgroup.ca).
All e-transfers MUST include the member’s first & last name, and what they are paying for (ex. John Smith Yearly Drop In)
Please note: Special events, dances, and fundraisers are not included in the yearly membership fee.
- Monthly Fee $100/ Month
This membership is best for folks who like to pay by month, and plan to come to Club more than 1 time per week. The monthly membership is good for 1 calendar month (ex. February 1st-29th) and includes unlimited use of all Halifax Drop In Clubs for that month.
You can pay your monthly membership by cheque (made out to Club Inclusion), money order (made out to Club Inclusion), cash, debit, or e-transfer (clubinclusion@prescottgroup.ca).
All e-transfers MUST include the member’s first & last name, and what they are paying for (ex. John Smith February Drop In)
Please note: Special events, dances, and fundraisers are not included in the monthly membership fee.
- Pay As You Go Fee $15/ Session
This membership fee is best for folks who plan to come once a week or less, and is paid when you arrive to Club for regular Drop In Club sessions.
You can pay your Pay As You Go Fee by cheque (made out to Club Inclusion), money order (made out to Club Inclusion), cash, or debit. Unfortunately e-transfer is NOT available for Pay As You Go membership fees.
What if I can’t afford to pay the fee?
If you cannot afford to pay the fee, talk to our Supervisor of Youth Initiatives & Opportunities, Linnea (LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca) and she will make a plan with you. There may be other ways that you can help out and reduced rates and bursaries are available. We try to make it work for everybody.
Do I need to bring a family member, support worker, or helper with me?
You will need to bring a support worker, or helper, if you need it for any of these safety reasons:
• If you might leave on your own and this would not be safe for you
• If you might have behaviour, or impulse control issues, that would make it unsafe for you or for others
• If you have severe health issues that mean you need to have trained medical support with you at all times.
Some people also choose to bring a helper, but they do not have to have one. Reasons that you might choose to bring extra support are:
• If you would like a helper who knows you well to help you communicate
• If you would like a helper to help you feel confident or less anxious
• If you would like someone that you know well for your personal care needs.
• Many people bring a helper during the first few weeks that they attend, to help them settle in.
Many support/respite workers find that they enjoy the sense of community and working with others. Support workers are a valued part of The Drop In Club. If you are unsure about whether or not you need to bring a helper, please talk to one of our staff, or our Supervisor of Youth Initiatives & Opportunities, Linnea (LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca)
What if I can’t get up the hill in my wheelchair, or I need assistance coming into the Club?
An elevator for wheelchairs has been installed at the lower entrance. Please ring the door bell or call the Drop In Club on 902 477 6817 and someone will assist you.
Younger Members
If you are aged 10 or 11 and would like to come to the Drop In Club, please contact us for details, we often have activities that would be suitable. We generally recommend that younger people attend with a support worker. For more information email Linnea, LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca
What if I want to develop a friendship with a volunteer or member outside The Club?
We suggest that you write down your contact details and where you would like to go and when and give it to your new friend, and ask them to do the same. Remember The Club is a safe place to meet, if you want to meet somewhere else then we recommend that you give your friend’s details to someone that you trust and discuss your outing with them.
If you would like to employ someone you meet at The Club to be your support worker then you will need to get their CRC check, references and talk to people who know them to make sure they are a good match.
Where is The Club?
The Drop In Club, St. James Anglican Church, 2652 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax.
The Club can be seen from the rotary. Go to the white doorway next to the painted power box.
You can park in front of The Club. There is a disabled parking bay in the Church carpark on the far side of St James Church.
How will I keep in touch with what is going on?
• Join our mailing list to get regular updates about what is going on
• You can pick up a calendar of events from The Club at the beginning of the month
• Our Facebook page has regular updates www.facebook.com/theclubinclusion
• Talk to the Session Leaders and volunteers about what is going on
• If you have a question, email our Supervisor of Youth Initiatives & Opportunities, Linnea, LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca. If you don’t have a computer, call Jackie Rivers 902-401-5938.
What if the weather is very bad?
In extreme weather the Club will usually close. We put the safety of our members and volunteers first. We will send out an announcement via Facebook and our email list. If you are not sure if we will be open, call or text 902 401 5938.
How do I get in touch with Drop In Club directly?
During Drop In Club hours you can call the main phone line: 902 477 6817 to contact one or staff, or your member in case of emergency.
What if I’m very nervous about visiting?
We can arrange for a special introduction to the Club while it’s closed – half an hour before the session starts. Please contact us for more information and let us know how we can help make it easier for you.
What else do I need to know?
Always make sure that your membership form is up to date, with the correct contact telephone numbers and information about allergies and medical needs.
Make sure that you let our staff and other members know if you cannot have your photograph shared on social media.
If you have ideas for the way the Club could be better, or any questions about Drop In Club, please email LinneaSinclair@PrescottGroup.ca
