Tika Talks: combatting isolation one conversation at a time

Karen Patterson, local family mediator and therapist, noticed how much the lack of human connection through the pandemic has affected people.

Her solution: Tika Talks, a pop-up project that provides a comfortable and safe place to chat and connect.

Tika is the name of Patterson’s 1976 Boler trailer where she plans to host one-on-one drop-in chats throughout summer and fall. 

“This is just a place to come and sit with someone,” says Patterson. “When people talk to me they see I’m very open and non-judgemental. There are so many people that don’t have family here and have been cooped up throughout the entire pandemic.”

As a family mediator and life and relationship coach, Patterson has a wealth of knowledge in human communication. She also has 30 years experience working in children’s mental health and children’s aid.

Patterson and Tika will be in the parking lot between the Summit Centre and Huntsville High School every Wednesday from 11-1 for anyone who wants to stop by for a chat. It is open to all ages and genders through to the end of October, although that date is subject to change.

“It’s not a workshop or therapy session but a place to connect and share some company, ” she says.

Patterson applied for, and received, a grant through the District of Muskoka Social Services Enhancement Fund, which supports initiatives for vulnerable populations related to COVID.

The first Tika Talks was held June 23.

“The social isolation for people, especially vulnerable people, that don’t have much of a support network has created a lot of mental health issues,” says Patterson. “I wanted to bring my pop-up into town once a week and be available and accessible for people who are feeling isolated. I want to provide a friendly, safe space to talk and have connection.”

People can visit Tika Talks every week or just once, whether it’s to talk about life or to collect some helpful resources. All COVID hygiene and safety protocols will be followed.

“I think that COVID has created a mental health and addictions crisis across Canada and there is a lack of connection with others and loneliness can be at the base of this,” she says. “I wanted to give people a place where they can have a little bit of time each week to just talk.”

In addition to the drop-in chats, Patterson also runs Tika Talks events which are advertised on her Women & Wisdom Facebook group.

Patterson created Women & Wisdom five years ago to give women a space to connect online. It now has over 700 members. She facilitates talks about everything from creating healthy boundaries and goal setting to what book the page’s members are loving lately.

Updates on Tika Talks will be posted on the Women & Wisdom page, as well as Patterson’s business page, Muskoka Family Works.

For more information contact Karen Patterson at [email protected].

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