Vera Kurmaeva first encountered WCC in her Critical Thinking in Psychology Course, and shortly thereafter decided to become a trained workshop facilitator! In this month’s facilitator spotlight we learn about Vera’s research, and her perspective on the WCC program as a social prescription.
Describe your journey as a WCC facilitator – how did you find WCC, and when did you become a facilitator?
VERA: I first learned about WCC during a class at York University. It was a Critical Thinking in Psychology course with Dr. Zannella, and for an entire semester, we conducted research for a community-based initiative. When WCC was introduced as one of the options we could choose to work with, I decided to collaborate with them. After completing this semester, I realized that I wanted to volunteer at WCC and contribute to a project I am passionate about. So, in May 2025, I applied to become a facilitator!
Can you tell us about the research project you completed in the Critical Thinking in Psychology course, offered at York? What is the significance of this project and the partnership with WCC?
VERA: My group and I were asked to conduct research on Social Prescribing, to find what it is, how it is implemented, and whether it is effective in treating mental health issues. We were also tasked with evaluating whether the expressive writing and WCC writing workshops are effective initiatives and if they could be considered as potential options for social prescription in the future. This community-based project, created by Dr. Zannella, was a great opportunity to apply our critical thinking and research skills to address a real-world need. It gave me a clearer understanding of why I studied Psychology for four years and how I can apply the skills I have acquired. Seeing the positive impact of our work was truly rewarding.
From your perspective, how will the learnings from this course and the partnership with WCC ripple out beyond the classroom? What impact can you imagine this research having?
VERA: I think that learning about Social Prescribing and its rapid growth as a non-medication, holistic approach to treating physical and mental health problems was very beneficial for everyone we presented our research to, as we shared our findings both in class and at the Critical Thinking Showcase. These initiatives and new treatment approaches are much needed, and given their demonstrated effectiveness, it is time to implement them more widely in the Canadian healthcare system. Because Social Prescribing focuses on engaging individuals in social activities, it has been shown to be especially effective in addressing loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Most importantly, it helps people develop a sense of belonging within their community. In a time marked by social isolation and a rapidly growing elderly population, we need more holistic and community-building solutions, such as the WCC workshops.
What brings you to volunteering? And how does facilitating workshops in community settings align with your objectives and aspirations as a volunteer?
VERA: Working on this project with WCC was a very rewarding experience, and after seeing how passionate the WCC team is about their work, I realized that I also want to make a positive impact on my community. Volunteering feels like a great privilege to me, and while I have the opportunity to do it, I want to ensure that I truly make a difference in people’s lives. WCC not only fulfills my desire to volunteer but also provides me with time for self-reflection. As a facilitator, I also participate in the writing exercises during every workshop I lead, which makes the experience even more meaningful.
What do you experience in a WCC workshop, when you write in community? What impact do these workshops have on the writers?
VERA: I experience a wide range of emotions in every WCC workshop I attend or lead. There is the anticipation before each prompt, the anxiety when I am unsure of what to write, and the gratitude I feel once I manage to put my thoughts on paper. I also experience warmth and calmness every time I share my words and receive feedback from others in the group, as it makes me feel noticed and appreciated. When others share their writing, it becomes clear how meaningful it is for them simply to be heard, reminding me of how little we as humans truly need in order to feel happy.
Reflect on one of WCC’s Six Essential Practices. What does it mean to you, and what is the significance of it in your workshops?
Why do YOU write? Tell us about your relationship to writing!
VERA: I have always enjoyed writing, but mostly fiction. I struggled when it came to writing about myself or engaging in self-reflection. I was afraid that someone might discover what I had written and uncover secrets I was too scared to share with anyone. Because WCC emphasizes that each piece of writing is treated as fiction and encourages separating the writing from the author, I felt a new sense of freedom to be honest with others and myself. I no longer feel judged or evaluated; the story simply exists, and I can reflect on it. I always find it fascinating to look back at my writing and wonder why I chose to write what I did. Every detail, even a single word, carries meaning.
Thank you, Vera, for your engagement with WCC and your critical research surrounding social prescriptions! We’re proud to have you in our community of writers.