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Welcome to the fifth edition of the CMHA Ottawa client newsletter. The New Leaf signifies optimism and change. Our goal is to provide you with great resources, information, news and inspiration to assist you in your mental health journey.
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The New Leaf #5 — Table of Contents
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SPRING FEATURE: KINDNESS
Kindness by JC Biscope aka 'Kid Kindness!'
NEWS – BE IN THE KNOW
1. New election campaign urges Ontario voters to “choose” mental health and addictions care
Related: How to vote in the provincial election
2. Mental Health Week Parliamentary reception hears frontline perspective from CMHA Ottawa
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
3. May event: The Canadian Tulip Festival
4. Opportunities to spread kindness
5. June event: Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
6. City of Ottawa: Get ready for some summer fun: the summer camp and activity eGuides are now online
HELPFUL STUFF
7. All about the food bank
Related: Ottawa Mission Food Truck Weekly Schedule
THE LAST WORD
8. YouTube: Brene Brown – The Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy
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kindness: the best response to challenging times
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It's springtime in Ottawa – we are literally turning over a new leaf! Let's re-energize together and use our energy in a positive way. This edition of The New Leaf is all about kindness: The simple courtesies we give to one another. The random acts of kindness we can share. Paying it forward. All that good stuff.
We had a long, challenging winter in Ottawa. We may have experienced aggression, isolation, worry and burden. These things may have affected us in different ways, including a decline in our empathy. At The New Leaf, we know you can't control the world, but you can influence your corner of it.
So that's how we're celebrating spring: By spreading kindness. Spring gives us a fresh start. This newsletter will give you some ideas so you can spread a little kindness to others and experience it yourself.
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by JC Biscope aka ‘Kid Kindness!'
Kindness is so vital to the human condition; to the animal species in general. Sometimes it can be the decider in matters of life and death.
The ability to give and receive kindness is a sign of good mental health. It is an acknowledgement of living beyond one's own self and life and troubles and — I believe — it is a sign of loving yourself, to accept kindness. Feeling worthy.
Covid-19 has stolen more than people's time together. It has also taken some of our empathy, our instinct to help. Our kindness, as self preservation and fear have become the norm.
Simple things like holding a door for someone behind you, helping a lost stranger with directions, stopping to chat with a lonely gentle soul, running errands for someone who is unable.
Giving up your seat in transit to another.
Smiling at each other.
As our world becomes less village and more selfish, remembering to be kind to others and to one's self holds more importance now than ever.
The world has been so tried and turmoiled, scared and seething for the last two years. Unprecedented, vocalized, violent unhappiness is present these days in Canada and in our own quiet Ottawa. It has left some battered, heartbroken and traumatized.There is an angry vibe in the air that I don’t normally feel my hometown having.
Let us endeavour this summer, as citizens among so much natural beauty, to let our human beauty blossom once again too and BE KIND to each other. We are each of us both capable and worthy of it.
KINDNESS: it really does make the world go 'round!
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1. New election campaign urges Ontario voters to “choose” mental health and addictions care
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Ontario heads to the polls on Thursday, June 2, and there’s one election issue that we feel is important: the province is at risk for a mental health and addictions crisis. CMHA Ontario’s “I choose” campaign will use the weeks before election day to spotlight different challenges that are having an impact on how people access care in this province.
Know the facts, spread the word, and raise your voice! Let your candidate know that your vote will be influenced by their commitment to mental health and addictions care. Click the button below to find out how you can get started.
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Related: How to vote in the provincial election
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First time voting? Maybe it has been a long time since you voted? Check out the video above to learn how to vote in an election in Ontario.
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2. Mental Health Week Parliamentary reception hears frontline perspective from CMHA Ottawa
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CMHA Mental Health Week took place May 2–8 and the theme was empathy.
As part of Mental Health Week, our friends at CMHA National held a Parliamentary reception to give space for Parliamentarians and mental healthcare sector stakeholders to come together, celebrate Mental Health Week amongst colleagues and make new connections. The reception was well-attended by over 50 stakeholders, including 15+ Members of Parliament and Senators.
CMHA National graciously invited our branch, CMHA Ottawa, to attend the event, and our own Angélique Ndorimana was gracious enough to share with them the frontline perspective in community-based care.
Click the image above or button below to read the news story. Thanks, Angélique!
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HAPPENING NOW 'TIL MAY 23!
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3. May event: The Canadian Tulip Festival
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Enjoy one of the most beautiful sights you'll see in Ottawa during springtime, wonderful tulips as far as the eye can see.
Are you looking for something you can do in the fresh outdoors that is totally free? The Tulip Festival is the activity for you! Do you know someone who doesn't get out much? Take them to the Tulip Festival!
The 70th anniversary of the Canadian Tulip Festival is happening now at Commissioners Park (located near Dow's Lake at Preston Street and the Queen Elizabeth Driveway) in Ottawa, and the activities are once again in-person! The tulip is an international symbol of friendship. Talk about kindness!
Click the button below for all the details.
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4. Opportunities to spread kindness
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 We have to give kindness to get it in return. The best way to do that is to do something helpful. Why not put a little kindness out into the world? You might even enjoy it more than the people you're helping!
The New Leaf's own Cynthia has kindly compiled some opportunities for you to spread kindness. Check out what she came up with:
- Cleaning the Capital: The Cleaning the Capital campaign is a citywide cleanup that occurs in the spring and fall of every year. Residents come together as a community and combine efforts to make our city clean and green. Registration starts May 15. Find out more here.
- Kind Ottawa Initiative: Kindness Week 2022 was February 18-25, but just because we missed that doesn't mean we can't keep the kindness coming! Check out Kind Ottawa and choose to be kind. Explore the website and be inspired.
- Volunteer Ottawa: Our friends at Volunteer Ottawa know a thing or two about the power of kindness. Have a look at their website and you might find the right volunteering opportunity for you!
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5. June event: Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival
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The month of June is National Indigenous History Month and June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD), a day to celebrate the heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples!
Also known as Summer Solstice, June 21 is the longest day of the year and throughout history and across continents a time for Indigenous cultural celebration.
Want to celebrate? Check out the Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival!
The Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival is a multi-disciplinary arts festival that brings together Indigenous artists, performers, educators, students, and community members to share knowledge and celebrate Canada’s diverse Indigenous cultures.
It's happening from June 21–26 in Ottawa at MĀDAHÒKÌ FARM, located at 4420 West Hunt Club Road, a new gathering place in Ottawa’s Greenbelt.
Click the button below for all the details.
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6. City of Ottawa: Get ready for some summer fun: the summer camp and activity eGuides are now online
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The City of Ottawa is offering lots of fun and healthy activities to do this summer. Explore a broad range of affordable and inclusive in-person or virtual day camps and activities for Ottawa residents of all ages, in both official languages.
Browse the summer camp and activity eGuides, which are now online. Registration is now open for summer camps and all other activities. Whether you’re registering a child for the much-loved Camp Ottawa or Camp Ottawa Adventure, there is something for everyone, including:
Action-packed sports camps
Tennis and badminton, touch football, ball hockey and hockey, basketball, martial arts, skating, soccer, volleyball, swimming.
Specialty camps
Farm adventures – learning about agriculture, veterinary camp, chef camp.
Science and technology
Computer programming, prototyping and robotics, building skills and engineering principles – working hands on with LEGO®, animation and digital movie making, website creation and graphics – using Minecraft®
Arts
Digital arts – video game design and software programming, character design, 3D design – including how a 3D printer works, drama and improvisation – including acting, vocals, scripts and character development and choreography, dance, sculpture, drawing and painting.
Career and skill development for teenagers
For the teenagers in your home, there are great leadership and swim certification programs to build important teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving skills that are foundational to a career in many fields, including jobs at the City of Ottawa.
Inclusive recreation programming
Looking for a specialized program for family members with developmental or physical needs? Be sure to browse the Inclusive Recreation program guide. Integration support is available for children with disabilities so that they can participate in the summer camp of their choice. Look for the Shared Care information in the program guide for details.
Check out our adult summer programming
If a weekly activity works better for you, the young and older adults in your home, choose from a range of fitness, sports, dance and the arts for beginners and advanced levels, in-person or virtual. And for a change, consider one of our general interest classes such as dog obedience training or gardening.
If you or your family are low-income or have a disability, you may qualify for the Ottawa Hand in Hand recreation and culture fee support program. Ask about the Ottawa Hand in Hand program at your local recreation or cultural facility or any City Client Service Centre. |
For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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7. All about the food bank
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Are you finding that you are short on funds at the end of the month? Having a hard time affording food? You're not alone! More and more people are turning to food banks for help.
The Ottawa Food Bank provides fresh and non-perishable food, as well as supplies such as diapers, toiletries, and cleaning supplies to its network of over 100 emergency food programs across the city.
With such a large network chances are there is a food program near you. There are a few ways for you to find your food program. If you’re comfortable on a computer, you can use the online Look Up Tool to search your address. Once you search your address, click on the pin on the map that has the apple on it. The information you need for your program will pop up.
Look Up Tool: www.ottawafoodbank.ca/get-help
If you’re not comfortable on the computer, you’re welcome to call them at 613-745-7001 or send them an email at foodbank@ottawafoodbank.ca and they’ll help you find what you need. If you have any questions about getting the help you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to the food bank directly. They’ll find an option that works for you. Please note that each food bank has different hours and days that they are open and you may need to show identity to prove you live in the neighbourhood.
Oh, and keeping on our kindness theme, it's also an opportunity to volunteer!
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Related: Ottawa Mission Food Truck Weekly Schedule
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The Mission launched its Mobile Mission Meals food truck project in September 2020 in response to rising hunger as a consequence of the pandemic. They have partnered with local community service agencies across the city to help meet the need for healthy meals. The food trucks travel to our city's most vulnerable communities to serve people in need.
If you or someone you know would benefit from accessing the Mission Food Truck, check out the weekly schedule at the button below.
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8. YouTube: Brené Brown – The Difference Between Empathy and Sympathy
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The last word today was shared by our own Cathy, and it comes from Brené
Brown. A key piece of kindness is empathy. Do you know the difference between sympathy and empathy? Do you want to find out how to be a little kinder, while enjoying a fun animated video? Click the image above or button below. It's great stuff.
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