|
HIGHLIGHTS AND COMMUNITY LINKS NEWS
|
|
New Regional Coordinator: Karen Field
Community Links is excited to introduce our new Regional Coordinator for Lunenburg and Queens Counties, Bridgewater resident Karen Field. Karen brings decades of experience in health and wellbeing, having worked as a physiotherapist as a clinician and manager. She also has a long history of community engagement, including as provincial chair of the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapy and the Physiotherapy Association; in addition, she served two terms on the Nova Scotia Advisory Council for the Status of Women and the Pay Equity Commission. Karen has been involved in many activities as a volunteer and participant, including the Lunenburg County Crime Prevention Association executive and Community Links Aging Well Together Coalition.
In her role as Regional Coordinator, Karen will help spark connections and facilitate collaboration among older adults and representatives of senior-serving organizations, businesses, government, and individuals to address issues that impact community members’ ability to age well. Karen wants to tackle issues related to the pandemic and will explore the potential for creating an Aging Well Together Coalition in Queens County.
Aging Well Together Coalition Meetings
All coalition meetings will be held online via Zoom. The schedule for upcoming coalition meetings is as follows:
- HRM Coalition - March 18 at 1pm
- Pictou County Coalition - March 25 at 1pm
- Cape Breton Coalition - March 25 at 1pm
- Victoria County Coalition - March 30 at 1pm
To get involved with any of the coalitions, please contact info@nscommunitylinks.ca
Nutrition Month Contest
March is National Nutrition Month, a time of year to remember the importance of good nutrition and be inspired by healthy and delicious recipes. Send us your favourite healthy recipe for a chance to win a prize! Email info@nscommunitylinks.ca
|
|
HomeWarming
Free energy efficiency upgrades are available to income-qualified homeowners through HomeWarming. These environmentally friendly upgrades will help eligible homeowners save money on their power bills and provide extra insulation and draft-proofing. Learn more, find out if you are eligible, and sign up on their website: http://www.homewarming.ca/.
The HEAT Fund
The Salvation Army’s Home Energy Assistance Top-up (HEAT) Fund provides support for Nova Scotians in need by assisting with the cost of heating their homes. Learn more, determine your eligibility, and apply here: https://salvationarmy.ca/maritime/home/programs/heat/
|
|
|
PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION
|
|
COVID-19 Vaccines
The Province of Nova Scotia has updated its COVID-19 immunization plan. The plan includes three phases; each phase identifies when certain groups of people can receive the vaccine. Read more here: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/vaccine/.
Every person in Nova Scotia who wants the COVID-19 vaccine will receive it for free.
Appointments based on age can be booked starting on March 15th. Learn more: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/book-your-vaccination-appointment/.
Suicide Prevention Service
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to lowered mental health across the population, and distress centres are vital for those in crisis. In response, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is developing a fully operational pan-Canadian suicide prevention service in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Crisis Services Canada (CSC). The suicide prevention service will provide Canadians with access to 24/hour bilingual crisis support from trained responders via voice, text and online chat. Learn more on their website.
Drug Warning: “Sweet Tarts” and Xanax
Two overdoses occurred in the Halifax area this month. The individuals had ingested “Sweet Tarts,” a drug with the appearance of a chalk-like rocket candy with a clear coating, and yellow XANAX bars. Medical professionals recommend avoiding using drugs alone while respecting public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting with a low dose is also recommended, as is having naloxone, which is available free from most pharmacies. For more information about naloxone, visit: http://www.nsnaloxone.com/.
Drug Warning:
RCMP are warning that a white, round, scored tablet with the logo ‘’TEC’’ on one side containing heroin is being circulated in the Halifax region. RCMP recommend to have naloxone available, even if you aren’t intentionally using opioids. Naloxone is available for free from most community pharmacies and other community locations, including needle distribution and disposal organizations. For more information about where to get a free naloxone kit and how to use it, visit http://www.nsnaloxone.com/
Call 911 in the event of an overdose. Know your rights under the Good Samaritan Act.
.
|
|
|
National Older Adult Advisory Council seeks members
The Institute of Aging (IA) is launching an Older Adult Advisory Council to provide guidance on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of older adults. Individuals aged 60 or older from diverse backgrounds as well as caregivers from across Canada will meet virtually two to three times per year to contribute to IA research priorities for a two-year period.
Apply by March 31, 2021 to join the Council. For more information, email ia-iv@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
Caregivers NS is seeking new Board Members to serve on the Caregivers Nova Scotia Board of Directors. Applicants should be driven by the belief that they can make a difference in the lives of caregivers in our province with their diverse backgrounds. Most of all, we are seeking those with an understanding of the demands, rewards, and challenges encountered by family/friend caregivers. Lived experience as a caregiver is considered an asset. To apply Please provide your resume and a cover letter outlining why you are interested in our organization. Please forward your expression of interest to info@caregiversns.org by March 26, 2021.
For more information click here
The NS Seniors Virtual Adviser Program
With support from the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors, Aging2 Halifax has launched a Seniors Virtual Adviser Program. This free program matches senior-led businesses and non-profits with experienced Virtual Advisors, who will help these organizations recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and thrive. Learn more about the program and register here:
https://www.boomersplus.com/nova-scotia-seniors-virtual-adviser-program/
The Redefining Retirement Program is a great opportunity for retired individuals who are seeking a greater purpose in their lives and are driven to continue pursuing their passions and goals. Through a series of workshops, focused coaching sessions and peer support, the program aims to help retirees improve their quality of life by harnessing their entrepreneurial spirit. Find out more:https://redefiningretirement.ca/
Community Health Teams Fitness Programs
NS Health’s Community Health Teams are providing free Virtual Wellness Group Programs to help Nova Scotians stay fit and healthy during the pandemic. Visit their website to view the program flyer and register.
NS Walks is starting community-based walking groups and is looking for volunteers interested in leading regularly scheduled walks for people who are currently less active. NS Walks will provide free walk leader training online Tuesday, March 30. The registration deadline is March 24. For more information or to register for the training, go to www.nswalks.ca.
|
|
|
COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATES
|
|
The Warm Line
The Shelburne County Mental Health and Wellness Association’s Warm Line has expanded to support individuals across the province. The Warm Line is a non-crisis line run by volunteers who use their life experience to talk in a “peer-to-peer” manner with callers experiencing distress.
To reach a Warm Line volunteer, call 833-927-6546 (toll-free), or email shelburnecountymentalhealth@outlook.com for more information.
Senior Safety Coordinators work in communities to support isolated and vulnerable older adults. Find contact information for a Senior Safety Coordinator.
211 is a toll-free helpline that connects callers to community and social services and is available 24/7 in 140+ languages. For non-emergency, non-medical help, call 211 or visit www.ns.211.ca.
The Community Sector Council NS has many resources for non-profit and voluntary organizations. Find more information here.
Service Canada has gone digital and can assist community members with
Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS).
Complete an e-Services form and a Service Canada employee will call back. Outreach Support Centre workers are available Mon-Fri, 8:30 AM - 4 PM at 1-877-464-2657.
The Canadian Mental Health Association NS has created a Crisis Assessment and Support hub which offers supports for issues such as grief and bereavement, suicide prevention, hospice support, and mobile crisis lines. Click here to visit the site.
Volunteer Nova Scotia: visit https://volunteerns.ca/ to find volunteer opportunities including ideas and ways to volunteer from home.
Many community transportation organizations have reconfigured to offer services to those who are isolated due to COVID 19. Visit http://ruralrides.ca/.
Community Rider is offering reduced rates for seniors travelling within the Hants County area (between $2 and $10 per person) until the end of March. For more information or to book a ride: email dispatch@communityrider.com or call 902-883-4716
Caregivers NS offers services online, via the phone, and in person. Visit https://caregiversns.org/how-we-help/ for more information or to contact a coordinator.
Stay up to date with Federal and Provincial information and updates on COVID-19 and please, wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe.
|
|
|
|
