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HUB PARTNERS Become a partner Contact Us Partner Organizations have an interest in collaborating with others to support seniors in their community. They are non-profit organizations, faith-based organizations, and government agencies that serve seniors on Vancouver’s Westside. The catchment area is bounded by English Bay (north), Ontario Street (east), Fraser River (south), and includes the University Endowment Lands (west). Learn more about the values that Partner Organizations share here . BROCK HOUSE SOCIETY 604-228-1461 communications@brockhousesociety.com 3875 Point Grey Road, Vancouver, V6R 1B3 Visit Partner FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF BC 1-877-520-3267 caregiversupport@fcns.ca 6 - 3318 Oak Street, Victoria, V6X 1R1 Visit Partner PACIFIC SPIRIT UNITED CHURCH sabharpe@gmail.com 2195 W. 45th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6M 2J2 Visit Partner ST. STEPHEN'S UNITED CHURCH 604-266-4944 meharder@shaw.ca 7025 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4X6 Visit Partner DUNBAR COMMUNITY CENTRE & ASSOCIATION 604-222-6060 Press '1' dunbarcc@vancouver.ca 4747 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, V6S 2H2 Visit Partner JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES 604-257-5151 info@jfsvancouver.ca 320 - 2285 Clark Drive, Vancouver, V5N 3G9 Visit Partner SOUTH GRANVILLE SENIORS CENTRE 604-732-0812 info@southgranvilleseniors.ca 1420 West 12th Ave., Vancouver, V6H 1M8 Visit Partner A.S.K FRIENDSHIP CENTRE, Adult day program 604-263-7333 caring@askcentre.ca Visit Partner DUNBAR RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION 604-222-9824 info@dunbar-vancouver.org 45057 - 4326 Dunbar Street, Vancouver, V6S 2M8 Visit Partner KITSILANO NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE 604-736-3588 frontdesk@kitshouse.org 2305 West 7th Ave., Vancouver, V6K 1Y4 Visit Partner ST. FAITH'S ANGLICAN CHURCH 604-266-8011 ext. 1 office@stfaiths.ca 7284 Cypress Street, Vancouver, V6P 5M3 Visit Partner

The Westside Seniors Hub quarterly newsletter is HubBytes. NEWSLETTER HubBytes is the Westside Seniors Hub's newsletter. It profiles key initiatives of the Hub's Partner Organizations and flags current issues, events and innovations that may be of interest to seniors. To view all copies of HubBytes newsletters or subscribe, please click here

We invite you to contribute your energy and creativity to plan, deliver and sustain Dementia Ventures. This is a collaborative effort driven by the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners. 癡呆症風險投資-參與其中 老年癡呆症患者的有意義的社區參與能力建設是一項共同努力，需要： 傾聽並回應需求 建立和加強關係 創造機會 我們邀請您貢獻自己的精力和創造力來計劃，交付和維持Dementia Ventures 。 這是由癡呆症患者及其護理夥伴的需求推動的協作努力。然而， 需要廣泛的技能和能力為他們帶來歡樂和機會 看看您 將如何提供幫助。單擊下面的鏈接以查看操作方法。 與老年癡呆症 護理合作夥伴 計劃負責 人一起的 志願者 職業 與老年人一起工作 Building capacity for meaningful community participation by people living with dementia is a collaborative effort that requires: identifying, expressing and responding to needs establishing and strengthening relationships creating accessible opportunities using diverse skills and abilities to have impacts We invite you to contribute your energy and creativity to plan, deliver and sustain Dementia Ventures . This is a collaborative effort driven by the expressed needs of people living with dementia and their care partners. Please click on the links below to see what your contribution could be. Person living with dementia Care Partners Program Leader Volunteer Professionals working with Seniors 如果您有興趣以以下角色之一加入Hub，Hub合作夥伴希望收到您的來信。 訪問“當前中心合作夥伴項目” 頁面，查看哪個項目最有吸引力，並與讚助該項目的合作夥伴聯繫，或者 請參閱“商機” 頁面，其中樞紐合作夥伴組織宣傳其最迫切的需求。

Check out the projects we've been doing and particicpating on since 2015. 過去的項目 DEMENTIA VENTURES September 2023 - March 2025 Additional PHAC funding allows Dementia Ventures projects to deepen their impact. Initiatives elsewhere in BC will involve people living with dementia and community members to create new engagement programs, and result in publication of an Action Guide that offers insights for communities building capacity for greater social citizenship by people experiencing dementia. DEMENTIA VENTURES - BUILDING CAPACITY PROJECT September 2019 - March 2023 Building Capacity for Meaningful Participation by People Living with Dementia , an initiative funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), aimed to enable people with dementia to participate in community life as full social citizens. The project was a partnership between researchers at the University of British Columbia and Lakehead University, and their community partners: members of the Westside Seniors Hub in Vancouver and the Northwest Dementia Working Group in Thunder Bay, a coalition of people with lived experience, care partners, and researchers. In Vancouver, where the initiative is known as Dementia Ventures, six Hub Partners implemented programs that created opportunities for active involvement of people with dementia, such as a virtual memory café, a buddy program, outdoor activities, and discussions among faith-based congregations. Read more about Dementia Ventures here and Hub Partners’ stories here . CYCLING WITHOUT AGE EVENT September 28, 2019 Cycling Without Age Vancouver, in association with Kitsilano Neighbourhood House and the Westside Seniors Hub, are hosting safe and scenic trishaw rides along the Arbutus Greenway on September 28th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Trishaws are three-wheeled cycles where you sit in the front and experienced pilots pedal you from behind. Our mission is to break the elderly free from social isolation. Make them smile. Make new memories. And let them be part of society again and thereby renew their appetite for life itself. We give them the right to wind in their hair. Cycling Without Age is based on generosity and kindness. Event HUbBYTES NEWSLETTERS July, September, November 2019 and re-launched December 2021 - present In 2019 Hub Council began compiling resources of potential value to Hub Partner Organizations that we encountered as we attended events and made community contacts. The MailChimp illustrated newsletters are now sent out quarterly to Hub Partners and community members who sign up. Read current and past editions and sign up here . DEMENTIA PROJECT - HUB FIRST STEPS TOGETHER October-November 2018 Hub Council convened a working group of representatives from Partner Organizations to discuss and decide upon actions to be taken after a presentation about Alzheimer cafés and other dementia-friendly initiatives. At two meetings, some Guiding Principles were drafted. First Steps Together 2017-2018 WALK AND BE SEEN CAMPAIGN The 2017-2018 Vancouver Walk and Be Seen (WBS) campaign was a great success! The finale held in March included presentations by Safety Ambassadors from 17 organizations from Metro Vancouver. Seniors were involved in organizing neighbourhood Walk and Be Seen projects. For those who attended the finale, there was no doubt that many were Proud to be Seniors and Proud to be Seen-iors! During the campaign, volunteer Ambassadors spoke to seniors in their communities about pedestrian safety and the benefits of increasing their visibility in low-light conditions by wearing reflective or light-emitting gear. The comments, stories and survey results collected in this campaign clearly showed grassroots support for increased pedestrian visibility. 2018 WBS Report FORUM ON SENIORS HOUSING ON THE WESTSIDE OF VANCOUVER July 2017 The Westside Seniors Hub, through the Jewish Family Services Agency, received a grant from Vancouver Coastal Health to research seniors housing on the Westside of Vancouver. A researcher interviewed more than forty stakeholders, from housing experts to seniors with housing issues. The report Seniors Housing on the Westside of Vancouver is based on these interviews. The Hub then organized a half-day Housing Forum on April 26, 2017 to further explore housing issues with those interviewed and important stakeholders. The Forum included panel presentations on housing innovation by leaders from Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, the United Way of the Lower Mainland, LaneFab and Calling Ministries, and 36 participants joined two consecutive groups to explore key issues and formulate recommendations. Forum Report 2016-2017 WALK AND BE SEEN PILOT PROJECT Walk and Be Seen (WBS) was a volunteer pilot project on the Westside of Vancouver involving senior pedestrians. It was designed to promote walking during low-light conditions while wearing reflective apparel in response to statistics that show senior pedestrians experiencing the highest number of fatalities from collisions in Vancouver. The project registered 132 participants who agreed to wear free reflective gear (cloth sash or LED slapband), tally walks of any length, and provide feedback. Upon completion, 79 registrants completed a survey and provided comments. An Action Mini-Grant (VGH Trauma Services, Vancouver Coastal Health) provided initial funding with Kitsilano Neighbourhood House, Mountain Equipment Coop, the Jewish Family Services Agency, and WalkMetroVan contributing additional funds and administrative support. 2017 WBS Report 10th AVENUE HEALTH PRECINCT PLANNING UPDATES May 2017 The City of Vancouver Transportation Department undertook a two-phase public consultation process in 2015-2016 regarding redesign proposals for the West 10th Avenue ‘Health Precinct’ (Cambie to Oak Streets). Seniors, persons with disabilities, and many stakeholders provided feedback on those proposals. The Hub noted a few significant design changes as a result of citizen input. NATIONAL SENIORS DAY FAIR October 2015 Event ELDER ABUSE INFORMATION WORKSHOP June 2015 Event DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY TRAINING SESSIONS April 2015 A series of three training sessions with presenters from the Alzheimer Society of BC were arranged and offered to staff and volunteers of Hub Partner organizations and the general public. Report

Let the voices and experience of loved ones living with dementia inform the planning of meaningful activities that bring joy to everyone involved! You will find some amazing tools below to help you engage and make a difference. 參與工具 社會上各地的利益相關者都可以在遇到認知困難的親人中增強適應力。每個人都努力爭取社會包容和對人格的認可，癡呆症患者及其照料者也不例外。 成功培養抵禦力的秘訣是什麼？ 癡呆症風險投資公司的 目標是接觸廣泛的利益相關者，並為社區組織提供工具，以有效地與遇到認知挑戰的人們互動。 讓我們給他們更多機會！如何？ 讓患有癡呆症的親人的聲音和經歷告知有意義的活動的計劃，這些活動將為每個參與其中的人帶來歡樂！您將在下面找到一些出色的工具，以幫助您參與其中並有所作為。 強有力的言語和方法 有意義的參與 簡潔的變革理由 什麼構成了西區？ 我們將西區老年人中心的集水區定義為： 安大略街以西，一直到包括UBC和捐贈土地 康沃爾街和福溪的南部 海洋大道以北 請注意，集水區不包括市區半島或格蘭維爾島。 如果辦事處積極服務於Westside的 高級職員， 歡迎其辦公室位於我們服務區域以外的合作夥伴加入我們 。 WHAT IS THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS IN FOSTERING RESILIENCE? Dementia Ventures aims to reach a broad range of stakeholders and provide community organizations with tools to engage effectively with people experiencing cognitive challenges. Let’s give them more opportunities! And how? Let the voices and experience of loved ones living with dementia inform the planning of meaningful activities that bring joy to everyone involved! You will find some amazing tools below to help you engage and make a difference. Powerful Words & Approaches Concise Rationales for Change Meaningful Engagement Top of Tools for Engagement Concise rationales POWERFUL WORDS & APPROACHES CONCISE RATIONALES FOR CHANGE Practice Tools & Factsheets (I-CAARE) A Quick Guide To: Approaches ; PIECES of My Relationships (Guidelines, Questions, Family Supplement); Medicine Wheel: Preventing Dementia in Indigenous People by Aging Well ; The Pathway of Dementia Person-centered Language Guidelines Alzheimer Society of Canada “By being more conscious of the language we use, we can avoid reducing individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias to a series of labels, symptoms or medical terms.” Dementia & Language Dementia Alliance International Organizational philosophy:”Nothing about us, without us.” Approach conversations with and about people living with dementia using respectful language that does not stigmatize and demean. Media should reflect DAI's Core Beliefs. Why Arts-based Activities? Westside Seniors Hub, Vancouver, BC Rationale for social engagement through the arts, credible evidence, and links to model programs that demonstrate how arts-based creative activities can have profound impacts on people at every stage of the dementia trajectory. Flipping Stigma on Its Ear Toolkit Taking Action Against Stigma and Discrimination Associated With Dementia University of British Columbia, CIHR Action Research Project “The purpose of this toolkit is to recognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination…designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, service providers, physicians, family members and friends – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Hear from the experts who live with dementia – what they experience, how they respond to stigma and discrimination as advocates for themselves and others, how they build skills and competence. Powerful tools from people living with dementia with more being developed for support persons and researchers. What is the Building Capacity Project all about? Westside Seniors Hub, Vancouver, BC Meaningful Engagement MEANINGFUL ENGAGEMENT Tipsheet for accessibility & equity in online engagement MJ Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU, Burnaby, BC “It is important to consider how community members’ identities and experiences may impact their ability to learn about, access or participate safely in an engagement—and tailor plans to suit diverse needs.” Beyond Inclusion: Equity in Public Engagement MJ Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU, Burnaby, BC “Hearing from people with diverse lived experiences leads to more innovative ideas, better decisions, greater public support of outcomes…This guide is designed for individuals sponsoring or planning public engagement initiatives that will inform decision-making...outlines some factors practitioners can reflect on when scoping and designing engagement processes.” Healthy Community Engagement Action Guide PlanH, BC Healthy Communities Featuring community examples, resources, strategies and other useful information, this guide helps local governments plan their community input process to ensure…equity-centred, inclusive community engagement…to create healthier, more accessible communities. Making Your Workplace Dementia Friendly Alzheimer Society of BC Specific resources for professionals who are in legal, financial, housing, and recreation professions … ”to understand and recognize the signs of dementia…communicate in an effective, respectful way…think about specific ways they can support a person with dementia in their work and how their workplace may become more dementia friendly.…know what resources are available to them and their customers or clients.” Busting Dementia Stigma: One Children's Book at a Time WA Dementia Action Collaborative “Are you a parent, teacher or librarian who wants to help build dementia awareness and challenge stigma? Children’s books can be a great tool! The criteria below can help you evaluate children’s books and select ones that carry a respectful, stigma-busting message.” Back to Resources - Dementia Ventures

Grant Opportunities - Top of page PAST GRANT OPPORTUNITIES MEN'S SHEDS START-UP GRANTS United Way & Men’s Sheds of BC “Men’s Sheds improves men's health and wellbeing by: Creating spaces where men help men while working shoulder-to-shoulder Increasing men’s social connections, and sense of well-being and inclusion Increasing men's participation and engagement in their communities Start-up Grants are available to groups of two or more men or to community organizations interested in starting a Men’s Shed in their B.C. community and who have contacted MSABC to learn about effective approaches to developing and sustaining a Men’s Shed. If an organization is starting a Men's Shed but does not require a Start-up Grant, they can apply for the larger Project Grant (of up to $10,000) once available.” Call for proposal, application and information here Call opened July 2021 and is still open in 2023. PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH (PAR) GRANTS Vancouver Foundation Grants support research that is co-led by community members and researchers to learn more about the root causes of pressing issues impacting the health of communities PAR Convene grants for one year starting in May 2023 are for developing a PAR project plan. PAR Investigation grants for up to three years starting in June are for investigating the root cause(s) of a pressing issue impacting the health of communities. No matching funds are required for 2023 grants. Accepting applications up until February 13, 2023 More information here COMMUNITY SERVICES RECOVERY FUND Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada & United Way Centraide $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support charities and non-profits as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for pandemic recovery. There are three funding streams , each with a different focus. Three funders are accepting and administering applications for a single stream, so there’s a decision tree here to find out where your organization and project fit into a funding stream. Application deadline for all three streams: February 21, 2023 5:00pm PST In BC, United Way BC is administering the project focus area: Investing in Program and Service Innovation and Redesign . Information here Webinar here In BC, Vancouver Foundation is administering the project focus area: Investing in Systems and Processes Information here Canadian Red Cross is administering the project focus area: Investing in People Apply here CATALYST FUNDING PROGRAM IN HEALTHY AGING AGE-WELL and Canadian Frailty Network “One-year research projects with a focus on technology-enabled solutions or novel technologies that support healthy aging…may consider complementary social and healthcare innovations (e.g., new community programs, new service-delivery models, policy recommendations, and prevention strategies) related to the technology-enabled solution.” Projects for April 2023-March 2024 Applications accepted until February 24, 2023 Information here 2023 NEIGHBOURHOOD SMALL GRANTS Vancouver Foundation and Partner organizations These grants help residents of any age, experience or background take part in building community. There are three funding streams: Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) , Youth NSG , and Greenest City Grants (GCG). Each grant offers up to $500 to bring projects to life and make communities safer, stronger and more welcoming. Partner organizations in communities throughout the province offer opportunities to apply for grants. In Metro Vancouver, find your community here . Timing for accepting applications may differ among communities. West Side Vancouver applications open March 7, 2023 and will be accepted and reviewed by a volunteer Neighbourhood Grants Committee on a rolling basis. SENIORS CAN! (AINÉS DEBOUT!) HelpAge Canada Three types of grants, each up to $10,000, Well-Being, Innovative Programming, Emergency Relief “designed to help low-income seniors across Canada avoid isolation and loneliness and to engage more fully with their communities. Applications accepted any time but closing date for review: March 31st Information & application here EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & RESPONSE United Way of BC Join a CORE Healthy Aging group and apply for up to $25,000 to support “creating protocols for identifying, locating, and supporting vulnerable seniors before, during, and after impending crises in ways that respect and address privacy concerns… sharing best practices, training and mentoring to facilitate relationship building between the CBSS sector, other emergency response organizations, and local government emergency preparedness staff…The United Way will support projects that: demonstrate collaboration with community partners, respond to an immediate need related to a climate emergency, increase volunteer capacity.”
 If you don’t already have a free BC Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources & Education) account , first register her e . Then click on Groups > Emergency Preparedness & Response > JOIN button for access to the Application Guide and Call for Proposals. Date: Rolling applications accepted starting July 4, 2022 HAMBER FOUNDATION Grants for projects arising and undertaken in the Province of British Columbia by registered charities for cultural, education and charitable purposes, in priority areas of athletics, arts & culture, health &welfare (including older adults). Emphasizing at-risk individuals, especially under-represented and marginalized populations and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion Dates: Applications reviewed Marc h 15th and September 15th. Information and application here COMMUNITIES FUND McConnell Foundation Our strategies: “Overcoming economic and social inequality requires collaboration, collective action and policy work, and this is where we will focus our support…address the underlying causes of systemic inequality, supporting the leadership of equity-deserving groups who face systemic barriers to economic and social justice.” Accepting applications on rolling basis November 2022 webinar recording and information here

Community Cafés ASK Friendship Society is seeking a broad and diverse perspective on future programs and services that ASK might provide for both older adults and caregivers in our new multipurpose 9,000 square foot facility in the Arbutus Redevelopment at Nanton Ave and Arbutus Street. In 2025, we are hosting a series of Community Cafés, each focused on engaging a specific community group. More information about opportunities to participate here . To take a survey click here . Please join the conversation! Your City, Your Voice, The City of Vancouver by-election for two vacant City Councillor positions takes place on Saturday, April 5th. A brochure describes who is eligible to vote, registration requirements, three ways to vote in advance or on election day, candidates on the ballot with links to their information, and in-person City voting locations - only community centres or City Hall. Make your voice heard on City issues of concern! Dying, Death, Burial, Bereavement Resource Fair Representatives of various organizations will be present to offer resources and discuss funeral and burial costs, advance planning, bereavement support services, and related resources. Learn what you can do to plan ahead. Free event, light refreshments, registration encouraged, 604-558-5709 or seniorsoutreach@jfsvancouver.ca or online via QR code on poster . Date: Thursday, April 3, 2025 10:00 am-1:00 pm Location: 1825 West 16th Ave., Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace

STAFF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CLEAR Climate, Lived Experience and Resilience Community Consultation Vancouver Coastal Health During an extreme heat event, the 2021 heat dome, VCH and non-governmental partners reached out to residents in VCH’s area with resources and supports. Now VCH is engaging vulnerable populations - people with disabilities or chronic conditions, older adults, people experiencing homelessness or marginally housed - in focus groups, one-on-one phone conversations or surveys . In order to plan for the future, VCH wants their input on how they managed heat and other climate-related events during 2021-2022 and how to plan for the future . Individuals can register to be contacted or complete a survey. Organizations can also submit on behalf of a group. More information and to register or complete the survey here PATHWAYS: BC COMMUNITY SERVICE DIRECTORY PathwaysBC “Publicly available services and programs, in participating communities.” The Directory is a joint initiative between Doctors of BC’s General Practitioner Services Committee and the BC government with a support team that provides the technical infrastructure. It is free, searchable by the public and has many filter options to narrow down keyword searches. Search here Organizations can apply to list their services in categories such as,.Navigation Support:Seniors Services ; Health & Fitness: Seniors ; Caregiver Support Groups; Seniors Centre:Seniors Activities; Loneliness/Social Isolation; Outings/Day Trips etc More information about access to Pathways here RESPECTFUL ENVIRONMENTS, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION UBC Faculty of Medicine “… create respectful, diverse, inclusive learning and work environments that are anti-racist and that support the exercise of human rights for all members of our community.” Monthly 12:00-1:30 webinars with presenters from various IBPOC communities aiming for “community partners to implement action plans that will lead to systemic and behavioural change.” Events , Blog, and Resources. Date: March 27, 2023 12:00-1:00pm virtual Register here MOBILIZING TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELL-BEING FOR OLDER ADULTS CORE Healthy Aging Canada “Launching a series of monthly 90-minute webinars… to mobilize action on various issues by focusing on effective models and the policies, practices, partnerships, and networks that support them. Through interviews and discussions with practitioners, researchers, and policy-makers, each session will explore a topic and the key issues and challenges.” Q&A + opportunity to join a discussion group . Housing and Living Arrangement Options for Older Adults: At Home. In Community Recording here Re-orienting Health and Social Services for Older Adults: Provincial Strategies for Community-Based Seniors Services Webinar recording here Age-friendly Communities: A Key Strategy in Promoting the Well-Being of Older Adults Webinar Video here SENIORS OUTDOOR ACTIVATION TOOLKIT 8-80 Cities and Woodgreen Community Services, Toronto “… tells the story of over 100 seniors who saw the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to flip the standard for seniors programming in parks and public spaces .” Benefits, making the case, evaluation, recommendations. Report here INTERGEN-NS North Shore Community Resources Intergenerational Program Directory and Resource Hub that “helps connect different generations on the North Shore while providing resources to help community partners establish intergenerational programming … These projects have been launched in order to actively facilitate a North Shore community that is connected, inclusive, and age-friendly.” Information here CANADIAN INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL PRESCRIBING (CISP) Intersectoral collaboration project anchored by the Canadian Red Cross “CISP is a new national hub to link people and share practices that connect people to community-based supports and services that can help improve their health and well-being… part of a global movement of people bringing community capacity and healthcare services closer together by directly addressing the social determinants of health , from loneliness and social isolation to racism and ageism to income and housing and much more.” Newsletter, events, reports, resources, etc. Website here FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT “The discrimination caused by stigma that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia needs to be ‘flipped on its ear’! The purpose of this toolkit is to recognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination . It has been designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, the people who support them, and those who do research – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Video clips demonstrate interactions and stimulate discussions. Explore the website and sign up for a newsletter here Aging Well Education - Ongoing Dementia Education & Opportunities ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS IN INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS: KNOWLEDGE, NEEDS, AND GAPS National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health “ This report summarizes what is known about the knowledge, needs, and gaps of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and healthcare practitioners working in Indigenous communities related to dementias…an overview of the barriers and facilitators of knowledge translation and exchange about dementia care and management.” Explore the August 2022 report here STORIES FOR CAREGIVERS A series of 2-minute videos “‘Therapeutic Fibbing’ is a 4-part heart-opening dramatic comedy web series featuring an everyday Canadian family utilizing — with varying levels of success -- a form of compassionate lying to navigate communications with a loved one living with dementia.” YouTube here Facebook here RECENT ADDITIONS UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL ISOLATION AND LONELINESS AMONG OLDER CANADIANS AND HOW TO ADDRESS IT National Institute on Ageing “Social isolation and loneliness are increasingly recognized as important public health concerns. Globally, as well as in Canada, these issues have significant implications for the health and well-being of older persons .” This is one of many reports and other resources (news, National Seniors Strategy) of concern to seniors, some offered in many languages . Explore here BUILDING DEMENTIA-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES ONLINE COURSE Alzheimer Societies of Canada “The Building dementia-friendly communities course…a self-paced 75 minute online, interactive course in four modules …is currently available in English and French…designed for professionals working in the recreation, library, retail, restaurant and public transportation sectors…knowledge and skills needed to increase support, inclusion and accessibility (both in the social and physical environments) for people living with dementia.” Information here Register here PROGRAM PLANNING FOR GRANT WRITING United Way of British Columbia “Effective grant seeking…involves strategic prospect research, detailed project planning, and articulating a compelling case, all while employing efficient tools, processes, and systems.” This online interactive session includes: • creating compelling project rationales/needs descriptions; • exploring planning methodologies, including Theory of Change and Logic Models; • incorporating measurable outcomes. Recording here Slides here ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE AND RELATED DEMENTIAS IN INDIGENOUS POPULATIONS National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health “This report summarizes what is known about the knowledge, needs, and gaps of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and healthcare practitioners working in Indigenous communities related to dementias…It provides a review of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis understandings of dementias, their perceptions of healthy aging, and their preferences for care …an overview of the barriers and facilitators of knowledge translation and exchange about dementia care and management…” Explore the report here PROMISING MODELS OF SENIORS' TRANSPORTATION United Way British Columbia & SFU Cities, Health, and Active Transportation Research Lab “This report provides the findings from case studies…to profile promising models of seniors’ transportation and to learn what facilitates or impedes the success of these services. We used extensive selection criteria to select six services that covered a diverse set of models and geographic contexts.” Read the report here LIVING MY CULTURE Canadian Virtual Hospice “Quality palliative care helps you honour your culture, spirituality and traditions…people from various cultures share their stories and wisdom about living with serious illness, end of life and grief to support others.” Indigenous cultural safety training : Advanced illness, palliative care and grief and “Coming full circle: Planning for your care a booklet to ensure Indigenous Peoples’ choices for their future healthcare are known and respected.” Also videos and insights from representatives of eight global cultures. Information here HEALTHY AGING CORE CANADA United Way BC & Employment & Social Development Canada “Healthy Aging CORE (Collaborative Online Resources and Education) is a platform to c onnect local, regional, provincial and national non-profit, government, and academic organizations and coalitions that focus on programs, services, policies, practices, and research aimed at supporting older Canadians to age in place in their homes and communities….All content on CORE is vetted …CORE is designed to connect and coordinate with other relevant networks, and not duplicate.” Features: Resources…Training & Events…Groups & Activity….Programs & Initiatives…Funding Opportunities Join email list here AGING AND THRIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY Institute for Community Prosperity, Mount Royal University, Calgary “…a scan of issues, trends, system dynamics and innovations…guided by the question: What factors are preventing older Canadians from flourishing, and how might we transform systems to maximize the choice, dignity, mobility, security, and trust accompanying an aging population transitioning into less autonomous living circumstances?" Report authored by James Stauch here FROME'S COMPASSION PROJECT UK Men’s Shed & Health Connections Mendip-UK “Compassionate communities help to reduce isolation and loneliness and bring a sense of belonging. Social relationships are the most effective intervention for improving health and longevity. Frome’s care combines a compassionate programme of community development with routine medical care…three key elements : making the most of the supportive networks of family, friends and neighbours…building networks of support for the routine matters of life…linking to community activity , such as choir, walking groups, men’s sheds, talking cafes and other interest groups where people can make friendships and share life’s events.” This event has passed. Health Connections Mendip website here Frome Shed website here ARCHIVED TRAINING WEBINARS Healthy Aging CORE Canada “CORE regularly hosts training events on relevant program and organizational development topics. These sessions are recorded and archived on CORE..and this compendium provides a listing of categories and links so that you can access them at your convenience.” Available here THE FUTURE OF AGING IN PLACE IN CANADA University Health Network Open Lab, Toronto " Through participatory design with seniors and inspiring demonstration projects, Vertical Aging pushes us to imagine and create possibilities beyond the current crop of institutional options . . these projects challenge conventional thinking about aging in contemporary urban society " Webinar recording here SOCIAL NEEDS OF OLDER ADULTS CAN'T BE MET BY TECHNOLOGY ALONE CTV article; research by Dr. Yue Qian, UBC Sociology “…virtual interaction, like phone calls, video calls and texting during pandemic lockdowns were not helpful on their own as an alternative to face-to-face time for people over 60. ‘Our findings demonstrate that face-to-face household contact is crucial to sustaining older adults’ mental wellbeing,” Qian said.’” CTV article here Frontiers in Sociology Article here METRO VANCOUVER HOMESHARE Canada HomeShare “The goal of HomeShare is to foster intergenerational relationships , support aging in place for older adults while simultaneously addressing the affordable rental crisis faced by students…a facilitated model of shared housing to Metro Vancouver… for older adults who would like to share their home with a student for the coming school year …up to seven hours per week of assistance around the home and/or companionship… Canada HomeShare Social Workers create matches that meet both the needs of the home provider and student using a framework designed and developed by the National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly.” Paused in 2022, but restarting in 2023. Sign up here for notification ENABLING CONNECTIONS - A TABLET LENDING LIBRARY South Granville Seniors Centre & Partners “The four elements of the Enabling Connections program are: a tablet lending library , digital literacy mentoring , a virtual senior’s centre , and knowledge sharing with other organizations . The Enabling Connections project is focused on creating connections between individuals and creating a sense of community and mutual support, peer to peer.” Information here CLOSING THE GAPS: EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE AND RECOVERY FOR OLDER ADULTS Canadian Red Cross; National Institute on Ageing “This is a recent report…that includes 29 Evidence-Informed Expert Recommendations to Improve Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery for Older Adults Across Canada…directed at Community-Based Services and Programs…Webinar features Dr. Samir Sinha, lead author of the report.” Report here FROME'S COMPASSION PROJECT UK Men’s Shed & Health Connections Mendip-UK “Compassionate communities help to reduce isolation and loneliness and bring a sense of belonging. Social relationships are the most effective intervention for improving health and longevity. Frome’s care combines a compassionate programme of community development with routine medical care…three key elements : making the most of the supportive networks of family, friends and neighbours…building networks of support for the routine matters of life…linking to community activity , such as choir, walking groups, men’s sheds, talking cafes and other interest groups where people can make friendships and share life’s events.” This event has passed. Health Connections Mendip website here Frome Shed website here COMMUNITY COUNSELLING SERVICES IN BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Community Action Initiative “An extension of government funding to 49 local community counselling agencies provides access to low- and no-cost counselling services. Community counselling provides flexibility for counsellors to meet clients through outreach, in-person counselling or through virtual supports. In some community agencies, counsellors connect people to other services and supports.” Counselling services offered within BC’s Health Authorities here Aging well education material AGING WELL EDUCATION - ONGOING These are virtual educational resources for the seniors'-serving sector that can be joined or viewed on an ongoing basis. COVID-19 AND THE DIGITAL DIVIDE (Centre for Ageing Better, UK) Key findings from research involving i) > 250 seniors’-serving organizations about their service delivery efforts and ii) 50-70 year olds with incomes less than $42k about their use of the Internet and digital devices. Identifies and shares good practices for supporting digital inclusion and skill development during the pandemic and beyond. Describes how supports improved seniors’ knowledge and understanding of digital skills. July 2021 report here COMMUNITY DEMENTIA CARE AND SUPPORT (Healthcare Excellence Canada) Webinar series: "Innovations that are supporting people living with dementia and care partners, closer to home…what’s working and what isn’t…help innovators figure out how they can spread and scale their innovation so more people living with dementia, and care partners can benefit.” Past webinars and newsletter registration for upcoming related learning opportunities here AGING YOUR WAY: CREATING AN AGE-INCLUSIVE CANADA (CanAge; Toronto Public Library) A series of upcoming free webinars plus recordings & key learnings from other 2021 webinars. Information here GLUU TECHNOLOGY TUESDAYS (GLUU Society; Government of Canada) The Canadian nonprofit on a mission to help older adults use technology to stay happy, healthy & connected. We make digital skills stick…offer free digital skills training for all Canadian seniors about Apple and Android mobile devices. Information here Register for Technology Tuesdays here (Recordings available if registered) DIALOGUE ON AGING SERIES WEBINARS (Providence Health Care) Recordings of 2020-2021series of monthly presentations about self-care for positive mental health, mindfulness, brain health, sleep health, physical activity, technologies, socialization, creativity & living well with dementia, COVID-19 and dementia strategies and support, etc. Typically 2-hour presentation including discussion. Recordings here CAREGIVERS OUT LOUD: A PODCAST (Family Caregivers of BC) “A series of conversations with caregivers that highlight the joys, trials, and self-discoveries that come along with this rewarding and taxing position... have support and balance through the stories of inspiring caregivers.” Information here BRAIN WELLNESS PROGRAMS (UBC Brain Wellness Centre) Wide range of topics and their effects on brain health: music, nutrition, sleep, mood, improv theatre, practical tips, mindfulness, role as care partner etc. Information here Subscribe to newsletter here WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO AGE IN PLACE? (Hon. Joyce Murray, MP Quadra Brunch Connections) Guest speaker Ms. Isobel Mackenzie, BC’s Seniors’ Advocate, discusses “how to plan successfully to age in place, and how to help others – spouse, parent, family member, or friend – do the same… communities, business, the charitable sector, and various levels of government must collaborate to ensure today’s Canadians can age-in-place safely, as long as they wish...challenges and solutions. ” Recording here NO PLACE LIKE HOME(SHARE): INSIGHTS FROM AN INTERGENERATIONAL HOMESHARING PROGRAM IN TORONTO “Toronto HomeShare Pilot Project that matched 11 over-housed older adults 55+ (overhoused with respect to physical home space, social needs or supports with activities of daily living), with post-secondary student homeseekers who were experiencing difficulty securing safe and affordable housing… ‘facilitated’ by social workers and housing experts…now fully funded as a program by the City of Toronto…expanded to the City of Barrie.” Webinar recording here RAINBOW STEPS TO LGBT2SQ SENIORS “This webinar discusses aging in the LGBT2SQ communities and how service providers can deliver more inclusive and supportive programming…. practical ways to provide sensitive, competent and inclusive community programming and services for LGBT2SQ individuals.” Webinar recording here ADDRESSING STIGMA: AGING AND OLDER ADULTS (UWLM CORE Healthy Aging) 55min. An overview of stigma as outlined in the Public Health Agency of Canada's (2019 report) 'Stigma Action Framework for Building an Inclusive Health System' Recording here 2019 Summary video (Voices for Inclusion 4min) here HEALING IN PANDEMIC TIMES (Northern Health, Indigenous Health, NCCIH) An animated video reviews key terms such as stigmatization, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination in an easily understandable way (4:32 min). Related publications include Thinking About Cultural Safety; Practical tips: Engaging People During COVID-19 ; Cultural Safety: Respect & Dignity in Relationships; Cultural Safety: Poster Series. Video and information available here PROMISING APPROACHES REVISITED: EFFECTIVE ACTION ON LONELINESS IN LATER LIFE In the United Kingdom,“the Campaign to End Loneliness believes that nobody who wants company should be without it…We do this by creating spaces for collaboration and support to the sector and by…building evidence, convening and supporting the loneliness community , making the case for action, public campaigning, campaigning locally.” Information here FUNDRAISING TRENDS OF 2021 THAT MAY INFLUENCE YOUR STRATEGY AND PREPARE YOUR ORGANIZATION FOR A SUCCESSFUL YEAR (Charity Village) Webinar (Feb 2, 2021) and information here SENIORS' TRANSPORTATION WEBINAR (UWLM CORE Healthy Aging) Learn more about the new Provincial Working Group on Seniors Transportation, the seniors-centred approach it will bring to its work, and its plans for improving seniors’ mobility in BC over the next two years. (January 27, 2021 presentation) Recording and slides available here DEMENTIA EDUCATION & OPPORTUNITIES ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE July 2021 Features reports from Medscape Medical News about advances in understanding dementia: risk factors, tests, diagnosis, treatments, epidemiology, practice guidelines and more. Conference news here ENGAGING PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA IN DECISION-MAKING Canadian Centre for Elder Law “We are seeking participants for a series of virtual consultation events on strategies for including people living with dementia in decision making. The events will run from July 2021 to March 2022. We would like to hear from people living with dementia and other disabilities. We are also recruiting family members and friends for virtual consultation events on the perspectives of caregivers.” Project Status: Work in Progress Information here Poster - people living with dementia here Poster - caregivers here VIRTUAL SERVICES FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Adult Cognitive Wellness Centre Langley, BC Virtual services for people living with dementia (Adult Cognitive Wellness Centre, Langley, BC) Regular midday and afternoon sessions offered monthly by qualified facilitators: Caregiver Support, Yoga, Easy Practice of Qigong Movement, Experience-Centered Care with H.E.A.R.T. Methodology™, Mindfulness Base Stress Reduction. Pre-registration & information here BEACON *SHINING LIGHT ON DEMENTIA Pacific Spirit United Church, Vancouver, BC In 2021, members of the congregation participated in a four-part series of online conversations “to further our sense of inclusion and love by opening meaningful conversations about what it means to be a dementia-friendly community…in our care for one another, in our building’s accessibility, and in our programming.” Information here Four-part video series here DEMENTIA & SPIRITUALITY: PODCAST SERIES Dementia Dialogue, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON "This new four-part series explores the many dimensions of spirituality along the dementia journey, as well as how our cultural background influences and nurtures spiritual perspectives.Our hosts have held interviews with a range of guests including people living with dementia, academics and researchers, spiritual care providers and care partners.” Listen here HEALTH CARE DECISION-MAKING LEGAL RIGHTS OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA Canadian Centre for Elder Law, Alzheimer Society of BC “A set of resources on the decision-making rights of people living with dementia: three short animated videos, and a booklet. The booklet is available in English, French, Traditional Chinese and Punjabi.” Information here

Enter site to know more about the Help Lines. HELP LINES SAIL: Seniors Abuse & Information Line Confidential service for older adults who are experiencing abuse or mistreatment, offering information and support. Learn More Alzheimer Society - First Link® Dementia Helpline If you have questions about Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, call the Alzheimer Society of B.C.'s First Link® Dementia Helpline for information and support (toll-free): Dial: English: 1-800-936-6033 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) - Cantonese and Mandarin: 1-833-674-5007 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Punjabi: 1-833-674-5003 (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Web: https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/find-support-bc/first-link-dementia-helpline Learn More Ability411 Assistive Technologies & Equipment Web-based service for answers to questions and practical information about technologies, tools and equipment that increase independence and wellbeing for BC seniors, and support their families and care teams. Multilingual: Use an online translation app Web: https://www.ability411.ca/find-answers Ask a question https://www.ability411.ca/ask-new-question Learn More bc211 Information & Referral Services bc211 is a British Columbia, non-profit organization that provides a free, confidential, multilingual (160 languages) information about community, government and social services in BC. As a response to COVID-19, bc211 accepts applications for the Safe Seniors, Strong Communities program, both from seniors wanting help and from volunteers willing to step up and help with non-medical needs. Multilingual : Yes (160 languages) Hours : 24/7 Contact: Dial: 211 Text: 211 Web: https://www.bc211.ca Twitter: @bc211Help Email: help@bc211.ca Learn More 811 HealthLink BC Free provincial health information and advice phone line available 24/7. Learn More Greater Vancouver Seniors Distress Line Offers emotional support for seniors in distress. Available 24/7 at 604-872-1234. Learn More BC Seniors' Advocate Provides information and referrals related to health care, housing, income supports, and personal supports for seniors. Learn More Greater Vancouver Seniors Distress Lines Provides emotional support for seniors in distress within the Greater Vancouver area. Learn More bc211 Information & Referral Services 24/7 multilingual service providing information on community, government, and social services across British Columbia. Learn More Seniors Transportation Options Need help getting around British Columbia? This is an initiative of B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation). You can find various transportation options: public transit, HandyDart, as well as community shuttle services, taxis and private driver services,volunteer ride programs, and walking groups in various regions of the province.. Web here : https://www.seniorsonthemove.org/transportation-options-for-seniors-metro-vancouver#/ Learn More 311 City of Vancouver Helpline for information about city operations and services, as well as reporting issues. Learn More Crisis Centre of BC Immediate access to barrier-free, non-judgmental, confidential support and follow-up to youth, adults, and seniors throughout 24/7 phone lines and online services. The Distress Services program provides support to vulnerable individuals across British Columbia. Multilingual: Yes (140 languages) Hours: 24/7 distress phone line and online chat services between noon and 1:00am Contact: Dial: Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311 Anywhere in BC 1-800-SUICIDE: 1-800-784-2433 Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789 Web: https://crisiscentre.bc.ca/ Chat: Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (Noon to 1am) Learn More Ability 411 Assistive Technologies & Equipment Offers information on assistive technologies and equipment to help seniors maintain independence. Learn More Seniors Transportation Options An initiative by B.E.S.T. (Better Environmentally Sound Transportation) providing various transportation options for seniors in British Columbia. Learn More SAIL: Seniors Abuse & Information Line SAIL is a province-wide confidential service for older adults, and those who care about them, to talk to a trained intake worker about abuse or mistreatment. Seniors will receive information and support about issues that impact their health and wellbeing. Multilingual: Yes, upon request (180 languages) Hours: 8am-8pm 7 days/week (excluding holidays) Contact: Dial: 604-437-1940 or toll-free 1-866-437-1940 TTY Equipment: 604-428-3359 or toll-free 1-855-306-1443 Web: http://seniorsfirstbc.ca/programs/sail Learn More Alzheimer Society - First Link® Dementia Helpline Offers information and support for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. Learn More 811 HealthLink BC 811 is a free-of-charge provincial health information and advice phone line available in British Columbia to speak to a health service navigator, who can help you find non-emergency health information and services; or connect you directly with a registered nurse, a registered dietitian, a qualified exercise professional, or a pharmacist. Multilingual : Yes (130 languages) For translated resources in French, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese Go to https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/services-and-resources/translated-resources Hours : 24/7 Contact: Dial: 811 Web: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/ For nursing services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/nursing-services For dietitian services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian-services For pharmacist services: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pharmacist-services For qualified exercise professionals: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/physical-activity-services Learn More BC Seniors' Advocate Speak with an Information & Referral analyst or consult website about health care, housing, income supports, personal supports, transportation. Seniors’ services research reports and Long-term Care Quick Facts Directory. Provide feedback on seniors’ services. Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) Contact: Dial: toll-free 1-877-952-3181 or in Victoria 250-952-3181 Web: https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/ Learn More AssistList: Home Health Equipment Exchange “Helping simplify the exchange of home health equipment for our community” with blog, resources and searchable database of equipment listings, …”facilitating safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver by creating a network of Community Exchange Zones to help us facilitate safe exchanges across Metro Vancouver.” Non-profit operated by staff and volunteers; funded by partners and donors. Multilingual: Use an online translation app Hours: equipment list is available 24/7 here Contact: online here with questions Learn More 311 City of Vancouver Help line within the City for seeking information about operations and services or to report problems. During COVID-19 only use 311 for urgent requests or language interpretation. Otherwise use online chat and email at City website. Multilingual : Yes Hours : 7am to 10pm daily Live chat 9am-4pm Contact: Dial 311 within Metro Vancouver. Outside Vancouver: 604-873-7000 App: VanConnect Web: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-the-city-of vancouver.aspx Learn More AssistList: Home Health Equipment Exchange Platform for exchanging home health equipment, facilitating access to necessary items for seniors. Learn More

Check out the Events. DV News Top NEWS Ongoing CIRCA-CA: COMPUTER INTERACTIVE REMINISCING AND CONVERSATION AID IN CANADA Canadian Dementia & Learning Resources Network “This is a web-based conversation support tool that offers…multimedia content, including photographs, short videos, and audio to stimulate conversation, social engagement, and relationship building… for people living with dementia and their care partners to connect and engage, share memories, build relationships, and reminisce… This version of the project is specifically tailored for a Canadian audience…for use as a group or one-on-one activity.” Explore the resources here Ongoing FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT Canadian Health Research Institute “The discrimination caused by stigma that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia needs to be ‘flipped on its ear’! The purpose of this toolkit is to r ecognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination . It has been designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, the people who support them, and those who do research – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Video clips demonstrate interactions and stimulate discussions. Sign up for the newsletter. . Explore the website here Ongoing FAMILY CAREGIVING SUPPORT GROUPS Family Caregivers of BC “Support groups create a safe and confidential space. In a support group, Shared Understandings (also known as ‘ground rules’ or ‘group guidelines’) create this safe and confidential space for caregivers in group meetings.” There are several monthly virtual support groups at different times of day to accommodate busy schedules. Explore these and other caregiver resources here and sign up for FCBC’s newsletter. Information here Ongoing LEGAL RESOURCES FOR CAREGIVERS Family Caregivers of BC & Nidus BC Estate planning takes care of your assets when you die - a Will and Enduring Power of Attorney, but they do not cover health or personal care. “If you do not want government (Public Guardian and Trustee of BC) to be involved in your personal and private affairs, you will want to make arrangements in case you need help managing your affairs due to illness, injury, or disability while you are still alive . “Choose those you trust to advocate for you and carry out your wishes, if you need help speaking up for yourself” and prepare a Representation Agreement (RA) and Advance Directive (AD) . Read more about RA and AD here and here Ongoing MEMORY CAFÉ: COMMUNITY CENTRE PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT NEEDS FOR SENIORS EXPERIENCING MEMORY LOSS AND THEIR CAREGIVERS Kitsilano Community Centre Association Board The Association Board oversees programs at the community centre. “A Community Needs Assessment Group is charged to become better informed by the community… One gap that has been identified is tailored programs and supports specifically for those struggling with memory loss and supports and services for those caring for seniors with memory loss .” Two Memory Cafés were held November-December 2022 to gain community members’ perspectives and formulate some potential next steps . Read about the community responses and various strategies in their repor t Ongoing DEMENTIA IN CANADA: CROSS-COUNTRY REPORT CanAge “We wanted to find out where Canada is on the path to making this country dementia-inclusive … This report, the first of its kind in Canada, benchmarks the progress made in each province and territory to prepare for the rapidly growing rate of dementia... It also looks at our National Dementia Strategy, and the role the federal government has to play in stewarding, and funding a collaborative approach to this important work. We need to do better. We can do better.” Report here March-April 2023 DEMENTIA VENTURES AT KITS HOUSE You are invited to become involved in the Kits House Dementia Initiative: "create awareness and build community capacity to include the voices of people living with dementia and their care partners in meaningful activities. Participate in focus group Become a volunteer buddy Train as a community member Contact thaisl@kitshouse.org or call 604-736-3588 ext. 127 Poster here Ongoing FLIPPING STIGMA ON ITS EAR TOOLKIT Canadian Health Research Institute “The discrimination caused by stigma that accompanies a diagnosis of dementia needs to be ‘flipped on its ear’! The purpose of this toolkit is to r ecognize and respond to this stigma and discrimination . It has been designed by people with dementia to help others – including other people living with dementia, the people who support them, and those who do research – to address the challenges of stigma and discrimination.” Video clips demonstrate interactions and stimulate discussions. Sign up for the newsletter. . Explore the website here Ongoing THE CASE FOR ENGAGING PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA IN COMMUNITY SUPPORT EFFORTS United Way BC,Building Capacity Project, Westside Seniors Hub “Building Capacity Project team members discuss their grassroots approach to community support with and for people with dementia. They look at both the logistical side and the bigger picture side of how engaging and collaborating with people with lived experience fosters a culture of inclusion and decreases stigma.” Webinar recording and handout here DEMENTIA DIALOGUE PODCASTS Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH) Lakehead University Listeners who have dementia, care partners, and others gain insight and strengthen their adaptive skills from podcasts that help the broader community understand what it means to live with dementia and how they can support people.” There are special series for spirituality, arts, women, early onset dementia and new podcasts being added all the time. French & English. Episodes 51 and 53 of Season 4 feature feature lively and insightful conversations with Action Group member, Granville Johnson and Building Capacity Project’s Co-Lead, Dr. Alison Phinney. Website here Season 4 #51 & 53 here CALL TO MIND PODCAST University of Victoria, BC Prof. Debra Sheets “In this four-part podcast series, people living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia record audio diaries and conversations about their lives during the pandemic…Intimate and surprising stories about the challenges and rewards of caregiving, the impacts of isolation, finding joy by living in the present, and staying in love when everything else is changing...inspires you to make your community a more friendly and supportive place for people with dementia.” Podcasts here BUILDING CAPACITY PRO JECT: TAKEAWAYS UBC Nursing The Building Capacity Project Team led a discussion with Westside Seniors Hub Partners on May 25th about "engaging people living with dementia...to participate in community life as full social citizens...using the Action Group's Flipping Stigma Toolkit as an entry point...The online toolkit...gave Partners a chance to think through what stigma looks and feels like." The discussion included: Questions, Insights from Action Group members, Implementing the Toolkit, Engagement, and Resources 4-page Takeaways here STORIES FOR CAREGIVERS A series of 2-minute videos “‘Therapeutic Fibbing’ is a 4-part heart-opening dramatic comedy web series featuring an everyday Canadian family utilizing — with varying levels of success -- a form of compassionate lying to navigate communications with a loved one living with dementia. ” YouTube here Facebook here BUILDING CAPACITY PROJECT WEBSITE University of British Columbia Nursing & Lakehead University “The Building Capacity Project aims to enable people living with dementia to participate in community life as full social citizens. The project develops and evaluates effective ways to create sustainable opportunities for people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers, to remain active and connected in their communities…support community initiatives.” Webinars, newsletter, reports, etc. Website here CA REGIVERS OUT LOUD:A PODCAST SERIES Family Caregivers of BC Listen to “insightful, authentic and heart-centered conversations with caregivers that highlight the joys, trials, and self-discoveries that come along with this rewarding and taxing position.” 20-30 minute episodes accompanied by notes. New addition Feb 2022: Creativity as a Form of Self- Care Listen here PROMOTING ENGAGEMENT OF PEOPLE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA & FAMILY/FRIEND CAREGIVERS IN ADVANCE CARE PLANNING THROUGH COMMUNITY-LED PROGRAMS BC Centre for Palliative Care Research-based “learnings from, and resources developed...to promote the engagement of people living with dementia and family/friend caregivers in Advance Care Planning (ACP)…builds on the proven success of an existing, sustainable, community-led education model… to support community organizations facilitate ACP programs for the public. Report here FAMILY DYNAMICS AND HOLIDAYS Family Caregivers of BC Half-hour videos by Wendy Johnstone, Provincial Caregiving Consultant and Gerontologist, available free via Facebook that provide emotional support for those living with dementia and those caring for them. The December 2022 theme was Family Dynamics and the Holidays, but past episodes, webinars, and much more are available to explore here. COMMUNITY COUNSELING SERVICES IN BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, Community Action Initiative “An extension of government funding to 49 local community counselling agencies provides access to low- and no-cost counselling services. Community counselling provides flexibility for counsellors to meet clients through outreach, in-person counselling or through virtual supports . In some community agencies, counsellors connect people to other services and supports.” Availability of counselling services within BC’s Health Authorities here Return to top DV News

FOOD SECURITY What IS food security? Definition: Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses the availability, access, utilization, and stability of food within a population Related to poverty as food is the first expense to be cut out when one is struggling financially Disproportionally impacts vulnerable and marginalized individuals Top WFC page What IS the Westside Food Collaborative (WFC) ? WFC is a neighbourhood food network of organizations, groups and individuals working towards supporting community food security and hosted by Kitsilano Neighbourhood House. Mission: WFC will coordinate efforts, build collective capacity and form a unified voice of community service organizations providing food supports to the Westside residents. Through coordinated collective impact efforts, we will work to improve availability and access to adequate food resources for the most vulnerable community members. Together, we will work towards addressing the underlying factors leading to food insecurity, to advance the vision for a just and sustainable food system for all. The WFC Facebook website and Instagram webpage document its many community activities and contributions. They keep Westside neighbourhood residents up to date with events, resources and several significant reports that it has produced to further its Mission. WFC Reports What has WFC accomplished?` The Kitsilano Neighbourhood House 5-year strategic planning process for 2021-2024 named its top three priorities to include “additional programs to meet the needs of underserved groups in the community” , and among other programs,”an action to develop a food security program for seniors.” 2021 Kitsilano Neighbourhood House became a fiscal sponsor of the WFC with a City of Vancouver Sustainable Food Systems Grant. That funding supported a part-time Community Food Developer, Ksenia Stepkina ( 7hrs/week), who was tasked with coordinating collaborative efforts and food security initiatives among existing members of the Westside Food Collaborative. Representatives of a dozen diverse organizations involved in growing, distributing, and/or preparing food for Westside residents since 2009 now meet monthly to share and coordinate their activities . 2021 Thinner and Thinner:Westside Food Asset Need and Scan r eport demonstrated the need for collaborative and comprehensive approaches to addressing food insecurity in the community. 2022 WFC Strategic Planning Case Study identified strengths and weaknesses to guide further planning. 2023 Food For All: Seniors' Food Security in Vancouver’s Westside Community Dialogue Report with details of community engagement sessions and partipants' recommendations. 2024 Free and Low-cost Community Food Resources-Westside updated periodically. WSH-WFC How is the Westside Seniors Hub involved with the Westside Food Collaborative? Updates listed with most recent first. June 2024 City of Vancouver Sustainable Food Systems Grant Funding Interim Report discussed. Update on a volunteer's Crowdzest/Citronicity organizational asset mapping among WFC partners. May 2024 Westside Food Fair roles, task list and budget discussed. April 30, 2024 At monthly WFC meeting, Neighborhood Food Democracy Report presented at monthly meeting identified neighborhood priorities, generated a list of recommendations and analyzed efficacy of the participatory food asset mapping and focus group discussion. March 26, 2024 : Monthly WFC meeting shared details of the Phase 1 strategic planning themes and Phase 2 proposed next steps for WFC collective action with WSH Partners and other interested community organizations. March 4, 2024 : Phase 1 strategic planning session, co-hosted by WFC and KCCA and facilitated by Brad Beattie to develop shared priorities and collaborative approaches around food security. November 2023-February 2024 Brainstorming session with members of WFC, WSH Council, KNH, and KCCA for next steps. Funding provided by KCCA for a facilitated scoping contract with Facilitator, Brad Beattie, POP The People Agency. October 2023 WFC’s Community Food Developer, Ksenia Stepkina, presented the Collaborative’s work and Food for All report findings at the Quarterly meeting of the Hub's Partner Organizations. WSH Partners want to explore how their food-related activities can be integrated with the programs and services offered by WFC members.The Kitsilano Community Centre Association (KCCA) offered to support further integration of Hub Partners’ food-related activities with those of WFC and fund meeting facilitation. ************************* We’re building community capacity to improve food security for Westside seniors and YOU can help! Visit Kitsilano Neighborhood House's WFC webpage here and WFC’s Facebook website for upcoming opportunities to participate in programs, events and activities. Return to Top

The Hub is building a more responsive and resilient community for seniors living on the Westside of Vancouver, BC Canada through the power of collective action. CARE PARTNERS YOU can help reveal challenges that need to be addressed create activities that fit with your needs as well as those you care for offer ideas for innovative initiatives participate in community conversations To partners, relatives, friends or professionals regularly involved in providing care for a person living with dementia: Your voice is needed in planning and implementing activities that are feasible and engaging. Hub Partners would like to hear from you! Visit the Current Hub Partner Projects page to see which project is most attractive and contact the Partner sponsoring it

Volunteers are essential partners in making Hub Partners' programs meaningful opportunities for participants. Your interactions with people living with dementia become important connections to community and diversify the kinds of activities that Hub Partners can offer. VOLUNTEERS YOU can help participate in community conversations assist with social, creative & physical activities provide technical expertise & logistical support interview & write stories Volunteers are essential partners in making Hub Partners' programs meaningful opportunities for participants. Your interactions with people living with dementia become important connections to community and diversify the kinds of activities that Hub Partners can offer. Hub Partners would like to hear from you! Visit the Current Hub Partner Projects page to see which project is most attractive and contact the Partner sponsoring it.

CURRENT PROJECTS Together with Hub Partner Organizations, Council identifies where there are gaps in services and resources for seniors. Click on a button below to read more about current priorities for Hub collaborative actions. 西區老年人中心 老年人和集體的集體行動 西區老年人中心是一項計劃，旨在將當地的老年人和老年人服務組織聚集在一起，以確保西區社區成為老年人可以成長的地方。它起到提供信息“樞紐”的作用，增強人們對本地計劃和服務的認識。它在確定服務提供方面的差距方面發揮領導作用，並為老年人的問題提供社區支持。 Read more FOOD SECURITY Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. Food is one of the first expenses to be reduced when one is struggling financially, and this disproportionally impacts vulnerable and marginalized individuals How is the Westside Seniors Hub involved with the Westside Food Collaborative? Read more

Would you like to help the Hub achieve its goals of creating a more inclusive community and increasing social citizenship of people living with dementia? Then please consider helping plan, implement and sustain meaningful activities. OPPORTUNITIES DEMENTIA VENTURES Would you like to help the Hub achieve its goals of creating a more inclusive community and increasing social citizenship of people living with dementia? Then please consider helping plan, implement and sustain meaningful activities. Here are some opportunities for community members to become involved in Dementia Ventures. Please contact the Partner Organization directly or send a message to the Hub for details. Postings will remain here until a Partner notifies the webmaster that a position is no longer available. KITSILANO NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE Kits House has launched a dementia awareness initiative. There are opportunities to join focus groups that will guide program development. There is a dementia buddies program with training to communicate and help people experiencing dementia live well in the community. Other awareness activities and conversations are planned to make our community more dementia friendly Click here to find out more. WESTSIDE SENIORS HUB COUNCIL The Hub Council is recruiting volunteers to join us and ensure that Westside neighbourhoods are places where seniors can thrive. We work collaboratively with Hub Partners on projects such as Dementia Ventures . For more information, please click here . SOUTH GRANVILLE SENIOR CENTRE Enabling Connections...A Tablet Lending Library South Granville Seniors Centre & Many Partners “The four elements of the Enabling Connections program are: a tablet lending library, digital literacy mentoring, a virtual senior’s centre, and knowledge sharing with other organizations. The Enabling Connections project is focused on creating connections between individuals and creating a sense of community and mutual support, peer to peer.” Project launched May 6, 2021. Information here FAQ here The Seniors Centre offers a monthly Happy Memories Café that is a safe place to share your experiences, participate in discussions and build lasting friendships. Click here for information. FIREWEED CLUB Dunbar Residents Association & Kitsilano Neighbourhood House The Fireweed Club is a collaborative project bringing a variety of free outdoor activities to seniors on the westside. These activities are open to any seniors who want to stay active, socialize and build relationships. People living with memory loss or other invisible challenges are welcome to come by themselves or to bring their friends and care partners. The Club seeks participants, program leaders and volunteers all year. More information here .