Community Connections _ let's talk mental health

08/13/2020

Sometimes growing up can be really hard, frustrating, lonely and confusing. Tough times can’t be avoided, but together, we can learn to cope and be better prepared for them. If you, or someone you know wants to start talking, we can do this together.

Closer to Home runs several programs designed specifically to help youth learn more about mental health and how they can become more resilient.

Learn more: https://closertohome.com/programs/youth/wellness

08/12/2020

The theme of International Youth Day 2020, “Youth Engagement for Global Action” we want to highlight how youth engage with others, their community on a local, national and global level.

Engage today by, Helping out in your local/community

Update yourself on the formulation of laws, policies, and their implementation on a national level.

And think about what you can do on a
global level.

Connect with us about our youth programs. We are running a speak your mind club on Mondays and have more fun programs coming up.

We will also have some opportunities coming up for youth leadership and ways to be involved in your community.

Email [email protected] for more information about programs

08/10/2020

Please join us for our fun food and mood nights! Learn how to make simple and healthy recipes. Get a chance to connect with like-minded people in your communities and have a discussion about healthy eating and a healthy mind.

Email us at [email protected] to enrol in the free program.

08/10/2020

Today is Indigenous peoples could be considered some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups of people in the world.

This is as a community we want to recognize the need for measures to protect their rights and maintain their distinct cultures and ways of life.

To help raise awareness for this population today we celebrate World’s Indigenous Peoples Day.

At Closer to Home we offer services in the context of indigenous culture and sensitivity. To learn more visit www.closertohome.com

We also have our own Virtual Drumming Circle resuming August 15. Connect with [email protected] for more information.

08/07/2020

The first week of August is dedicated to celebrating breastfeeding annually. Breastfeeding provides every child with health, nutritional and emotional benefits from the start. And it forms part of a sustainable food system. Albeit, a natural process breastfeeding mothers need support from their families and community, both to get started and to sustain it.

Counselling services can ensure that mothers and families receive this support, along with the information, the advice, and the reassurance they need to nourish their babies optimally. Breastfeeding counselling can help mothers to build confidence while respecting their individual circumstances and choices. Counseling can empower women to overcome challenges and prevent feeding and care practices that may interfere with optimal breastfeedings, such as the provision of unnecessary liquids, foods, and breastmilk substitutes to infants and young children.
https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/31-07-2020-world-breastfeeding-week-2020-message
To get more information about health and wellness, or where to find resources to support breastfeeding connect with us at [email protected]

For breastfeeding support and postpartum counselling resources in Calgary visit http://wellfedclinic.com/ or call 403-513-7415

08/05/2020

This week marks the start of mandatory mask in all public places.

According to the draft bylaw, — a mask or other covering that covers the mouth, nose and chin and forms a barrier to limit the transmission of infectious respiratory droplets — must be worn in all public places, unless the people are separated by an installed screen, shield or other barrier.
-Mayor Naheed Nenshi

What this means, public spaces are defined as any building, structure or other enclosed area where the public has access to by right. Examples include grocery stores and shopping malls.
It is noteworthy that
this bylaw applies to Calgary Transit buses and the CTrain as well as taxis and Uber

Coming Soon is a Mask Sewing Club with Women in Calgary through CTH! Keep your eyes out for dates and times through our family resource network

08/04/2020

Has COVID-19 impacted your summer plans? Are you bored; want something fun to do; meet other like minded people and have a chance to speak your mind?

If so, then come virtually join our 'Speak Your Mind' book club every Monday between 11am to 1pm"

You can RSVP by emailing
[email protected]

08/03/2020

This week marks the start of mandatory mask in all public places.

According to the draft bylaw, — a mask or other covering that covers the mouth, nose and chin and forms a barrier to limit the transmission of infectious respiratory droplets — must be worn in all public places, unless the people are separated by an installed screen, shield or other barrier.
-Mayor Naheed Nenshi

What this means, public spaces are defined as any building, structure or other enclosed area where the public has access to by right. Examples include grocery stores and shopping malls.
It is noteworthy that
this bylaw applies to Calgary Transit buses and the CTrain as well as taxis and Uber

Coming Soon is a Mask Sewing Club with Women in Calgary through CTH! Keep your eyes out for dates and times through our family resource network

07/29/2020

Has COVID-19 impacted your summer plans? Are you bored; want something fun to do; meet other like minded people and have a chance to speak your mind?

If so, then come virtually join our 'Speak Your Mind' book club every Monday between 11 am and 1pm"

You can RSVP by emailing
[email protected]

07/23/2020

There continues to be a stigma around anxiety and the needs of someone who is actively anxious. To be kind and supportive we must learn what that person requires from you. If you experience anxiety we encourage you to build a team of your natural supports and have a conversation about your needs. Write down, record, or just verbally communicate what you want your safe person to say to you when you are feeling this way, what would you like them to do when you are in this state and update this as needed. Most importantly do this when you are in a regulated state. The following are some statements that people with anxiety definitely don't find helpful or supportive.

For more information and resources on how to best support someone with anxiety contact [email protected]

07/22/2020

We are very excited to announce our NEW speak your mind club for teens.

Please join us online Mondays from 11am - 1pm
starting on August 3 for our weekly fun get
together to talk about an interesting book. We
want you to come speak your mind about ideas,
themes and thoughts on a chosen book and make
new friends. This is open for ages 13-17.
Email [email protected]
with your name, number, and age to register

07/22/2020

07/22/2020

Complete our self care bingo challenge for a chance to win a free prizee!!

Rules:

1. Complete the challenge in a heart pattern, representing love for yourself. (see an image attached). Or a kite pattern. Or a X.
2. Post it on social media tagging communityconnections.cth on instagram or facebook.
OR
email it to [email protected]
3. Complete the secret activity to be entered into a draw to win a prize.
4. Share with others and have fun!

Closer to Home Community Services

07/21/2020

July 24 marks International Self-Care Day— which is an opportunity to raise awareness about self-care and the important role it plays in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Self-care is all about taking care of yourself and making choices that help your physical and mental health, like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising. The date chosen for International Self-Care Day (7/24) is a reminder that self-care is important to lifelong health, and its benefits are experienced 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day.

Because self-care is important every day, we would like to begin the celebration early. Starting this week we invite you to take part in a self-care bingo challenge. Complete the challenge with an opportunity to win a secret prize if you complete our secret activity on the self-care bing.

For more info: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2019/07/message-from-the-minister-of-health-international-self-care-day--july-24-2019.html

Rules:

1. Complete the challenge in a heart pattern, representing love for yourself. (see an image attached). Or a kite pattern. Or a X.
2. Post it on social media tagging communityconnections.cth on instagram or facebook.
OR
email it to [email protected]
3. Complete the secret activity to be entered into a draw to win a prize.
4. Share with others and have fun!

Closer to Home Community Services

07/21/2020

July 24 marks International Self-Care Day— which is an opportunity to raise awareness about self-care and the important role it plays in leading a healthy lifestyle.

Self-care is all about taking care of yourself and making choices that help your physical and mental health, like eating healthy, getting enough sleep and exercising. The date chosen for International Self-Care Day (7/24) is a reminder that self-care is important to lifelong health, and its benefits are experienced 7 days a week, and 24 hours a day.

Because self-care is important every day, we would like to begin the celebration early. Starting this week we invite you to take part in a self-care bingo challenge. Complete the challenge with an opportunity to win a secret prize if you complete our secret activity on the self-care bing.

For more info: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2019/07/message-from-the-minister-of-health-international-self-care-day--july-24-2019.html

Rules:

1. Complete the challenge in a heart pattern, representing love for yourself. (see an image attached). Or a kite pattern. Or a X.
2. Post it on social media tagging communityconnections.cth on instagram or facebook.
OR
email it to [email protected]
3. Complete the secret activity to be entered into a draw to win a prize.
4. Share with others and have fun!

Closer to Home Community Services

07/21/2020

We are very excited to announce our NEW speak your mind club for teens.

Please join us online Mondays from 11am - 1pm
starting on August 3 for our weekly fun get
together to talk about an interesting book. We
want you to come speak your mind about ideas,
themes and thoughts on a chosen book and make
new friends. This is open for ages 13-17.
Email [email protected]
with your name, number, and age to register

07/14/2020

There continues to be a stigma around anxiety and the needs of someone who is actively anxious. To be kind and supportive we must learn what that person requires from you. If you experience anxiety we encourage you to build a team of your natural supports and have a conversation about your needs. Write down, record, or just verbally communicate what you want your safe person to say to you when you are feeling this way, what would you like them to do when you are in this state and update this as needed. Most importantly do this when you are in a regulated state. The following are some statements that people with anxiety definitely don't find helpful or supportive.

For more information and resources on how to best support someone with anxiety contact [email protected]

07/14/2020

Thursday, July 30 @ 10:00am Learn about building social connections.

This presentation will focus on the importance of social connections, reflecting on your existing connections, learning how to strengthen them, and building new connections. As humans, we have a basic need to connect with other people. We will be talking about why social connections are important and the impact of connections on mental and physical well-being. We will talk about practical ways and strategies you can utilize which will help you feel connected in your relationships at work, school, and home. We use the Teaching-Family Model to help teach practical skills such as communication, active listening, maintaining relationships that support learning and lead to long-term outcomes. With the recent changes and adaptations that we as a society have had to make over the last few months, we would like to assist youth, parents, caregivers, families, professionals, and our community in staying connected and incorporating connection building in our everyday lives.

Register: http://community.hmhc.ca/sessions/

07/13/2020

You can now view the recording of a webinar we did on family violence and brain development. Learn about family violence, how it affects you, and impacts your children, and their neurological and socioemotional development. Register at https://community.hmhc.ca/sessions/

https://communityeducationservice.webex.com/communityeducationservice/lsr.php?RCID=8d48ccea804c49e884a2aee500a7150e

07/09/2020

You can now view the recording of a webinar we did on family violence and brain development. Learn about family violence, how it affects you, and impacts your children, and their neurological and socioemotional development. Register at https://community.hmhc.ca/sessions/

https://communityeducationservice.webex.com/communityeducationservice/lsr.php?RCID=8d48ccea804c49e884a2aee500a7150e

07/08/2020

Su***de is a whole wide issue affecting 800 000 people each year (United Nations, 2020). Likewise, for every one su***de, there is an attempt.
Su***de is preventable, there are actions, words, and techniques that we can all do to help those in need. The check out the United Nations Prevention Booklets, for personalized advice. They have six resource guides that range from professions and age ranges. Furthermore, this information can be viewed @ https://youtu.be/Le7n6i0dpTI.

Help keep those we love safe!

If you are feeling thoughts of su***de or self-harm please reach out to distress centre @403-266-HELP (4357).
For more one-to-one mental health support for free, please contact [email protected]

***deprevention

The teenage years can be full of excitement, opportunities and newfound freedoms. Yet they can also be times fraught with worry about exams, relationships, a...

07/07/2020

Topic: Keeping Children and Youth Engaged in the Summer
When: July 16 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Register in advance https://community.hmhc.ca/sessions

This presentation will focus on a question that seems to be on every parent's mind over the summer, "how do I meaningfully engage my children and youth at home?" Current professionals will often advocate for at least one physical activity, and one cognitively stimulating task a day. We will be discussing when it is the best time to engage with your child, we will outline how to create goals as a parent, we will teach you how to build on your strengths and how to use your environment to your advantage, how to implement effective praise for both yourself and your child and of course we will provide you with a large list of age-appropriate activities and resources to start off your parenting toolkit. We use the Teaching-Family Model to help you teach practical skills such as problem-solving, goal setting, self-determination, and support learning which leads to long-term outcomes.

07/07/2020

Topic: Keeping Children and Youth Engaged in the Summer
When: July 16 @ 10:00 AM
Where: Register in advance https://community.hmhc.ca/sessions

This presentation will focus on a question that seems to be on every parent's mind over the summer, "how do I meaningfully engage my children and youth at home?" Current professionals will often advocate for at least one physical activity, and one cognitively stimulating task a day. We will be discussing when it is the best time to engage with your child, we will outline how to create goals as a parent, we will teach you how to build on your strengths and how to use your environment to your advantage, how to implement effective praise for both yourself and your child and of course we will provide you with a large list of age-appropriate activities and resources to start off your parenting toolkit. We use the Teaching-Family Model to help you teach practical skills such as problem-solving, goal setting, self-determination, and support learning which leads to long-term outcomes.

07/02/2020

As we celebrate Canada day today, this year, join a virtual celebration to mark the Canadian Multiculturalism Discover the virtual activities that will take place across the country.

Discover the significance of multiculturalism in Canada — ensuring that all citizens keep their identities, take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging.

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadianheritage/campaigns/multiculturalism-day.html

Learn more the Community Support, Multiculturalism, and Anti-Racism Initiatives Program

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadianheritage/services/funding/community-multiculturalism-anti-racism.html

At Closer to Home we value cultural diversity and offer culturally sensitive services such as cross-cultural parenting programs through FRN.
This program provides practical information on parenting, examines parent/child relationships and assists immigrant parents to cope with the changes they face in a new country and culture. Through interaction, parents will have the opportunity to discuss and share their concerns and offer support and encouragement to each other.

To register, call (403) 543-0555 or email [email protected].

For more information about our programs contact [email protected]

06/30/2020

06/30/2020

"Difficult situations are part of life. We all must cope with tough circumstances, such as bereavement or conflict in our personal and professional relationships, and learn to move on. But sometimes people experience an event which is so unexpected and so shattering that it continues to have a serious effect on them, long after any physical danger involved has passed. Individuals with this kind of experience may suffer flashbacks and nightmares, in which they relive the situation that caused them intense fear and horror. They may become emotionally numb. When this condition persists for over a month, it is diagnosed as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Trauma is hurtful. If you experience problems in your life related to trauma, it’s important to take your feelings seriously and talk to a health care professional."

You can also contact the Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region for more information at (403) 297-1700 or email: [email protected]

https://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/mental-health/understanding-mental-illness/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/

06/30/2020

This past weekend we celebrated PTSD awareness day, June 27 of each year is dedicated to PTSD.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after a person has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. It causes intense fear, helplessness or horror.

The symptoms of PTSD often surface within three months of the traumatic event that caused it but can also surface years later.

PTSD has become a global health issue and the prevalence of it is gaining awareness. In Canada, between 1.1 and 3.5 percent of the general population is thought to have PTSD.

Military personnel, emergency personnel, rescue workers, first responders, journalists and families of victims are particularly at risk, although PTSD can affect anyone, regardless of socio-economic status, gender, age, nationality or vocation.

Making a similar designation in Ontario can raise awareness for this disorder and help thousands of people in the province and beyond move past stigma, isolation and helplessness and towards resources, understanding and, ultimately, the road to recovery.

Learn more at :
https://bhn.cmha.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ptsd-ntnl-brochure-2014-web.pdf

06/30/2020

In the last week of June, we celebrate Celebrates Cancer Wellness Awareness

1 in 2 Canadians is expected to develop cancer in their life; most are unaware of the importance of cancer wellness.
The goal is to get Canadians talking about cancer wellness and what it means to live well with cancer.
The goal is also to encourage anyone living with cancer (both those diagnosed with cancer and families and caregivers) to seek out cancer wellness resources in their community. For more information, call the Living Well With Cancer Network at 1-833-274-9355 (toll free).

Cancer also impacts the loved ones of those diagnosed with cancer. Finding support is important. For more information on Cancer Wellness support in Calgary visit
https://wellspringcalgary.ca/

They also have some virtual programs being offered at the moment.

06/29/2020

The Alberta Brain Injury Initiative (ABII) helps adults with acquired brain injury to live, work and participate in their communities. ABII is a network of agencies that assist survivors and their families in accessing supports from various programs and community resources across the province.

Brain Injury Supports in Calgary

Calgary – Southern Alberta Brain Injury Society (SABIS)
Phone: 403-521-5212
Toll free: 1-866-527-2247
Fax: 403-283-5867
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.sabis.ab.ca/

Address:
102, 2116 27 Avenue NE
Calgary, Alberta T2E 7A6

https://www.alberta.ca/brain-injury-supports.aspx

If you or anyone has suffered brain injury that is affecting your day-to-day living and mental health
[email protected]
We can help you get connected to resources!

06/29/2020

Brain injury can happen to anyone


~Brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability for Canadians under the age of 40
~Approximately 1.5 million Canadians live with the effects of an acquired brain injury which include :

Physical Changes

Fatigue, difficulties with sleeping, insomnia
Challenges with walking, sitting, moving from one location to another, bathing, and household tasks
Slurred speech
Chronic pain, headaches
Changes in vision
Seizures, fluid increase in the brain, infections, damaged blood vessels in the brain, vertigo (sensation of dizziness/spinning/loss of balance)
Sensory changes: ringing in the ears, trouble with hand-eye coordination, unpleasant tastes or smells, sensations on the skin like tingling, pain, or itching, difficulty with balance, dizziness

Cognitive Changes (Changes in thinking, learning, decision making)

Needing more time to understand information
Difficulty with making plans, organizing, or beginning tasks
Vision problems
Challenges with communicating: understanding conversations, finding the right word, speaking in proper sentences, understanding cues, making conversation
Difficulty writing
Difficulty with concentrations, distracted easily
Difficulty remembering things, learning, reasoning and judgment
Difficulty making decisions
Getting stuck on a single topic, idea, or activity either in conversation or actions (called perseveration)
Confusion about the current date, location, time of day
Loss/changes to senses and perceptions: sensation, sense of smell or taste, vision, double vision, hearing

Emotional Changes
Feeling irritable, having a ‘short fuse’
Depression, anxiety, anger
Prone to sudden, extreme emotions for no clear reason
Showing a limited emotional response to situations
Feeling like they have lost their identity, experiencing anxiety about further injuries to the brain

Behavioral Changes
Engaging in risky behavior, impulsive
Lack of a ‘filter’, saying things that are inappropriate
Isolating oneself
Difficulty with social and work relationships
Changing/inconsistent sleep patterns
Change in role – often from being independent to relying on others for care and support
Family breakdowns

~The annual incidences of ABI are greater than that of Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injury,
HIV/AIDS and breast cancer combined

https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/acquired-brain-injury/

For more info go to:

https://www.braininjurycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ABI-The-Basics_PRINT.pdf