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Nov. 19 Biweekly Update: Social Services Key Insights

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SOCIAL SERVICES NEWS

News, updates, and stories about social care in BC

Unveiling the latest developments in social services

November 19, 2024

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  • Seniors
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Children
  • Opportunities
  • Reconciliation
  • 2025 Social Policy Forum
  • Women
  • Youth
  • Disability
  • Good News

Seniors

Ageism Survey | Seniors Advocate

The Office of the Seniors Advocate is conducting a survey to understand perceptions and experiences of ageism, mainly as it affects seniors in British Columbia. Ageism, as defined by the World Health Organization, involves stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination based on age, and studies show it frequently occurs in the workplace, health care, media, and legal systems, impacting older adults’ self-worth, health, social life, and financial well-being. This anonymous survey, open from November 12 to December 13, 2024, aims to gather insights to guide the office’s future work on addressing ageism.

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Reconciliation Book Club

Fatty Legs (10th Anniversary Edition)

The Federation’s Reconciliation Book Club, designed to be inclusive and accessible for all staff in member organizations, is a key resource for increasing knowledge of reconciliation issues. Book Club members meet regularly to discuss a new book, and Federation staff ensure that the discussions are enriched with supplementary materials, including discussion questions, additional readings, and author and publisher information.

We invite you to join us for the next meeting of the Reconciliation Book Club on December 18, 2024. The book we will be discussing is “Fatty Legs (10th Anniversary Edition)” by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, and Liz Amini-Holmes. Don’t miss this chance to be part of the discussion. Sign up for the book club here: https://fcssbc.ca/bookclub/

Children

Childhood Mental Health Challenges in the Spotlight at National Child Day Conference in Kelowna | Castanet

On National Child Day, November 20, Kelowna will host the Beyond Playgrounds and Programs symposium, organized by the Central Okanagan Early Years Partnership, to address childhood mental health challenges. The event highlights concerning trends, such as Canada’s low ranking in UNICEF’s Child Well-Being Report Card and declining mental health ratings among local youth. Keynote speaker Lianne Carley of Vancouver Coastal Health will present strategies for fostering mental well-being through participation, play, safety, and social connections. Local initiatives, including StoryWalks and children’s art displays, emphasize community engagement in the lead-up to the event. Advocates stress the importance of early intervention and resilience-building to improve outcomes for children and youth.

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Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members stay up to date with what is happening across the community social services sector. Check our calendar for training opportunities, webinars, and events.

Reconciliation

BC First Nation Creates Own Emergency Health Team Amid Repeated Lillooet Er Closures | Global News

Faced with repeated emergency room closures in Lillooet, BC, the T’it’q’et First Nation has formed its own emergency health response team to address the community’s urgent health care needs. Comprised of four to five members with Level 3 first aid training, the team operates around the clock, providing crucial support for emergencies when the ER is unavailable, particularly for elders and residents with chronic conditions. Chief Sid Scotchman highlighted the strain on local health care and called for greater provincial support, while Lillooet’s mayor, Laurie Hopfl, is assembling a panel of leaders and advocating for systemic health care reforms. With ambulance delays and a two-hour drive to the nearest hospital, the situation underscores the dire need for immediate provincial action to address rural health-care shortages.

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Register Now!

2025 Social Policy Forum

Join us in Victoria, BC, from February 12-14, 2025, for the Social Policy Forum, hosted in partnership with the Federation of Community Social Services of BC, BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC), and Board Voice. This year’s forum will bring together members from these organizations, government officials, and sector partners to explore critical social policy topics, including decolonization and anti-racism, cybersecurity, the health of the social services sector, and advocacy strategies.

Featured speakers include Dr. Jennifer Charlesworth, BC’s Representative for Children and Youth; Karla Verschoor, Executive Director of Inclusion BC; Shane Simpson, Board Chair of Community Living BC; Dr. Paul Kershaw and the Gen Squeeze team; Richard Watt from Total Support Solutions; and Suncha Satney, a Workplace Psychological Health and Safety Consultant with CSSHSA.

Early Bird registration is now open for members at $279 until January 13, 2025. Afterward, the regular fee is $329 for members and $449 for non-members. Special accommodation rates starting at $164 per night are available at the Inn at Laurel Point until January 13, 2025.

Secure your spot today to take advantage of Early Bird rates, and don’t miss this opportunity to engage with leaders in social policy and shape the future of our communities.

Register Now

For more information, contact us at info@fcssbc.ca.

Women

32% of BC Women Say Menopause Symptoms Impact Their Job in Some Way: Survey | Benefits Canada

A survey by the Women’s Health Research Institute, in collaboration with the BC Women’s Health Foundation and Pacific Blue Cross, revealed that 32% of women in British Columbia report menopause symptoms impacting their work. The survey of over 2,000 women aged 39 to 60 found that 92% experienced moderate to severe symptoms, with 24% missing work days in the past year and 9.4% turning down promotions or experiencing job loss due to these symptoms. Additionally, 43.5% sought care from extended health providers, spending an average of $900 annually, with three-quarters noting symptom improvement. Mental health challenges were also prevalent, with 41.2% reporting concurrent conditions. Despite increasing conversations, stigma and silence persist, limiting awareness and support for this life stage. Pacific Blue Cross CEO Sarah Hoffman emphasized the need for employers and health-care providers to collaborate in enhancing resources for midlife women.

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Career Opportunities

The Federation actively works to help our members recruit and retain skilled staff. Click here to check the current opportunities.

Youth

Vancouver Island Holiday Fundraiser Aims to Make Dreams Come True | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

Country Grocer has launched its 14th annual holiday fundraiser in support of Help Fill A Dream, a charity aiding children and youth with critical and life-threatening conditions on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The campaign, running from November 15 to December 12, includes donations from sales of “dream bouquets” at Eurosa Farms, Christmas trees from Wintergreen Tree Farm, and customer contributions at Country Grocer checkouts. This year’s launch highlighted James, a “dream kid” who recently fulfilled his dream of a trip to Los Angeles, showcasing the extensive planning required to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities. From wheelchair-accessible travel arrangements to specialized equipment rentals, James’ trip exemplified the challenges and triumphs these efforts achieve. All proceeds will directly support children like James, with the campaign emphasizing community collaboration to create impactful experiences for families in need.

Disability

YYJ Launches Sunflower Program for Travellers with ‘Hidden Disabilities’ | Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News

Victoria International Airport (YYJ) has launched the Sunflower Program to support travellers with hidden disabilities, joining a global initiative that includes 240 airports worldwide. Starting November 14, travellers can pick up free and reusable Sunflower lanyards at the customer service desk in Departures or the information desk in Arrivals. The lanyards discreetly signal to airport staff that the wearer may need extra time, support, or patience, fostering a more inclusive travel experience. Invisible disabilities include conditions such as autism, ADHD, dementia, mental health challenges, and chronic illnesses like asthma and diabetes. YYJ President and CEO Elizabeth M. Brown highlighted the program’s aim to make air travel less stressful and more accessible, with the lanyards also included in the airport’s sensory resource kits.

Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating, or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them to giovani@fcssbc.ca!

Note

The articles in Federation newsletters are for informational purposes and do not relate to the Federation’s advocacy work. We want our membership to stay informed of news relevant to our sector; the inclusion of a story is not an endorsement.

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