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Oct. 25 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

October 25, 2024

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Table of contents

  • Report
  • Reconciliation Book Club
  • Mental Health
  • Opportunities
  • Housing
  • Social Policy Forum 2025
  • Homelessness
  • Career Opportunities
  • Health
  • Good News

Report

Community, Conversation and Connection: Castlegar and Surrounding Areas | Inclusion BC

The Community-Led Collaboration Project in Castlegar and surrounding communities by Inclusion BC outlines key findings from community consultations aimed at improving the inclusion of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Castlegar. The report identifies challenges like limited accessibility, employment barriers, and a lack of social opportunities. Recommendations focus on fostering inclusive community spaces, enhancing transportation and support services, and encouraging partnerships to promote greater community integration. It also emphasizes the need for awareness and education to reduce stigma and create a more inclusive environment.

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/

Mental Health

Building Capacity for Suicide Intervention in Post-secondary Institutions | Crisis Centre BC

The Community Learning and Engagement team partnered with University Canada West (UCW) to address low utilization of support services, staff burnout, and increasing student mental health crises, particularly among the growing international student population. In response, they developed a comprehensive training program focused on building psychological safety, resilience, and suicide prevention capacity for both staff and students. Initially addressing staff turnover and lack of mental health support training, the program improved staff confidence in handling crises and creating safety plans. As a result, staff retention rose from 20 per cent to 80 per cent, and the partnership continues to foster a supportive environment, extending benefits to the wider UCW community.

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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.

Housing

Developer given 5 More Years to Build Social Housing in Vancouver | CBC News

A developer in Vancouver’s Oakridge area is seeking an extension on its social housing commitment. The Grosvenor development initially promised to include affordable housing units but has faced delays in delivering them. Vancouver city officials and the developer are negotiating terms to extend the timeline. Concerns have been raised about the lack of progress in building much-needed social housing, especially as affordability in the city remains a significant issue. The project is part of a larger plan to address Vancouver’s housing crisis.

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Save the date!

Social Policy Forum 2025

Our 2025 Social Policy Forum will occur on February 12, 13 and 14. We are excited to host this event again at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria, BC. The Social Policy Forum is an opportunity for members, sector partners, and government colleagues to connect and explore the pressing social policy issues our organizations – and, more importantly, our communities – face today. Participants will learn more, discuss the impacts and consequences of social policy, and explore approaches that will move us forward in finding solutions and better ways to support our most vulnerable citizens. Please watch for more information, including hotel booking details.

Homelessness

Vancouver’s Only Sanctioned Homeless Encampment to Be Closed by Nov. 7, City Says | Global News

The City of Vancouver plans to close the Crab Park homeless encampment by November 7, 2024. This decision follows concerns about safety, fires, and criminal activity in the park. The camp, which is one of Vancouver’s only sanctioned homeless encampments, has grown significantly since it was established in 2021. The city aims to move residents to shelters or housing as part of its broader strategy to address homelessness while maintaining public safety. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the lack of adequate housing solutions for those displaced.

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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.

Health

Updated Vaccines for Influenza, Covid-19 Available Throughout BC | BC Gov News

British Columbians can now access updated vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 at over 1,300 pharmacies, health clinics, and care providers across the province. The vaccines target new strains and variants, including the KP.2 COVID-19 subvariant, and are recommended for all residents six months and older. Priority populations, such as seniors and healthcare workers, began receiving invitations in early October. Both vaccines are free and can be administered together. The updated program aims to protect against respiratory illnesses this fall and winter.

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Good News

If you have any feel-good, weird, fascinating or amusing stories you’d like to see included in this section, send them our way 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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