Monday, May 27th is National Sunscreen Day!
This day raises awareness for sunscreen and its valuable benefits to our skin and overall well-being.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – The Peer 2 Peer Program
The Peer 2 Peer program is back! Join them every Monday from 3:30-6pm at the Annex (3690 Vanness Avenue). Through this youth-guided program, participants explore a wide range of health and wellness topics through a social justice lens and develop the skills needed to share what they have learned with their peers and the larger community.
For more information, e-mail mkovac@cnh.bc.ca.
WHEN: Monday, May 27th | 3:30PM – 6:00PM
WHERE: The Annex (3690 Vanness Avenue, Vancouver, BC)
COST: FREE
Weaving Club | Vancouver Open Studio
Weaving club has moved to Tuesday nights for the summer! Wednesday schedule will resume in September.
OPEN STUDIO DESCRIPTION
This is an informal community gathering focused on the meditative art of weaving. The intention behind this club is to provide a space for self-care through art. As it is an informal environment, there is no set schedule.
You will have the opportunity to:
- play with different types of yarn and fibre
- try out weaving techniques and create take-home pieces
- learn an art-form and attend to self-care within creative community
There is no weaving experience required to participate! As there is no formal instruction, we are focused on learning from community and going at your own pace. Weaving is a slow art-form; expect to attend several open studios if you would like to create a finished piece that you take home with you. If you are an experienced weaver and would like to bring your own loom + supplies, you are more than welcome to work on ongoing personal projects in this space!
While the art-making process can be therapeutic, clinical therapy services are not provided during this event.
DETAILS
This group is facilitated by art therapist Elspeth Robertson in Vancouver, BC on Tuesday evenings from 6pm – 8pm PST. For examples of weaving projects, check out Elspeth’s art insta.
The art studio is located in a beautiful heritage building in downtown Vancouver. The building has 3-steps at the entrance and unfortunately is not wheelchair accessible.
There are 10 tickets available each date. There are 2 rooms in the studio. When the club is full, you have the option to sit at the studio table or on the couch/floor pillows in the next room.
All materials are provided for this community event. We will be using chipboard weaving looms and wool + synthetic yarns.
YOUR INVESTMENT
- This open studio is offered by an accessible pricing scale ($10 – $30). $20 is the recommended fee. Please choose the pricing option that feels like the best fit for you. Choosing a higher fee option keeps the group accessible for those who would like to access the community at a lower fee and allows for quality materials to be replenished.
- If you want to take your project home, the cost for a loom + needle is $10, payable by cash or e-transfer.
POLICIES
- Registration is open to adults (18+) of any gender.
- If you begin a weaving and would like to leave it on the loom for a later date, it will be stored until you next come to the weaving club! Projects can only be stored up to 6 weeks of your last attendance before the yarn is recycled back into the studio.
- This group is a drop-in format. The studio is open from 6 pm – 8 pm. You are welcome to stay for the entire time, drop in later in the evening or leave early. Refunds cannot be given for missed time.
- Note: the studio is not accessible before 6pm. If you arrive early, you may need to wait outside before getting buzzed into the building.
- If you can no longer attend, please let Elspeth know so a spot can be opened up for someone else. You will receive a refund if you cancel within 24 HOURS of the event.
WHEN: Tuesday, May 28th | 6:00PM – 8:00PM
WHERE: Intrinsic Art Studio | 402 West Pender Street, Vancouver, BC
COST: $10-$30 (accessible pricing scale) | 18+ | Click here to register!
Tai Chi in the Park
Elevate your market experience at New West Farmers Market with the rejuvenating practice of Tai Chi! Join us for a free Tai Chi session! Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or a curious beginner, all levels are welcome to relax, unwind, and find balance amongst your community.
WHERE: Tipperary Park (315 Queens Avenue New Westminster, BC)
WHEN: Thursday, May 30th | 4:30PM – 5:30PM
COST: FREE! | Email info@newwestfarmers.ca to register!
Click here for more information.
Highs & Lows Choir
We have choir practices every Tuesday from 12pm to 1:45pm at the Unitarian Church of Vancouver which is located 49th Avenue and Oak Street (949 49 AVE W, Vancouver, BC). Practices are open to everyone and operate on a drop in basis. We practice all year round except for the month of August.
You can get a bus going south on Oak or going west on 49th to get to the church. Once you are at the church, look for the sign that says “Sanctuary” (across from Hewett Hall) and you’ll find us. If you do not feel comfortable joining us in person, we have a zoom link available as well.
Click here for contact information!
British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS)
From humble beginnings in 1988, British Columbia Mobility Opportunities Society (BCMOS) has grown to an organization that inspires people with disabilities around the world to re-imagine what’s possible.
In 1979 a regular outdoors-loving Vancouver teenager broke his neck in a skiing accident, becoming tetraplegic. Sam Sullivan subsequently attempted to get involved in accessible sports including wheelchair basketball and rugby, but struggled due to his limited arm function.
He particularly missed active leisure opportunities where he could get out of the city into nature and feel the sun on his face and wind in his hair.
Knowing there many others feeling this way, Sam formed BCMOS to allow access to the natural beauty of the Vancouver area – from city parks to backwoods trails.
HIKING
Being in nature is highly valuable to quality of life and challenges perceptions of our capabilities.
The home base of our hiking program is at Pacific Spirit Regional Park in Vancouver. This beautiful and peaceful location offers many different paths and trails to investigate. We explore Pacific Spirit Park using the TrailRider, an innovative wheelchair that supports access to remote and uneven terrain. With one wheel and a dedicated volunteer ‘Sherpa’ front and back, the TrailRider helps you cover any trail comfortably and safely. We also have a portable lift for convenient transfers.
Our equipment inventory now also includes the GRIT Freedom Chair. A cross between a mountain bike and a wheelchair, this lever-powered wheelchair (created by MIT engineers), allows you to independently navigate terrain that is inaccessible to typical wheelchairs.
Throughout the summer you can book sessions to take out the GRIT Freedom Chair (we have versions suitable for adults and children) and accompany someone who is using the TrailRider or you can do your own independent exploration of Pacific Spirit Park. People with limited upper body strength can be assisted as needed thanks to the GRIT’s push handles.
The 2024 hiking season runs from May 22nd through August 29th.
COST: $10 per hike (kids 18 years old and under hike for free!)
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch is Back!
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday for an affordable three-course meal at our Multipurpose Room (5288 Joyce Street) for only $7-8 from 12:15-1:30pm.
Buy your tickets at reception!
For questions, email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.
Tuesday, May 28 – Minestrone, salad, pesto roast veggie sandwich, tiramisu
Thursday, May 30 – Roast chicken or veggie with polenta, salad, poached apple
Community Lunch Program at Renfrew Park Community Centre
Meals include a hot entrée, salad or side dish, dessert, coffee or tea. We try our best to use locally grown seasonal vegetables and fruit from community gardens! Lunches will be served on a first come first served basis. Lunch can be bought in person with cash/credit card or online with a credit card, limit of 4 per person. Limited number of lunches available.
Adults/Seniors $7.62+tax | Children/Youth $6.19+tax
*This week’s menu has not been released by the chef*
Fees for this program are non-refundable.
WHERE: Renfrew Park Community Centre, Kitchen (Room 110) – (2929 E 22nd Ave, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Friday, May 31st | 12:00PM – 1:00PM
What is happening in Vancouver in May?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-may/
SAVE THE DATE For Spectrum’s Annual Summer Picnic!
WHEN: Wednesday, July 17th, 2024
TIME: 2:00PM – 6:00PM
WHERE: JOHN HENDRY PARK – TROUT LAKE – PICNIC GAZEBO
More details to follow closer to the date!
Click here to find your market!
Vancouver Community Fridge Project
The Vancouver Community Fridge Project is a decentralized food distribution network and mutual aid initiative created to provide healthy, free food and essential supplies to our communities across lower mainland.
Our mission is to combat food insecurity by encouraging our communities to take part in laterally-directed mutual aid, starting with providing free, safe, non-policed, accessible and nutritious foods through community fridges and pantries.
All fridges and pantries that are apart of the VCFP network will be operating on a strict no policing, no-shame policy. This means, the VCFP does not condone patrolling how fridge users engage with the fridge, gatekeeping, or any exclusionary or harmful behaviours. The fridges should be accessible, welcoming places based on trust and communication of needs, established by and for the community.
FINANCIAL UPDATES
BC Hydro – Customer Crisis Fund
If you’re a residential customer experiencing a temporary financial crisis, such as a loss of employment or benefit income, unanticipated medical expenses, or a death in the family and you’ve fallen behind on your BC Hydro bill, you may be eligible for a grant payment to avoid disconnection of your service.
Eligibility for a grant
To receive a grant from the Customer Crisis Fund, you need to meet a few criteria:
- Be a residential account holder.
- Be applying for a grant for your primary residence account.
- Your account must have payments overdue by at least 21 days or be facing disconnection. You can apply as early as when you have a balance owing on your account, but your application will be on hold until your payment is 21 days overdue or your account is facing disconnection.
- You must have experienced a life event, within the last 12 months, that caused a temporary financial crisis.
- Have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or less, and have demonstrated some attempt to make payments towards your bill.
You may receive one grant per account holder annually (one per year). If a grant application is denied and your circumstances change, you can apply again in the same year.
Click here for more information and how to apply!
Inclusion BC Provincial Budget Alert 2024-2025
Spectrum is a member of Inclusion BC and supports their provincial advocacy on behalf of individuals and families with developmental disabilities.
Click here for their report on the provincial budget announced for 2024-2025.
Plan Institute Webinars
The Plan Institute has FREE upcoming regular webinars on the topics of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) and Wills, Trusts and Estates Planning.
RDSP
The Registered Disability Savings Plan is a Canada-wide registered matched savings plan for those with disabilities to better financially plan for their futures. The Level 1 webinar is meant for those who want to learn about what the RDSP is, who qualifies, and how to apply. The Level 2 webinar is for those who already have a RDSP, or have already taken Level 1.
Next Level 1 Webinar: Tuesday June 4th, 10:00 – 11:15am
Next Level 2 Webinar: Wednesday June 12th, 10:00 – 11:45am
Click here to register and for more information
Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (BC Only)
This webinar is meant for those who want to become better informed on the process of wills, trusts and estate planning to better secure the future of your relative or loved one with a disability. There is a limit of 60 participants so early registration is encouraged!
Next Webinar: Thursday June 6th, 10:00 – 11:15am
Click here to register and for more information
HEALTH & SAFETY
A compassion-first approach: new videos in support of Canadian Mental Health Week
Canadian Mental Health Week is May 6 to 12, 2024. The theme of this year’s campaign is “A Call to be Kind.” This theme suggests a “compassion-first” approach when interacting with someone struggling with mental health. And we’re doing our part to promote this approach.We’re pleased to share two new education videos with you:
The videos promote a better understanding of the two mental disorders that most commonly lead to long-term disability claims. They can also help create more compassionate people leaders within your organization. This can help them better support employees on their healing journey to mental wellness. These videos, along with the rest of our mental health education series, can be found on our website.
ICord – Sleep Routines and Sleep Disturbances After SCI Survey
ICORD researcher Dr. Claydon and her research team at SFU, and community partner Spinal Cord Injury BC are interested in learning more about the sleep routines, disturbances, and barriers to sleep supports experienced by individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), as well as the impacts of these sleep problems on daily life.
This survey study aims to characterize the milieu of routine and physiological sleep disturbances after SCI. The survey asks about sleep quality, sleep routines (i.e., turning), and sleep problems (i.e., sleep apnea, neuropathic pain, autonomic dysreflexia) as they present in the nighttime. We will also ask how your sleep
Why should you participate in this study?
Poor sleep quality is widely documented among individuals with SCI, with consequences of excessive daytime sleepiness, high levels of fatigue, and reduced participation. Unsurprisingly, 59-80% of survey respondents with SCI indicate having a sleep problem that interferes with sleep onset or sleep continuity. While the correlations between sleep problems and secondary conditions (chronic pain, bladder and bowel dysfunction, respiratory impairment) experienced in the daytime are strong, we do not know enough about how these problems present in the nighttime or how to best manage them.
As such, the principal focus of the survey is to characterize the frequency, severity, and management of 10 distinct sleep disturbances identified through literature review and community partner priorities: turning routines, sleep apnea, bowel care, bladder care, AD, thermal discomfort, neuropathic pain, nociceptive pain, spasticity, and anxiety. Given the potential for reciprocal impacts between sleep disturbances and additive effects on sleep outcomes, it is necessary to study these sleep challenges post-SCI. With the support of patient and community partners, we hope that the results of this study will shed light on the under-recognized challenges of sleep post-SCI to provide context for meaningful change and inform clinical priorities.
You may be eligible to participate in this study if you:
- Have an SCI (inclusive of all injury levels, severity, duration, and cause)
- Are living in Canada
- Are at least 19 years old
- Are able to communicate and understand instructions in English
Compensation for participation
As a thank you for your time, participants will receive $15 via e-transfer. At the conclusion of the survey, participants who wish to receive the honoraria will be linked to an external survey to enter an email to which the e-transfer will be sent. Your email will not be linked to your survey responses.
This study will take place:
- Remotely (online survey / phone / audio call)
Time commitment
This online survey is estimated to take 30 – 45 minutes to complete. Skip logic has been integrated so that you will only be shown questions for the sleep disturbances that you indicate. If not completed in one sitting, the page can be left open until you return to it. If you wish to complete the survey verbally, please contact the survey coordinator (rebekah_lee@sfu.ca) to arrange a call.
Click here to start the survey, or save https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/SleepAfterSCI to start later.
For more information or to sign up to participate, please contact the study coordinator Rebekah Lee by email at rebekah_lee@sfu.ca or call (778) 892-8560.
Sun Life Healthy You: Be a fan of your health
We launched the Sun Life Healthy You (SLHY) hub in 2023. We want to encourage Canadians to take charge of their health. We also want them to know that Sun Life is here as a partner that can help them live healthier lives. We built the SLHY hub as part of Sun Life’s ongoing multi-year partnership with the Toronto Raptors. It provides practical advice on the topics of goal setting, routine building, physical fitness, nutrition, and mental health.
Diabetes Coaching with Lumino Health Pharmacy
Lumino Health Pharmacy offers pharmacy services, provided by Pillway. In January 2024, they will begin offering diabetes coaching from a pharmacist to all plan members, free of charge!
Diabetes is a fast-growing chronic disease, and the cost of drugs to treat it is on the rise. Plan members with diabetes often experience other chronic diseases at the same time. Coaching with Lumino Health Pharmacy aims to help plan members follow their treatment and improve health outcomes.
About Lumino Health Pharmacy
Launched in July, Lumino Health Pharmacy is an optional service. There’s free delivery within Canada to help manage medication routines with confidence.
About the diabetes coaching program
To start a coaching session, plan members sign in to the Lumino Health Pharmacy mobile app or website.
- Coaching will focus on lifestyle, diet, nutrition, mental health, health literacy and medication management.
- On-going coaching is also available if needed.
- The pharmacist can also coordinate with other health-care providers (if requested by the plan member). This includes general practitioners, specialists, and dietitians to best support plan members.
SunLife will launch diabetes coaching to plan members in January 2024. They send emails directly to targeted plan members who are actively claiming for diabetes-related medication(s). These emails will aim to raise awareness about the service and encourage them to use it. Standard exclusions will apply for plan member communications.
When plan members sign in to the my Sun Life mobile app or mysunlife.ca, they’ll receive messages about the program.
More details will follow about the coaching program in January, along with a preview of the plan member emails.
CLBC Reminder to get your flu and COVID-19 shots
Community Living BC encourages everyone who has yet to receive their COVID and flu shots this season, to kindly do so as soon as possible, ideally before the holiday season. COVID-19 remains a risk to the population (especially for those who are unvaccinated) and influenza cases are rising.
Priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccination is given to all individuals supported by CLBC. Invitations for this season’s vaccinations have been sent through email or text to everyone who has registered for a COVID vaccination in the past. It is possible to book both vaccinations in the same appointment! These vaccinations are free and available at pharmacies, health care authority clinics, and some primary care provider’s offices.
You can book your appointment through the Get Vaccinated System.
If you need help booking your appointment, you can call 1-833-838-2323. This number is open 7 days a week from 7am – 7pm and 9am – 5pm on statutory holidays.
Click here for BC’s fall respiratory illness immunization campaign
For those receiving benefits with Spectrum, we offer our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) to provide 24/7 confidential support to our employees. If you are not currently receiving group benefits but are in need of support, please reach out to your supervisor or Human Resources at hr@spectrumsociety.org so we can provide you with accessible options of support. For immediate access to set up assistance, you can click here: Lumino VC (dialogue.co) OR download the app directly onto your smart device by going to the App Store and searching Lumino Health Virtual Care. The graphic is as follows and you will need your benefit group number and Access ID to set it up:
When accessing EAP via the app is not possible:
Plan members can get access to immediate help through their EAP by calling 1-844-342-3327. A Member Service Specialist will assess your needs and coordinate care with the appropriate resources.
Plan members are also able to access the EAP through the app or online.
If you or your dependents are having trouble using the app or website and need help accessing your account, they can:
- contact Dialogue by emailing sunlife-support@dialogue.co Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.
- visit help.dialogue.co and use the chat feature for assistance, for after hours and weekend support.
For questions regarding benefits plan information, you can
- contact hr@spectrumsociety.org
*Applies to all Lumino Health Virtual Care products – Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Primary Care, Stress Management & Well-Being
Spectrum recognizes that our teams do an incredible job of supporting people in our services. The work that each of you do is valuable and at times, difficult. Please do honor what your body/mind may be communicating. If you feel increased stress or grief, please pay attention to those signals and reach out to the EAP or us for resources of support.
Come Join the Health & Safety Committee
Are you passionate about enhancing workplace health and safety? Spectrum has a great opportunity for you to share your unique experiences and opinions as a part of the Health and Safety Committee.
Spectrum’s Health and Safety Committee are on a mission to fix and build our membership. The committee consists of Community Support Workers, Managers, and Human Resources personnel. The main purpose of the Health and Safety committee is to ensure we meet WorkSafeBC standards and that every employee and people we support know that their safety is a priority.
Some Roles and Responsibilities of Committee Members are:
- To review all workplace reports of injuries and illness
- Review reports of unsafe working conditions
- Develop and review safety plans and protocols
- Review training opportunities for staff
- Ensure our Policies & Procedures align with WSBC regulations
You might be thinking that this sounds like a big commitment with an already busy schedule. However, we meet just once a month for a couple hours and you are paid for your time. Additionally, you also receive 8 hours of paid Health and Safety training each year.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to Health and Safety at Spectrum, diversify your skills, as well as connect with fellow Spectrum staff.
If you are interested in this opportunity, or want to know more information, please email Safety@spectrumsociety.org or speak to your manager.
We hope to hear from you soon!
Your Health & Safety Committee
Is there anyone you know that is looking for meaningful work?
If you have a friend, family member or meet someone in the community that is interested in joining the team and you refer them to Spectrum, you could be eligible for a referral bonus!
If the person referred is hired and maintains at least 6 months of consistent employment with Spectrum, we will award a $250 Referral Bonus.
*for more information on the program, please email hr@spectrumsociety.org
We thank you for bringing us quality applicants/employees!