WHAT’S HAPPENING IN OUR COMMUNITY
(EVENTS, NEWS, & AWARENESS)
Real Talk – Classic Zoom Hangout (19+)
- How do I meet a boyfriend / girlfriend / partner?
- How do I let my family know that I want to date?
- How do I come out to my friends or family?
- How can I make sex safer?
- What is consent?
It’s totally normal. But sometimes it can be hard to know where to get good information. At this event, we’ll watch some Real Talk videos, and have a conversation hosted by a Certified Sexual Health Educator. We’ll talk about where to get good information, who can support us with this stuff, and how to figure out confusing situations. People are welcome to talk about things, or to just listen if they don’t want to talk.
FAQs
Q: How old do I have to be to attend?
A: This event is for people 19 and over.
Q: Where is the event being held?
A: The event will be held on Zoom at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86439575966?pwd=R0lyVFZoQlZJYkR2elVOU0VORnl0Zz09
Q: What can I bring into the event?
A: Bring your questions and your knowledge / experience ! Think of some questions you have about dating, love relationships or sex that you can ask at the event. Or think about some things you’ve learned about this stuff that you could share with others. Or think about some experiences you’ve had that you’d like to discuss. Also think about what you need to help you feel comfortable and relaxed at the event. We’ll ask everyone this before we start on the day. It’s best if you can tune in from a private place like your room. Or use headphones. Or both.
Q: Will everyone find out I went to this event and / or what I said at the event?
A: We don’t take names of people who are at the event. We do have some questionnaires, but you don’t put your name on them. At this event we specifically ask participants to not mention to anyone else who they see here or what people say here. Usually everyone respects that, but understand we cannot 100% guarantee they will maintain your confidentiality. It’s best to decide what you feel comfortable to share based on that.
Q: Do I have to take part in the conversation?
A: We try to make our events a comfortable, encouraging place to talk, and to give everyone the support they need to participate. But no one has to talk. Ever. You’re welcome to just sit and listen. Or to leave at any time if you decide it’s not for you.
Q: How can I contact the organizer with any questions?
A: Email john@real-talk.org
WHEN: Monday, August 19th | 5:00PM – 7:00PM
WHERE: Online (use the Zoom link provided above.)
COST: FREE! Click here to register!
Vancouver Civic Theatres presents Sunset Cinema: Free Outdoor Movies
Come enjoy a hit movie on our huge inflatable screen under the stars!
Vancouver Civic Theatres invites all movie lovers to Sunset Cinema, taking place on šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (650 Hamilton Street) outside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre every Wednesday in August. Bring your blankets, chairs, and pillows, and we’ll provide the movies!
A fun night out for family, friends, and your four-legged companions, there’s something for everyone in this year’s lineup: Barbie (August 7), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (August 14), The Fall Guy (August 21), and Wonka (August 28). Movies begin shortly after sunset, weather permitting. Be sure to arrive early to enjoy the pre-show activities and to save your spot! In the case of inclement weather, follow us on social media for cancellation announcements and check our website regularly.
Learn More: vancouvercivictheatres.com
WHERE: šxʷƛ̓exən Xwtl’a7shn (Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza – 650 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC)
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21st | 7:00PM – 10:00PM
COST: FREE!
Make Your Mark: Open Art Studio
Join us at the CNH Annex to work on old and new art projects! Every Thursday, we offer space for sketching, watercolour painting, acrylic painting, origami, embroidery, knitting, crocheting and more. This is also a great opportunity to drop by our art studio to learn and share skills.
Drop-ins are welcome, no registration is required. Basic art materials are provided by donation.
WHEN: Thursday, August 22nd | 3:30PM – 5:30PM
WHERE: CNH Annex (3690 Vanness Ave, Vancouver, BC)
COST: FREE!
BCMOS – Destination Hike: Stanley Park
The TrailRider allows people with disabilities to visit parks and trails for a variety of day trips and picnics and get-togethers.
Throughout the summer, we offer hikes in other parks around Metro Vancouver. Join us August 25th for our third and final hike at Stanley Park!
Forest trails in Stanley park offer more than 27 km of quiet refuge, far from the crowd, on the park’s more developed periphery.
Details on where to meet will be determined by the hiking coordinator. Your wheelchair and belongings will be stored inside the BCMOS van on location.
For more information, please call 236-513-Hike (4453) or e-mail at Hiking@bcmos.org.
About 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.
WHEN: Saturday, August 25th | 12:30PM – 3:30PM
WHERE: Stanley Park
Meditation in the Park – Trout Lake Park
Welcome to Meditation in the Park! Join us at Trout Lake Park for a peaceful and rejuvenating experience.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with nature as you practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced meditator, this event is open to all who seek inner peace and tranquility.
Don’t miss this opportunity to unwind and center yourself in the serene surroundings of the park. We can’t wait to meditate with you!
Any questions? Feel free to connect and reach out to @garden.state.guide on instagram.
WHEN: Sunday, August 25th | 11:00AM – 12:00PM
WHERE: John Hendry Park (Trout Lake Park) | Please follow directions provided above!
COST: FREE!
What is happening in Vancouver in August?
Click on the link below to see what’s happening:
https://www.destinationvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/vancouver-events-in-august/
Collingwood Neighbourhood House – Community Lunch Menu for August
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 Collingwood Neighbourhood House reception!
For questions, email Susanna Chu at schu@cnh.bc.ca or call 604-435-0375.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 French onion soup, ham or veggie summer sandwich, salad, chocolate orange muffin
Thursday, August 22, 2024 Meatloaf or lentil loaf with mashed veggies, salad, berry cake
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 Summer harvest soup, chicken or veggie quesadilla, salad, chocolate ginger cookie
Thursday, August 29, 2024 Chicken or tofu Thai yellow curry with rice, salad, jello with coconut milk
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, August 23rd | 12:00PM – 1:00PM
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 – Free Portable Air Conditioners
Available for income qualified households and individuals referred by regional health authority programs.
If you live in an income-qualified household and/or have received a recommendation letter from your regional health authority’s Home Care Program you may be eligible for a free portable air conditioner (AC).
This program is available year-round. If you apply during the winter and fall, you’ll have your evaluation completed and receive your unit sooner than during warmer months. Homeowners can also choose to self-install their units, which may help in receiving a unit quicker, during the summer.
This offer includes:
- One portable AC unit: Portable units are on wheels and are installed by connecting a flexible duct hose through an open window. They’re plugged into a standard wall electrical outlet.
- A one-time installation: You’re responsible for ongoing maintenance, take-down and reinstallation. If you own your home, you can opt to self-install your unit.
A portable AC unit is ideal for small, closed-in areas, like a bedroom. It can help create a safe cooling space during extreme heat events during the day and at night. For more information on how to prepare for heat events, see guidance from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.
How to apply:
- Review the eligibility criteria to make sure you qualify.
- If you rent your home, you’ll need to get your landlord’s consent. Complete the landlord consent form [PDF, 1.7 MB].
- Apply online for your free portable AC unit.
- After you apply, our team will reach out to you within a few weeks to let you know if your application is approved.*
- Approved applications will then be forwarded to our contractors. Our contractor will contact you within one to two weeks to schedule a visit to your home.
- Customers who own their homes can choose to self-install their units or have the AC installed for you.
There are no fees or shipping costs.
* Please note that air conditioning units are available on a first come, first served basis amongst qualified applicants subject to funding.
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.
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, September 17th, 2024 | 7:00PM – 8:30PM
Next Level 2 Webinar: Thursday, September 26th, 2024 | 7:00PM – 8:45PM
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, September 19th, 2024 | 7:00PM – 8:15PM
Click here to register and for more information
HEALTH & SAFETY
Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions and the Importance of a Safe Work Environment
Importance of a Safe Work Environment
A safe work environment is crucial for the well-being of all employees and people supported. It not only ensures the physical safety of everyone but also fosters a positive and supportive workplace culture. A safe workplace minimizes the risk of accidents, injuries, and illnesses.
Reporting Unsafe Working Conditions
Employees play a vital role in maintaining a safe work environment. If you observe any unsafe conditions or practices, it is essential to report them immediately. To report an issue, you can complete Spectrum’s Unsafe Working Conditions Report form, available on the Health and Safety webpage: https://www.spectrumsociety.org/human-resources/health-safety-committee/
We appreciate that you care about your co-workers and the people we support; we will never discriminate against you for completing an unsafe working conditions report.
Why Reporting is Crucial
Reporting unsafe conditions helps prevent accidents and injuries, protects everyone’s health, and ensures alignment with provincial safety regulations. Maintaining a safe work environment is a collective responsibility. By reporting unsafe conditions, you contribute to a safer and healthier workplace for all.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please contact Human Resources: hr@spectrumsociety.org
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.
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!