There is a strong and growing movement among many Indigenous Peoples to bridge the gap between traditional Indigenous health and wellness, and contemporary medical practices.

Peel Aboriginal Network, in partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association – Halton Region Branch, Reach Out Centre for Kids, and the Mississauga Halton and Central West LHINs, is pleased to host Strength and Resilience, a one-day Symposium on complementary tools to address Indigenous mental health needs.

Participants will come away from this Symposium having:

• increased their knowledge and awareness of the critical mental health issues impacting Indigenous Peoples in Canada
• broadened their understanding of traditional Indigenous healing and its role in providing culturally safe care
• deepened their knowledge on how to better connect with Indigenous patients, clients and communities
• explored ways to enhance synergies between traditional Indigenous healing and contemporary medical practices

This event is offered at no cost, but space is limited.

This symposium is hosted by the Peel Aboriginal Network.

Over the next 5 years Canadians will be retiring at a pace unparalleled in human history. The biggest demographic wave in the country’s history is hurtling into retirement. The baby boomers – that massive bubble of people born in the two decades following the Second World War – have begun the transition from employment to retirement.

This phenomenon has serious implications for non-profit, charitable and volunteer organizations whose senior management staff are planning to retire in the next 3-5 years. Boards of Directors are watching as knowledgeable and experienced senior staff make their plans to depart, often without a plan to replace their prized employee or the expertise they take with them. It’s important to create a range of succession plans for emergency and planned departures, to ensure sustainability, consistency and continued organizational success.

This workshop is suitable for board members and senior staff of non-profit, charitable and volunteer organizations and will explore:

• the context for succession planning and who should be involved
• your board’s role as employer of the staff leader
• the relationship between mission, vision, values and succession planning
• types of succession plans – emergency, long/short term, permanent
• sample succession policies and steps in succession planning
• tools and resources to help you create your own succession plan

Register online by March 25.

This workshop is hosted by Literacy Link Niagara.

Therapeutic Touch is a holistic evidence based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being.

Research shows that Therapeutic Touch is effective in:

• Promoting relaxation response
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Managing pain
• Improving sleep
• Facilitating the body’s natural healing process
• Fostering a sense of well-being

Speaker: Doreen Sullivan

Register today by calling 905-687-3914.

This event is hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region.

How do employers effectively address substance use problems in a way that support employees’ ability to thrive in the workplace and beyond?

The recent legalization of cannabis in Canada has many employers trying to find a way to quickly build or update policies to protect and maintain safe workplaces. However, it is essential to not focus solely on cannabis use when developing or amending impairment policies.

It is important to remember that substance use disorders are not a moral failing or a choice, but rather an illness. Human rights legislation dictates that employers are legally required to accommodate employees in these situations. It is also important to keep a balance between the employees’ needs and the employers’ need, as well as to ensure the physical and psychological health and safety of all employees.

Join this webinar to hear from Bryce Barker and Shawna Meister, from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), to gain a better understanding of comprehensive Fit-for-Duty (FFD) / Impairment policies and best practices.

This webinar is hosted by the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

The first session in the Port Colborne Public Library’s “Let’s Talk About…” series will focus on housing and homelessness in Port Colborne.

Join presenters Jeffrey Sinclair (Homelessness Action Advisor, Community Services, Niagara Region) and Christine Clark-Lafleur (Executive Director, Port Cares) who will discuss homelessness, housing affordability, and the myths and misperceptions about homelessness. An overview of the Niagara Region’s 10-Year Housing and Homeless Action Plan will be presented.

The session is open to the public. All are welcome.

This event is hosted by the Port Colborne Public Library.

Third Age Learning Niagara (TALN) is a not-for-profit organization, offering a unique opportunity for people over the age of 55 in Niagara to learn about topics that are interesting to them, in an engaging and exciting way.

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. However, volunteering is a two-way street, and it can benefit you and your family as much as the cause you choose to help. Dedicating your time as a volunteer helps you make new friends, expand your network, and boost your social skills. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, what unites them all is that they find it both challenging and rewarding.

Join presenter Tammy Dumas, Executive Director INCommunities Niagara on an interesting journey through the world of Volunteerism.

Tammy Dumas is the Executive Director of INCommunities/211. INCommunities has been a community information centre in Niagara for over 40 years, connecting people to services through their information and referral (211), language interpretation and volunteer programs. Tammy has worked in the social and human service sector, locally, provincially and nationally, for over 25 years. She is a graduate of both Brock University (Adult Education) and Niagara College (Social Service Worker).

This event is hosted by Third Age Learning Niagara.

Art Therapy is a Mental Health profession in which clients, facilitated by the Art Therapist, use various art materials and the creative process to explore their feelings, thoughts and behaviours.

By their nature, negative life events are difficult to express in words alone. Art expression within the safety of the therapeutic relationship can help to improve self-expression and self-awareness while fostering inner strength and growth.

This Webinar will:

1. Provide an overview of the field of Art Therapy.
2. Discuss the role of Art Therapy at CPRI; the process, goals and benefits.
3. Introduce common Art Therapy tools and techniques that can used when supporting Children and Youth.

Target Audience: Clinicians, Educators and Caregivers.