BC Association of Community Response Networks

Spotlight on Ageism Presentation
2023-09-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-05-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Vancouver)
You are invited to attend BC CRN’s newest presentation offering. Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.
Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email us for more information.

See Something, Say Something! Workshop - VPL Online
2023-06-21 13:00 - 14:00
How to Support Older, Vulnerable, and At-Risk Adults: See Something, Say Something! Hosted in partnership with the BC CRN and the Vancouver Public Library.
This presentation is geared towards those who have regular contact with the general public and with older, at-risk and vulnerable adult populations as part of their daily routines or work activities. The program provides information on what abuse or neglect can look like and how to get these people the support they need to remain safe and healthy members of our communities. This program also explains the ethical and legal implications of responding to adult abuse and neglect in BC.
To join this Zoom event you will need a computer, tablet or phone with internet access. (It is ideal to have a webcam and microphone, though this is not essential).
Register now.

National Indigenous Peoples Day
2023-06-21
From the Government of Canada website on National Indigenous Day June 21
“Indigenous peoples” is a collective name for the original peoples of North America and their descendants. More than 1.67 million people in Canada identify themselves as an Aboriginal person, according to the 2016 Census. Aboriginal peoples are:

The fastest growing population in Canada – grew by 42.5% between 2006 and 2016
The youngest population in Canada – about 44% were under the age of 25 in 2016

The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Aboriginal peoples: referred to as First Nations, Inuit and Métis. These are 3 distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs. The links below provide more information on each group:

First Nations
There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages.
Inuit
Learn about Inuit, the Indigenous peoples of the Arctic. The word Inuit means “the people” in the Inuit language of Inuktitut.
Métis
Find out more about Métis communities in Canada.

British Columbia
There are 198 distinct First Nations in BC. Each has its own traditions. There are 30 languages and 60 dialects spoken.

View the map of First Nations in BC.

CRNS in three communities in BC’s Northwest (Houston, Smithers and Hazelton Community Response Networks) have an ongoing project on wellness and the land relating to traditional practices and medicines. The project has been developed on the traditional territories of the Wet’su’we’ten and Gitxsan peoples who have been stewards of the land for time immemorial. We appreciate their sharing information and wise practices from knowledge holders.

View the Facebook page for Magical Backyard Medicines project

Further information from the Government of Canada can be found here:

Funding programs
National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Benefits and rights
Publications

There is a large free database of information from the Federal Government on many topics and issues available free of charge – for instance, this document.
Publications on this site:

‘Stop Abuse’ – co-created document on Indigenous communities’ responses to issues of abuse (written with Indigenous communities)
‘Being Least Intrusive Paper’ – creating a culturally safe practice in relations with Indigenous communities.
‘Being Least Intrusive’ (Struthers and Neufeld) – tool with orientation to stepping into Indigenous communities; intervention section for community heath staff and mainstream health authority staff. (Written with the Kwakiutl District Health Council). Adopted by Vancouver Island Health Authority for their staff delivering services to Indigenous communities).
‘In A Good Way’ – a meaning centered practice for those working with Indigenous communities.

Learn more.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day National Webinar Event
2023-06-15 10:00 - 11:30
On June 15th, BC CRN in partnership with CanAge, Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, and the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse will be hosting a free national webinar event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
This is the main event of WEAAD—a not-to-be-missed interactive experience that brings together a panel of experts, political figures, advocates and concerned people like you to engage in an inspiring discussion about how we, as a country, can end elder abuse and protect the rights of older people.
The event features an all-star lineup of speakers, including some very special guests. Learn more at WEAAD.ca.
Make sure you secure your seat quickly, as space is limited (and share widely with your networks!).
Register now.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
2023-06-15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th, 2023.
1 senior abused is 1 too many.
Unfortunately, when it comes to showing just how urgent a problem elder abuse is, the numbers don’t lie:

1 in 2 people are prejudiced against older people (Global Report on Ageism, World Health Organization)
In Canada, a 2015 study estimated that 7.5% of Canadians 55 and older experienced abuse (Into the Light National Survey on the Mistreatment of Older Canadians, National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly, 2015)
Women aged 55-64 years comprised the largest proportion of victims of femicide (19%) (Call it Femicide Report, Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2020)
In Ontario, there was a 250% increase in calls to the Seniors Safety Line in 2020 (Assaulted Women’s Help Line, 2021)

The basic human rights of older Canadians are being challenged and undercut every day. It is estimated that 1 in 6 seniors globally experience elder abuse. We, as a country, cannot allow this to continue.
Join the BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) this June 15th for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) to help create a national conversation around elder abuse prevention, and help spread awareness around what can be done to uphold and protect the rights of older adults in your community. BC CRN’s 80+ community response networks (CRNs) are currently planning activities and events geared towards spreading awareness around the province in anticipation of WEAAD.
Learn more.

Spotlight on Ageism Presentation (Vancouver)
2023-06-09 10:30 - 11:30 | 1447 Barclay, Vancouver, BC, 1447 Barclay, Vancouver, BC, Canada
You are invited to attend BC CRN’s newest presentation offering, hosted by the West End Seniors Network (WE CRN) at 1447 Barclay, Vancouver, BC.
Ageism is highly prevalent and is the most socially accepted and tolerated form of discrimination in Canada. Like sexism or racism, ageism is discrimination – based on someone’s age. Ageism can occur at any point in our lifespan – regardless of how old we are – and may lead to others making judgements about our background, capability, mental or physical status, based only on their impression of our age.
Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register at info@wesn.ca or by calling 604-669-5051

It’s Not Right! Workshop
2023-06-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-03-07 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills. The agenda will include:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Register now or email us for more information.

Intergenerational Day
2023-06-01
June 1st is Intergenerational Day!
Intergenerational community building focuses on connecting children and youth with older adults to foster stronger social bonds and help build respect across age groups.
These connections help individuals of different generations cultivate friendships, understanding, and compassion while collectively strengthening ties to their community. Encouraging intergenerational relationships helps to prevent social isolation. Social isolation makes people of all ages vulnerable to loneliness, depression, and/or abuse, neglect, and self-neglect.
Learn more about how CRNs are building intergenerational bridges in their communities.

May Provincial Learning Event: Cautious Consumerism
2023-05-16 10:30 - 12:00
Credit is great, but it can also be dangerous. There are people out there who want to steal your identity and steal your credit. Learn how to protect yourself. Learn about the top scams in Canada, how to identify, report, and recover from those scams. Did you know that scammers can now “trap” your call and keep your line active even after you have hung up on them? Come and learn how to deal with these and other situations – learn how to be a Cautious Consumer.
This month, the BC CRN welcomes Mark Kalinowski, AFCC, Financial Educator at the Credit Counselling Society of BC. Mark is a personal finance nerd! His interest grew when working at a bank call center where he read the David Chilton book, “The Wealthy Barber.” He has taken courses on investing and insurance but selling was not for him. He prefers working at the Credit Counselling Society where he sells nothing but gets to help people solve money problems and talking personal finance
Register now.

National Day of Awareness and Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Gender Diverse Kin
2023-05-05
Today is May 5, National Day of Awareness and Action for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and gender diverse kin, also known as #RedDressDay.
Today we remember all of the lives and spirits of those who have been taken too soon, we lend our thoughts and prayers for the victims of colonialism, patriarchy and all of the oppressive forces, institutions and policies that have and continue to inflict a genocide on Indigenous peoples. Women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender diverse people have been most impacted and today, rather than reducing each sacred life that has gone missing or been murdered to a statistic, we do what we need to do to remember, to name the perpetrators of this ongoing gender-based violence, to honour their lives, to take care of ourselves, to march in solidarity, to organize, to be with loved ones, to keep striving for justice, equity and peace. We remember the families left searching for answers, closure and justice. We remember the strength of our ancestors, our families, and we uplift the young ones inheriting this ever-evolving world.

Provincial Learning Event: Social Prescribing & Older Adults
2023-04-18 10:30 - 12:00
Register now.
Social prescribing or social prescription is a relatively new approach that brings together social and medical models of health care. In this presentation, we provide an overview of social prescribing based on the results of our two recent systematic reviews for this topic.
Speakers:
Sanya Grover: Sanya is a second year medical student at the University of British Columbia. Prior to medicine, she completed her Bachelor of Health Sciences at McMaster University. Her research interests are focused on understanding the definition and implementation of person-centered care, as well as exploring other healthcare concepts such as reablement and more recently, social prescribing.
Maureen Ashe: Maureen is a professor in the Department of Family Practice at UBC, Canada Research Chair in Community Mobility, and a physiotherapist. Maureen’s research interests include interventions to encourage older adults’ engagement in physical activity, behavior change, digital health, and models of care such as reablement and social prescribing.
Register now.

Advance Care Planning (ACP) Day
2023-04-16
Advance care planning (ACP) helps people prepare for the unexpected. Many of us will at some point in our lives be incapable of making health care, personal care, financial, or legal decisions. Being prepared allows your beliefs, values, and wishes to be represented and respected when you are incapable. Being prepared also reduces the stress on your family and friends who may be called on to make decisions on your behalf.
Advance Care Planning Day (ACP) is April 16, 2023. The BC Centre for Palliative Care encourages everyone to create ACP awareness in their communities by:

Harnessing the power of social media
Engaging local media
Sharing personal stories
Hosting public sessions/events
Promoting ACP online
Starting your own advance care planning

Visit the BC CRN’s ACP page for more information and resources.

National Volunteer Recognition Week
2023-04-16 - 2023-04-22
Volunteers give their time in support of various causes and ask for nothing in return, in fact volunteers work tirelessly to help their community, city, and country.
Many older adults are in a position where they can give their time, skills, and energy to volunteering. Organizations must rethink and remove barriers that may result in enthusiastic volunteers with disabilities choosing not to volunteer.
Organizations can recognize volunteers by acknowledging their contributions with thank you events, dinners, teas, or BBQs.
Organizations should consider developing and implementing family volunteering opportunities as there is an increase in multi-generations living together and providing support for each other.
For more information, please contact your local CRN.

See Something, Say Something! Workshop
2023-04-04 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-02-07 12:00 - 13:00
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The See Something, Say Something! Reducing Risk for Older Adults program (formerly known as the Gatekeeper program) is designed to help identify high-risk adults, particularly those who live alone and who may be isolated. Everyone can play an important role in the community in keeping others safe, secure, and independent.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:
• Bank personnel
• Meter readers
• Volunteers, caregivers, drivers
• Pharmacy personnel
• Post office workers, letter carriers
• Restaurant personnel, grocery store clerks
• Churches, social clubs
• INCLUDING YOU!
Register now or email programs@bccrns.ca.

Hoarding Workshop: Bent but NOT Broken
2023-03-30 13:00 - 14:30
Join our workshop on hoarding!
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people have some level of hoarding or serious clutter behaviour. This means in Greater Victoria alone – there are over 11,000 homes being affected. This can pose a significant danger to individuals, homes, first responders and the community at large. Hoarding & Clutter behaviour are on a spectrum and simply collecting or owning lots of things doesn’t always mean HD. Let’s delve into this topic and explore the many facets of clutter behaviour. Let’s get your questions answered together.
Register now.

Decision Tree Presentation - How to Assist an Adult Who is Abused, Neglected, or Self-Neglecting
2023-03-30 12:00 - 13:00
The Decision Tree is a Resource Tool developed to assist with making the most effective referrals for adults in BC who may be vulnerable and/or incapable. Through this interactive presentation, you will learn about roles of Police, Designated Agencies, Public Guardian and Trustee, community support and how to make the most effective referrals in the least amount of calls.
Who is this program for? Anyone who has contact with older or vulnerable adults:

Service organizations
Volunteers
Bank personnel
Pharmacy personnel
Churches
Social clubs
INCLUDING YOU!

Come join us on Zoom and learn virtually. Everyone is welcome!
Register now or contact Micki Materi for more information.
View event poster.

Provincial Learning Event: BC Housing Programs & Services
2023-03-21 10:30 - 12:00
Join this event to learn about housing programs across BC for both renters and owners as well as those seeking accommodation.
Isabela Booth of BC Housing will be presenting information on eligibility and resources to help our vulnerable adults find housing solutions. Isabela provides people in need of housing with information and support to apply or find out more about BC Housing’s affordable programs and services, such as the Housing Registry, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER), and the Rental Assistance Program. Isabela often educates tenants, family members, housing advocates, non-profit societies, housing co-ops, and community groups about BC Housing’s resources.
Register now.

Webinar: Ending Ageism in Healthcare
2023-03-03 12:00 - 13:00
Did you know that ageism – discrimination based on age – is hiding in health care? Ageism is one of our society’s most accepted forms of discrimination and affects the physical and mental health of older adults. What can you do about it? Join SE Health for a panel discussion on the prevalence and impact of ageism in health care and ways to make practices and organizations more age inclusive.
View the webinar flyer here.
Register for this event.

National Fraud Prevention Month
2023-03-01 - 2023-03-31
March is Fraud Prevention Month, a month of activities and events that aims to help Canadians recognize, reject and report fraud. Did you know that the fight against fraud starts with you? The old saying is true: knowledge is power. Avoiding fraud is all about knowing how to recognize the signs, reject the claims that seem too good to be true and reporting them to the authorities. Seniors and vulnerable adults are frequently the targets of scams. Fraudsters continue to target Canadians, stealing their hard-earned money and leaving them devastated. The latest data shows Canadians lost approximately $97 million to fraud.
Tips to Protect Yourself Against Fraud

Never give out your personal, confidential information over the phone
Protect your banking information, never reveal your PIN or passwords to anyone
Never pay money to claim your money or a prize, there should be no processing fee
Keep your personal information safe, an identity thief will go through garbage and recycling bins
Be skeptical, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is

Help keep yourself and other vulnerable adults safe by sharing information about scams with them. At times, vulnerable adults can feel confused or pressured, you must be informed that it’s okay to hang up the phone or delete an email. Fraud prevention is a responsibility we all share.
For more information, please review our financial abuse resources or contact your local CRN.

Webinar: Canadians Rally for "Age with Rights"!
2023-02-27 10:00 - 11:30
On February 27, 2023, at 10 AM (PST), join the global movement that is bringing to life a binding human rights instrument to advance the dignity and quality of life in elder years.
With growing advocacy on the inequities faced by older people, the time is now to link these stories to human rights protection gaps.
Ahead of the April session of the UN Open Ended Working Group on Ageing, let’s show governments worldwide that there is a growing movement calling on them to act and commit to drafting a new UN convention on the rights of older people.
This event is hosted by the BC Association of Community Response Networks and Age Knowble.
View the event poster for more information.
Register now for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Provincial Learning Event: Reporting Abuse and the Adult Guardianship Act
2023-02-21 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for this webinar.
The Adult Guardianship Act is one of four acts that form BC’s adult guardianship legislation. Part 3 of the Adult Guardianship Act regarding support and assistance for abused and neglected adults is the part of the legislation most closely connected to the BC CRN.
In this presentation, participants can expect to receive an overview of the Adult Guardianship Act from the context of Vancouver Coastal Health’s Re:Act Adult Protection Program.
Amanda Brown, MSW, RSW is the Director of Vancouver Coastal Health’s Re:Act Adult Protection Program. She provides education, consultation, and systemic support to designated responders who investigate and intervene in situations of vulnerable adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect. She is the regional lead on issues related to the Adult Guardianship Act and her work includes partnering with community agencies to develop response protocols. She is a past Director of the BC Association of Community Response Networks, and she currently sits on many provincial committees and networks working to prevent abuse of vulnerable adults.
Elisse Tan, MSW, RSW, is a registered social worker, working with the Re:Act Adult Protection Program. She brings over fifteen years of experience in health care, working within hospital and community-based settings. Elisse’s work has spanned across various front line and leadership positions within Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health. In her current role, Elisse supports clinicians working as designated responders, by providing education and consultation about the use of the Adult Guardianship Act, as well as other relevant legislation related to adult protection. She also serves as secretary on the BC CRN Board of Directors.
Registration is now open for this webinar.

Provincial Learning Event: Essential Legal Planning Documents for BC
2023-01-17 10:30 - 12:00
Registration is now open for this session.

For the first Provincial Learning Event of the year, BC CRN welcomes presenter Joanne Taylor, Executive Director of Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry, who will be discussing an overview of legal planning documents available under BC legislation – which include Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Wills – and an introduction to the Nidus Registry service. There will also be an opportunity for participants to have their questions answered.

Joanne has led the education in BC on planning for the future (advance care planning) for over 30 years both as a volunteer and, since 2000, as Executive Director of the Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre. Nidus is a non-profit, charitable organization. Joanne has helped thousands of people learn about, make, and register a Representation Agreement, a made-in-BC planning document.

Registration is now open for this session.

It’s Not Right! Advanced Workshop - Advanced (Part 2)
2023-01-11 13:30 - 15:30
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop, which is aimed at providing in-depth learning opportunities about adult abuse and neglect. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills.
Over the course of part 1 and part 2 of this workshop series, we will discuss:

Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
Discussions about ageism.
Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).

Come join us – everyone is welcome! Please email us to register.

It’s Not Right! Advanced Workshop - Advanced (Part 1)
2023-01-04 13:30 - 15:30

It's Not Right! Workshop - Virtual
2022-12-06 12:00 - 13:00

It's Not Right! Workshop - Revelstoke
2022-12-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Revelstoke United Church
It’s Not Right! Neighbours, Friends & Family for Older Adults
You are invited to join us for this dynamic workshop. The workshop teaches people how to recognize warning signs of abuse of older adults and to respond safely and supportively. True to life scenarios are explored to facilitate discussion and to build skills. The agenda will include:
• Examples of the warning signs/risk factors of adult abuse and learning how to recognize them.
• Discussions about ageism.
• Video scenarios of situations of abuse and neglect.
• Skill building opportunities (how to respond safely/supportively and how to have conversations about suspected abuse).
Come join us in-person in Revelstoke – everyone is welcome! Email revycrn@gmail.com for more information.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities
2022-12-03
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is on December 3rd. Proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) has been annually observed on December 3 around the world. Disabled adults must also be acknowledged for their strengths, and not just for their vulnerabilities.
An estimated 14% of the Canadian population lives with some form of disability. Disabilities become increasingly common with age, ranging from a low of 6.3% of those between the ages of 15 and 29 to a high of 45.7% among those aged 65 and over. Adults with disabilities may be vulnerable to abuse and neglect. Many disabled adults are lonely and isolated.
Past themes associated with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities include:

Dignity and Justice for all of us
Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities
E-Accessibility
The Future is Accessible
Empowering Persons with Disabilities and Ensuring Inclusiveness and Equality

While Government support plays an important role, community members who care and reach out with assistance can make a big difference in the lives of persons living with disabilities.
