July and August saw many of our Mentors and Coordinators taking vacations while others were winding up busy spring schedules. But even as they were busy, they sent us lovely photos and updates from around the province.
48th Annual BC Elders Gathering
Members of the BC CRN team hosted an information table at the 48th Annual BC Elders Gathering, August 13-14 at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. Our representatives were honoured to meet Elders from across the province and share information about the work of our Community Response Networks. https://www.bcelders.com/elders-gathering
BC Day in 100 Mile House
“On the BC Day long weekend, I wandered into the Farmers Market in 100 Mile House and was thrilled to bump into Sally Watson, Coordinator of the South Cariboo CRN, who was hosting an information table!”
– Heather Treleaven, Executive Director, BC CRN
Aging Mindfully in Kamloops
On Friday mornings, 14 participants and two facilitators met at the YMCA BC–Kamloops for “Aging Mindfully.” Each session included a 45-minute physical activity (strength training, chair yoga, scarf juggling and dancing, balance exercises) and a 30-minute mindfulness exercise (box breathing, guided meditation, visualization), followed by 45 minutes of refreshments and a topical discussion.
Most recently, the Kamloops CRN Coordinator presented about WEAAD Day, and the BC CRN handed out swag bags and information regarding elder abuse. Many participants have started using the Y regularly for other programs, such as a stroke recovery group, fitness programs and dementia support programs. Interior Health is interested in partnering with the YMCA BC–Kamloops region to offer the program to more groups. The YMCA BC Foundation has asked the Kamloops Y to apply for a grant to fund the program entirely for the next three years and expand into the North and Greater Vancouver Area. Congratulations!
More WEAAD Events
June was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and our CRNs held weekly events. Above are a few photos from the Vanderhoof CRN.
September Education
Monthly Webinar
On the first Tuesday of each month, BC CRN hosts an online workshop featuring one of our three main programs. The next seminar, Introduction to Extreme Clutter, will be on Tuesday, September 3, from noon to 1:00 pm.
Clutter is “a large group of usually unrelated or marginally related objects piled together in a disorganized fashion in spaces designed for other purposes (e.g., tabletops, floor, hallway).” Help people understand what clutter, hoarding, collecting and squalor are. Understand that not everyone who collects, lives in clutter or squalor is affected by the Hoarding syndrome. Register now for the webinar.
Provincial Learning Event
Queer and trans elders have been described as “the Silent Generation” since they have lived through times when their sexual and gender identities were criminalized and pathologized. This session will interest anyone working with older adults, including medical professionals, care providers, police, counsellors, community developers and policymakers.
Join us on Tuesday, September 17, 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 pm. for Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community. Dr. Gloria Gutman and Dr. Claire Robson will share information on the lived experience of elder abuse of transwomen, gay men and lesbians, including financial abuse, physical and sexual abuse, homophobic abuse, and neglect within partner relationships, residential care, in-home care, and religious organizations. Information for this part of the presentation is drawn from their 2023 book, published with Dr. Jen Marchbank and Makaela Prentice, called “Elder Abuse in the LGBTQ2SA+ Community: The Impact of Homophobia and Transphobia.” Register now for this timely learning opportunity.
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Explore our website to learn more about BC CRN or connect with your local CRN for more information or resources.
