HSHC Annual FUNdrasier

You are invited to join us on Friday, March 5th from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm at Bubbles Mansion for our 4th Annual “Not So Serious Side of Sex” FUNdraiser and awareness event. Hosted by Cory Bowles of Trailer Park Boys fame and featuring great entertainment including Burlesque dancer Cadence MacMichael and other surprise guests, this evening is always fun-filled. The 2010 panel of "Sexperts" consists of Rachel Dodds from Sexy Girl Inc, Professor of Human Sexuality Matt Numer, drag celeb Rouge Fatale, and everybody's favourite former HSHC nurse Helga Wotherspoon.A silent and online auction will happen throughout the evening. Please help support HSHC's mandate of reducing the number of STIs and unintended pregnancies through education and services.Tickets are $15 at the door or available at HSHC. Many thanks to our generous sponsors: Bubbles Mansion, VIA Rail, Real Decoy, The Coast, etc Press, the United Way and all the wonderful businesses and individuals who are donating items to the auction.

Healthy Living Series

Healthy Living Series
Presented by
Cole Harbour Library and
Cole Harbour / Eastern HRM Mental Health Services

These education sessions are open to anyone interested
and will be held
Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
at Cole Harbour Library

Date/Session Topic

April 21, 2010

Tips for Time and Time for Tips: Effective Time Management and Organizational Skills


May 19, 2010

Dealing with Anxiety

June 23, 2010

Depression Information and Support

Cancellations: In the case of inclement weather and/or if schools have been cancelled, the session will be cancelled. For further information, please call 434-6177.

Reliable and Renewable - Fundraising in Unreliable Times

APRIL 29, 2010: 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM
Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times

This workshop will be based on Kim Klein’s new book: “Reliable Fundraising in Unreliable Times” and her 33 years of experience as a fundraising practitioner. Invite your staff and board members to participate and build a critical mass within your organization to raise more money.

Cost: $75 (Includes lunch)
Location: Holiday Inn Dartmouth (near the MacDonald Bridge)
RSVP and pre-register by calling 1-800-218-2220
Email: tatacent@tatacentre.ca
Pre-registration required.

APRIL 30 – MAY 2, 2010: Weekend Intensive
How Your Organization Can Build Renewable Income Streams

Learn core fundraising principles and get in-depth practical strategies for success while sharing particular issues faced by your own organization. One-on-one consulting, small group work and fun, interactive discussions will help your organization figure out how to start, maintain or expand a fundraising program focused on individuals – the most reliable and renewable of all income streams.

Cost: $595 (includes shared accommodations and meals)
Location: Tatamagouche Centre, Nova Scotia
To register, contact:
tatacent@tatacentre.ca
Telephone: 1-800-218-2220
www.tatacentre.ca

Sun Safety Workshop

If outdoor play space is important to you….

If you are planning or working on a community garden….

If you are interested in "greening" your community…

If you are concerned about the health and safety of children in your care…

You won't want to miss this workshop.

Enabling Shady Behaviour….where our children live, learn and play is an opportunity for you to learn from content experts and from exciting community examples. It 's an opportunity to expand your network and your knowledge on the role of the physical and built environment in supporting health promoting behaviour and environments that reduce overexposure to UV rays.

Skin cancer rates are high in N.S. Reducing the risk of overexposure to the sun is possible by creating environments that support shady behaviour. This is especially important for settings frequented by children. Think parks, playgrounds, school grounds and child care settings. Sports fields and camp grounds and gathering spaces like community gardens. Enhancing shade in N.S. can contribute to the health of our province.

There is no registration fee to attend. But registration is required. We can accommodate a maximum of 80 participants. For more information, please contact Jennifer.Crafer@ccns.nshealth.ca by February 24th.

Right to Read

Please help to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted continue to have access to books and information in formats they can read – like talking books, newspapers and magazines on CD, braille and printbraille books for children.

Library services for blind and partially sighted Canadians are in jeopardy. For more than 90 years, CNIB has struggled to fund these services with charitable dollars. But CNIB can’t afford to go it alone any longer. Without support from our federal and provincial governments, the CNIB Library could be closed in two years.

Reading is a right, not a privilege. We read to learn, work and connect to the world. Everyone has the right to read. If you are blind or partially sighted, that right is in jeopardy.

All Canadians can go to their local public libraries that are supported by tax dollars, but 800,000 Canadians – including 22,400 New Brunswickers, 30,000 Nova Scotians and 4,000 Prince Edward Islanders who are blind or partially sighted must rely on a library service that is supported through charitable donations.

It is unacceptable to have a two-tiered system when it comes to accessing books and information.

Please help CNIB protect the right to read.

http://righttoread.cnib.ca/

Tobacco Intervention Program

A Getting Started session will support you in making choices about your use of tobacco products and provide you with more information about our free Tobacco Intervention Program.

February
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Hants Community Hospital
89 Payzant Drive, Windsor
Room: Conf Room A
3-4 p.m.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cobequid Community Health Center,
Room: 321540 Freer Lane, Sackville
7-8 p.m.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010
QEII Halifax Infirmary Site
Royal Bank Theater
1796 Summer Street, Halifax
Noon – 1 p.m.

Thursday, February 25, 2010Dartmouth General Hosp.
325 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth
6-7 p.m.

March

Monday, March 1, 2010
Moffatt’s Pharmacy
184 Portland Street
Dartmouth
6 -7 p.m.

Thursday, March 4, 2010
QEII Halifax Infirmary Site
Royal Bank Theater
1796 Summer Street, Halifax
Noon – 1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Metropolitan Place
99 Wyse Road, Suite 1070
Dartmouth
Noon – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spryfield , 339 Herring Cove Road, Suite 211
Above Royal Bank, Halifax
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 18, 2010
QEII Halifax Infirmary
1796 Summer Street, HalifaxRoyal Bank Theatre
7 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Cobequid Community Health
Room: 3215
40 Freer Lane, Sackville
7-8 p.m.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Victoria General Hospital
Dickson Building, Room 5110
5980 University Avenue, Halifax
Noon – 1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hants Shore Comm. Health
5638 Highway 215,
Kempt Shore, N.S
6-7 p.m.

There is no need to register, just arrive at a Getting Started Session.

All Capital Health tobacco intervention programs are free of charge. Bring a friend!

To learn more, please call 424-2025.

Employment Training Opportunity

Our Thyme Cafe is a social enterprise initiative of the Elizabeth Fry
Society of Mainland Nova Scotia. This fully operational Café and
Catering training site provides an opportunity to woman who have been
involved in the criminal justice system and/or may be experiencing
barriers that include homelessness and poverty, to develop certified
skills and hands on experience in the food-industry.
Our Thyme Cafe opened December 11, 2008; we currently have women
of diverse backgrounds involved in the project in varied capacities. We
are actively recruiting women who have barriers to employment and
who are seeking resources and training that could facilitate a smooth
transition into the work force.
If you know of anyone who may be interested in this initiative or if you
would like more information, please contact:
Lynn Yetman at 406-7467
or email: lyetman@ourthymecafe.biz
www.ourthymecafe.biz

Capital Health Research Focus Group

Capital Health is seeking advice from the community…..

What does health research mean to you?

We are working on a plan to improve understanding of research as part of health care.
Community members are invited to be a part of a focus group. This group will share their
thoughts about research in the health centre. No research experience is required.

The focus group will take place on:
Wednesday, February 23, 2010
5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

A light supper will be provided. Please call 473‐7310 to register. Note that space is limited.
The deadline to register is February 18, 2010.

Community Development Fund Application Deadline

Halifax Community Health Board would like to announce the deadline for applications to the Community Development Fund. All applications must be received by 4:30 pm on April 23, 2009. Application forms are being updated and will be available by mid-March.

Community Development Funds are available to non-profit groups and organizations. If you have any questions about detailed eligibility criteria, or would like to talk about your idea, please call 487-0592.

Research Study: Exploring the Relationship between Mental Health and Gambling Issues

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Nova Scotia Division, is preparing a research study to explore the relationship between gambling and mental health issues and their related services.
CMHA is seeking the participation of mental health consumers and caregiver/family members of mental health consumers. Participation in this project will involve either a short individual interview or participation in a small focus group concerning the relationship between gambling and mental health issues. Study participants will receive an honorarium.
If you are interested in this project and would like to contribute to the body of knowledge needed to improve services for those living with both mental illness and gambling issues, please contact:

Susan Kilbride Roper, Lead Researcher
susanroper@eastlink.ca
Toll free: 1-877-9292

Sue Marchand, Program Coordinator
suecmhans@eastlink.ca
Phone: (902) 466-6600

To take part in the latest NSGF poll, visit www.nsgamingfoundation.org.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Day - February 12

Do you have it? Thousands of Canadians have chlamydia and don't know it. Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted disease in Canada. The majority of people infected have no symptoms. If left untreated, chlamydia can have serious consequences. Early detection and treatment are key.

Simple test. Easy Treatment. Protect yourself.

For more information, visit www.cfsh.ca or www.halifaxsexualhealth.ca

Girls Soar Physical Activity Week

Girls Soar is pleased to announce the week of February 19th to the 26th 2010 as “Girls Soar: Physical Activity Week 2010” in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

The goal of this week is to “To celebrate, motivate and educate girls. Our objective is to help inactive girls become active both in their schools and at home in HRM.

Here are some ways you could support Girls Soar: Physical Activity Week 2010:Please note that we would prefer to keep all events at no cost to the participants.

- Offer an active presentation on health, well being, or physical activity
- Offer a fitness session or skills clinic
- Host a Special Event in your community
- Provide an orientation to your facility
- Celebrate the active women in your organization
- Host an active female only event
- Post pictures of girls being active
- Promote one of your existing programs to females in the community

If you are a non-for profit group, you may be eligible to receive up to $100.00 to assist you in hosting a “Girls Soar: Physical Activity Week” event.

Please contact Shannon Keeping at 490-5447 or keepins@halifax.ca for more details. Applications are due by February 19th, 2010.

Kids’ grief counselling offered at IWK

The IWK Health Centre in Halifax is offering help to children and teenagers who have lost a loved one.

Support groups for grief and bereavement will be held in the coming months for teenagers 13 to 18 and children six to 12.

Participants will be given the opportunity to express grief through group exercises and expressive arts, led by trained facilitators and volunteers who have been screened by the IWK.

The sessions for teenagers will take place on Feb. 26 and 27.

The children’s support group will meet Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. from March 24 to May 5.

Pre-registration is required. Call bereavement co-ordinator Nick Zwaagstra at 470-8942.

Volunteers Local Gatherings

Volunteers and Non-profit Organizations: The Strength of our Communities

You are cordially invited to attend a Local Gathering in your community (see list below). Join community partners, colleagues, fellow staff, volunteers and members of community boards to participate in a networking and learning event.
We will:
~ celebrate our success
~ share our best practices
~ examine ways to strengthen volunteerism & the voluntary sector in NS communities

Discussions on what we can do to strengthen the sector, and the recommendations made during the Gatherings will be taken on to a provincial gathering in the fall of 2010. An information training workshop, as well as meal and nutrition breaks, will also be provided.

Local Gatherings Dates and Locations
Barrington, February 18th, Barrington & Area Lions Club
Bridgewater, March 6th, Bridgewater High school
Halifax, March 4th, St. Andrews Community Centre
Amherst, March 11th, Amherst Fire Hall
New Glasgow, March 30th, NSCC, Stellarton Campus
Windsor, March 31st, Kingsway Gardens Retirement Residence
Municipality of Clare , April 10th, Université de St. Anne
Truro, April 14th, Nova Scotia Agricultural College
Kentville, May 4th, NSCC, Kingstec Campus
Port Hawkesbury, date and location tbd
Antigonish, date and location tbd

To register, or find more details on the Local Gatherings, go to the Volunteerism website: http://www.gov.ns.ca/hpp/volunteerism/

Local Gatherings are a joint initiative of the Nova Scotia Department of Health Promotion and Protection (Volunteerism and the Voluntary Sector) and local community partners.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

This is a week to remember our friends and family who are struggling with Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating, Self-Esteem and Body Image. It is also a time to celebrate our successes and our wellness.

Monday February 1st
Eating Disorders Awareness Information Table
Dalhousie Student Union Building, University Ave.
Halifax, 11am - 3pm

Tuesday February 2nd
Movie and Discussion: ‘DisFIGURED’
Saint Mary’s University Burke Building, Inglis Street, Halifax,
7:00pm - 10:00pm

Lunch and Learn Mount Saint Vincent University
Featuring Lena from EDAG
Everistus Hall, Rm 358 Halifax, 12pm - 1pm

Eating Disorders Awareness Information Table
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, On-going by the Cafeteria
1:30pm - 3:30pm

Wednesday February 3rd
Movie and Discussion: ‘America the Beautiful’
Dalhousie Women’s Center , 6286 South Street , 7pm - 9pm

Movie and Discussion: ‘Through True Eyes’
Dalhousie University, Weldon Law Building, 6061
University Ave. Rm 105, Halifax , 6pm - 7pm

Eating Disorders Awareness Information Table
Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax,
On-going by the Cafeteria. 12pm - 3pm

Thursday February 4th
Movie and Discussion: ‘Thin’ Eating Disorders Action Group
6156 Quinpool Road, Halifax, 7pm - 9pm

Thursday February 11th
Eating Disorders Awareness Information Table
Mount Saint Vincent University Student Union Building
Mental Health Week. 10am - 1pm

Pre-employment Training

The YWCA LEAP Program offers “Pre-employment Training and Life Skills Development for Immigrant Women” and is directed toward enabling the effective settlement of 15 immigrant women facing multiple barriers to immigration. As a means of achieving this goal, the program objectives include ensuring immigrant women secure appropriate, safe and affordable housing, achieve life skills, such as lifting communication barriers and financial literacy, and gaining an understanding of the labor market.

The program start date is, February 8th 2010, and runs through March 31st 2010; therefore YWCA staff is now in the process of conducting participant intakes.

The overall structure of the program will meet the following criteria:

7.5 hours of workshop facilitation

2 hours of peer group sessions each week in order to develop a supportive peer network for immigrant women, by immigrant women (these two hours sessions will be scheduled as per the convenience of the women).

27 hours of one-on-one counseling sessions (case management will take place at the YWCA and/or in the participant’s home if it is more convenient)

Childcare is available onsite the YWCA Childcare centre and is free of charge

Robyn Smith
LEAP Coordinator
YWCA Halifax
423-6162 ext.257
fax: 423-7761
r.smith@ywcahalifax.com