Thursday, December 13, 2012

Tutors Needed


Volunteer ESL /ELL Tutors needed at Keshen Goodman Library  (330 Lacewood Dr., Halifax) Ages 19+

Volunteer tutors are needed to help adults who are learning English as a Second (or additional) Language. Many learners need help with general English conversation practice and speaking skills.

Tuesdays   10 AM to Noon
Tuesdays   6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesdays 1-3 PM
Wednesdays   6:30 - 8:30 PM
at Keshen Goodman Library    

call Jen at  490-6408 or email hillj@halifax.ca            
More information is available at
www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca  (Click on “volunteer”) Or ask for an application at the library’s Information Desk.

Grant opportunity


Information about the program NS Moves:


Grant Program to advance sustainable transportation in NS!
Deadline December 21st, noon. 
Objectives of the program:
  • Drive less distance
  • Move more actively and efficiently
  • Use cleaner energy
  • Access a wider range of sustainable transportation options
  • Engage communities around sustainable transportation issues
Contact Julia Sable, Policy Analyst, Department of Energy with any questions (SABLEJL@gov.ns.ca, 424- 8090

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Welcome to Four Weeks of Awareness and Hope - Week 1


Four Weeks of Awareness and Hope is a positive campaign held each November to share information and resources about addiction. We all want to live in healthy communities! Contributing to healthier attitudes, policies and behaviours related to the use of tobacco, alcohol, other drugs and gambling is an important part of improving the health of Nova Scotians.

The grand finale of our month of awareness raising will take place on Nov. 30 with our participation in the Atlantic Minds Wide Open Film Festival, where we'll share some Stories of Hope about individuals whose lives have been affected by addiction and recovery. Learn more about this important event and purchase your tickets today! http://www.atlanticmindswideopen.ca/

**Week 1 Focus - Tobacco Use

What Smoking Costs Us - According to the report Tobacco Use in Canada: Patterns and Trends (2011):
- nearly five million Canadians currently smoke, and up to half of them will become ill or die from continued tobacco use
- tobacco is a leading preventable cause of death in Canada, responsible for over 37,000 deaths annually and about one third of cancers
- the economic impact of tobacco use in Canada is also significant, with an estimated social cost of $17 billion per year
- the most recent estimates indicate that tobacco-related illness costs Canadians $4.4 billion in direct health care costs
- tobacco use is responsible for 2.2 million acute care hospital days

Read the full report: http://www.tobaccoreport.ca/tobacco%20Use%20in%20Canada_2011.pdf

Did you know? We are making progress in reducing tobacco use. Nova Scotia now leads Canada in keeping youth smoke-free. In 1999, Nova Scotia's youth smoking rate was 30 per cent. Through smoking reduction efforts like the Smoke-Free Places Act, tax increases and public awareness campaigns, the number dropped to 14 per cent by 2008. Since then, youth smoking rates have leveled off at 15 per cent.

Thinking about stopping? APTS offers free Stop Smoking Services! Free nicotine replacement therapies are also available. Attend one of our upcoming Getting Started Sessions to learn how we can support you in reaching your goals! Our Getting Started Schedule is available online at http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addiction-prevention-treatment-services/programs-services/stop-smoking-services

Would you like to try to stop on your own? APTS offers a free self-help stop smoking workbook, available on our website. Just click on the last link on the Stop Smoking Services page. Click the following link and scroll down to "Tobacco Intervention Workbook." http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addiction-prevention-treatment-services/programs-services/stop-smoking-services

How can you help end addiction stigma?

1. Check out and share our "Get Help Stopping" films at http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addiction-prevention-treatment-services/videos

2. "Like" our facebook page! It's a great place to access positive information and messages about addiction-related events, research, treatment and supports! www.facebook.com/addictionprevention

3. Encourage people to get the help they need! There are a variety of self-help and assessment tools at http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/addiction-prevention-treatment-services/self-help-assessment and individuals may contact our Central Intake Service (424-8866 / toll free 1-866-340-6700) to explore programs and services. Our service operates 8:30 am-8:30 pm on Mondays and 8:30 am-4:30 pm Tuesday-Friday.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

GET YOUR GED

A General Equivalency Diploma can open the doors to employment or higher education.

Sign up for a FREE 20 week course offered by the Halifax Community Learning Network.  The course is open to those who are over 18 years of age, don't have a high school diploma and meet the registration requirements.

Study and learn in a relaxed and friendly setting at the Captain William Spry Community Centre.  You will receive instruction in all 5 areas of the exam as well have the option of individual tutoring.

Find out more by attending a GED Spryfield Information Session:
Tuesday, October 2ns, 7:00pm to 8:30pm or Wednesday, October 10th, 2:00pm to 3:30pm

Conference Room 2
Captain William Spry Community Centre
16 Sussex Street
Please call 422-7648 for more information.

Understanding the Nature of Anxiety-Free Public Lecture

Free Public Lecture
Wednesday October 17th, 7pm
Burke Building - Theatre B
Saint Mary's University, Halifax

A free public talk exploring the topic of clinical anxiety, and suitable for physicians, mental healthcare workers, and members of general public (ages 15+).  This presentation begins with a discussion of anxiety symptoms and how persistent anxiety impacts quality of life.  I then outline some of the side-ranging causes, including conscious versus unconscious anxiety, while also providing illustrative examples of its reinforcing nature.  Lastly, I will explore methods of intervention, including what I call "symptom management" versus "genuine treatment," suggesting that the standard medical model of mental illness often confuses the two.

This Lecture is being offered by Brad Peters, Psychologist - co-owner of Cornerstone Psychological Services, writer and part-time professor at Saint Mary's University.
For more information call 407-4455

Friday, September 21, 2012

The Spot -FREE collaborative workshop

You are invited to a FREE collaborative workshop for aspiring artists and musicians!
Drop in to: paint, draw, sculpt, write stories, songs, poems, make photos, videos, play music, sing, record and engineer songs

When: ThuWhrsdays Starting Oct. 4, 2012 4pm-5pm ages 12-18 and 6pm -8pm ages 19-30
Where: The Pavilion: 5816 Cogswell St.  Bus Routes 6,7,17,18,42,80,81,90
To register contact Maya & Barb at- thespot.halifax@gmail.com or 223-8517/ 473-5227

Want to check us out first?  come to our Open House on Thursday September 27th, 5-6:30 @ The Pavilion

Free Adult Literacy and Upgrading Program

Free Adult Literacy and Upgrading Program

For ages 19 + Without a high school diploma.
Adult learners can work with a volunteer tutor once a
week to improve reading, writing and math skills.
-You could work towards your GED or increase your
chances of getting a better job!
-Programs are FREE and participation is confidential.

Spring Garden Road Public Library
Thursdays from 3 - 6 p.m. or 6 - 9 p.m. or
Fridays from 2 - 5 p.m.
Halifax North Memorial Public Library
Wednesdays from Noon -3 p.m. or 6 - 9 p.m.
Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For more information, contact Program Coordinator,
Jen Hill at 490-5990 or hillj@halifax.ca
www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca (click on "adult literacy")
Volunteer tutors may also be needed, especially for afternoon sessions.
More information is available at www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca (click on "volunteer")

Celebrate Culture Days

Celebrate the nationwide Culture Days with the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21!
Join us for I Heart Culture: Halifax, Friday, September 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, 1673 Barrington Street (2nd floor).
Don’t miss our hands-on Chinese Paper Cutting workshop, Saturday, September 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Museum, 1055 Marginal Road.
For more information visit www.pier21.ca. Events are free and presented in English.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Festival of Hope


Agency Display Registration Form
5th Mental Health Community Festival of Hope
Thursday, October 4th, 2012
1:00pm - 5:00pm,
The display section for the Festival will be quite informal and each table will be shared by two agencies. There will be room for agency signs. Please be at Olympic Hall by 12noon on Thursday, October 4th for set up.
If your agency cannot be represented but you would like to display information, please drop off your materials to the address below by October 2nd. If you need to make other arrangements, call Marg at 455-5445 or 455-6983.
Agency:
Contact:
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Fax:
Please return this form to:
Marg Murray by:
Monday, October 1st
Email:margmurray.cmha@bellaliant.com
fax: (902) 455-7858
drop off or mail to:
CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Branch
Bloomfield Centre, Room 216, 2786 Agricola Street
Halifax, NS B3K 4E1
Phone: (902) 455-5445/6983









Thursday, September 6, 2012

The Club-Boccia Ball new Season

Saturday 22 September 2012 is the start of our new Boccia Ball Season
Open to all ages and abilities
Younger children and families welcome!

Boccia Ball is a fun and completely accessible game that can be played by children and adults of all ages and abilities.
You do not have to have played before to join in.
Our Saturday morning sessions are an enjoyable way to learn and practice skills such as aiming, throwing, strategy, and taking turns. They’re also a great way to spend social time with friends.
The venue is wheelchair accessible with adult/child change facilities. Members bring their own one-to-one support if required.

Sessions are weekly, on Saturdays at The Drop In Club, 11am to 12noon
from 22 September to 10 November (not Thanksgiving Weekend)
Free to members of the Drop In Club, or $40 for the season.
Additional siblings $10 for the season.

Please email your name and age to registerinfotheclub@gmail.com to register or sign up at our Body Rockers Fair on Sunday September 9th.
Any questions, call Alice on 478 1917.

Venue:

St James Anglican Church Hall, rotary, Halifax. Entrance by the painted power box.
If you require assistance entering the building please call 477 6817 and we will be happy to help. In cases of extreme weather The Club may have to close. Please check your email or our Facebook page for updates (SCRI Society: The Club)
www.theclubscri.com

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Step Up to Leadership at St Andrew's Centre

HRM, Volunteer Services will be offering a free “Step Up to Leadership” program at the St Andrews Centre starting on September 20th (Thursdays from 1:30 pm -4 pm). The program is a 10 session interactive and fun course that covers a wide range of topics to help develop leadership skills and build strong communities.


For more information or to register call 490-1946 or email hrmvolunteerservices@halifax.ca or visit www.halifax.ca/volunteerservices/stepuptoleadership

Body Rockers at the Club on Sunday

Become a ‘Body Rocker at The Club Tonight!’
Join our new Healthy Living Program at the
Body Rockers Fair
Sunday 9 September 2012
2pm to 5pm

With live break dancing!
Sign up, get your free binder, try fun activities,
and get loads of information for a healthy body and mind

Admission Free
The Drop In Club, St James Anglican Church Hall, Rotary, Halifax
Organized by SCRI Society: The Club
www.theclubscri.com
Generously supported by the IWK Foundation
and the United Way of Halifax Region



Friday, August 31, 2012

Controlling Malaria in Africa

Controlling Malaria in Africa: Are We Winning
A Public Talk by Sir Brian Greenwood
7:00 pm Tuesday October 9, 2012
Room 104, Weldon Law Building, 6061 University Avenue, Dalhousie University

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Getting Started - FREE Smoking cessation programs

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. There is no need to register. All Capital Health tobacco intervention programs are free of charge. Bring a friend! For more info, call 424-2025

September

Tuesday, September 4
Twin Oaks Memorial Hospital
7-8 pm

Monday, September 10
Moser River Community Hall
6-7 pm

Wednesday, September 19
Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital
7-8 pm

Friday, September 21
Belmont House
33 Alderney Drive
Dartmouth

Tuesday, September 25
Halifax Community Based Services
1673 Bedford Row
Halifax

Friday, August 17, 2012

Autumn Orchestral Movement program for older adults

Beginning Saturday September 15, Happily Ever Active will be offering a creative movement program for older adults which unites music, dance and physical activity (including cardio, resistance exercise, balance exercises and stretching). The program will be based on two activities developed at Heart & Soul Summer Arts Camp: chorale drumming, and the interpretation of musical voices through creative movement. Sessions will run from 2:00-3:30 on Saturday afternoons at Spencer House (5596 Morris Street). A snack will be provided at the end of each session.

This program is open to individuals of all health statuses, including those experiencing substantial physical or cognitive challenge. Participants are welcome to attend alongside friends, family members or care partners of all ages. In addition to activity instructors, several volunteers will be onsite at all times to facilitate and encourage the participation of more timid or impaired participants.

While we will be asking for a weekly pay-what-you-wish donation from participants, individuals are welcome to attend whether or not they wish to donate.

Please feel free to distribute this email or poster via any means you wish. If you have any questions about our Orchestral Movement program, please do not hesitate to contact me at (902) 877-6608 or happilyeveractive@gmail.com.

Art Exhibit


You are cordially invited to celebrate the culmination of Heart & Soul Summer Arts Camp - a free summer arts program designed for older adults, including those experiencing physical, cognitive and social challenges. An exhibit of participants' works will be presented at the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (2096 Windsor Street in Halifax), from 7:00-8:30pm on Friday August 31.

We look forward to presenting our participants' works to the community, and hope that you will join us for this special event. Heartfelt thanks to The Robert Pope Foundation, the Halifax Community Health Board, NitroTek, Maritime Hobbies & Crafts and the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection for enabling us to offer this program free of charge to all participants for the duration of 2012.
Jesse Robson
Co-Founder & Managing Director, Happily Ever Active
"Why let kids have all the fun?"
(902) 877-6608
www.happilyeveractive.org



Changing Directions-Changing Lives: A mental health strategy for Canada

Putting mental health onto the national agenda is no small task. It will take everyone’s help to change Canada’s mental health system — individuals, employers and employees, schools and students, non-profit organizations and all levels of government.


Recently, the Mental Health Commission of Canada released Changing Directions, Changing Lives, the first mental health strategy for Canada. This is an important step forward for our country, as one in five Canadians will experience a mental health problem or illness every year, at a cost of more than $50 billion to our economy. We need action and support of the national strategy to help combat mental health problems and illness.

Take action to support mental health.

This is your opportunity to get more involved in making a difference in support of mental health in Canada. Take some time to read the strategy, send an email to your Minister of Health and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Visit http://www.partnersformh.ca/act/influence-policy/mental-health-strategy to learn how you can take action to improve mental health for all Canadians. You can make a difference today in the lives of the one in five Canadians who live with mental health problems and illnesses.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Bioethics in the City - A Mini Ethics Symposium

This is the fourth installment of our Bioethics in the City series, an interactive event, which showcases local academics and researchers working in bioethics, who address ethical issues arising from the theory or practice of the life sciences.


The three Dalhousie researchers featured at this event, recently presented this work at the Feminist Approaches to Bioethics International Congress held at Rotterdam, Netherlands in June 2012. In addition to the three presentations, the researchers welcome your comments and questions.

Françoise Baylis, Canada Research Chair in Bioethics & Philosophy – Ethically Sound Research Involving Pregnant Women

Kirstin Borgerson, Assistant Professor of Philosophy – Beyond Exclusion in Clinical Design Trial

Erin Fredericks, Interdisciplinary PhD Candidate – “What’s the Alternative? You Die?” Imagining Oneself in the Context of Breast Cancer Social Movements

2:00 to 3:30 pm Thursday August 30, 2012


Room 1130, Marion McCain Building, 6135 University Avenue, Dalhousie University




Monday, July 16, 2012

Help set a Guinness World Record to Raise Awareness of Hepatitis

Hepatitis Outreach Society of Nova Scotia invites the public to join them in setting a Guinness World record on Saturday, July 28th at the Halifax waterfront Helipad by Bishops Landing, 1475 Lower Water St. Come at 11:30 to enjoy entertainment, freebies and lots of fun. At noontime we will join the greatest number of people around the globe doing the “see no, hear no and speak no evil actions” to highlight the need to spread the word about hepatitis prevention and treatment. With less than one hour of your time you can help support worldwide efforts to reduce the impact of this serious illness.


“This is our chance to shine a spotlight on hepatitis, our opportunity to gain recognition for the disease on a global level. And what better way to do this than by setting a Guinness World RecordTM for hepatitis”? Charles Gore, President, World Hepatitis Alliance

Please contact the HepNS office at 902 420 1767 or program@HepatitisOutreach.com for more information about this event. For a one page flyer: http://ow.ly/ccbbj

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Switch Open Street Sundays

An initiative of the Planning and Design Centre’s Sustainable Transportation Task Force, Switch: Open Street Sundays is planned to be a weekly event that encourages people to enjoy their city by walking, biking, skating, dancing, and moving around their city safely and comfortably. Switch will offer the opportunity for everyone to get to many destinations on the Halifax peninsula in new and healthy way.


Switch is not about street closures – it is about opening streets to a greater variety of transportation modes and the route will remain permeable to vehicles. Switch is inspired by Ciclovia, which translates to “bike way” or “bike path”; millions of people in cities around the world now participate every Sunday and holiday on thousands of kilometres of city streets. The long-term effects of Ciclovia are safer cities where people can travel with ease, and a new vision of public space. Switch could be a transformative, ongoing event without infrastructure costs; Switch makes use of the existing network of streets and bicycle routes.

Switch reduces vehicle use, which means less traffic congestion, less wear on existing infrastructure, and improved air quality. All of these things improve the quality of life for all Haligonians. Switch also creates new economic opportunities for existing businesses and temporary vendors by regularly increasing pedestrian traffic and enabling new sales in new places. Neighborhoods and communities benefit from the attention and inclusion in the Switch network.

The inaugural Switch event is scheduled to take place Sunday, September 9, 2012 from 9am – 2pm.

To find out more about the Planning & Design Centre:
http://www.pdcentre.ca/

To find out more about Switch, including the route map and how to get involved, please visit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Switchhfx/211483962208248
Twitter: www.twitter.com/switchhfx

Telephone: 902.494.3678
Email: switchopenstreetsundays@gmail.com

The Switch Working Group meets the first Wednesday of every month. Everyone is welcome. Please stay tuned to the Facebook page for the location of the next meeting!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Common Roots Urban Farm is pleased to present

Common Roots Urban Farm presents
Therapeutic Horticulture Workshop
Monday June 25 9am-12 Noon
Workshop location: Room 1613, 1st Floor, Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building
5955 Veterans Memorial Lane, Halifax B3H 2E1

Pre-Registration required: $25 fee payable to Partners for Care mailed to:
Partners for Care@ 1796 Summer St, Halifax, B3H 3A7
Please e-mail: commonroots@partnersforcare.ca to RSVP.

What is Horticultural Therapy & Therapeutic Horticulture? The fundamentals of Horticultural Therapy (HT) & Therapeutic Horticulture (TH) will be covered including how these relate to gardening, the directed horticultural activities used for specific health outcomes, populations who benefit from HT, and therapeutic landscapes.

Of interest to people using gardening with seniors, children, veterans, community gardens as well as health workers, horticulturists, and therapists.

Presenters: Lesley Fleming, Registered Horticultural Therapist and Janice Morrison, Horticulturist

Is Gardening More Than a Feel Good Activity?
Horticulture Programs in Health Care Settings
Public Lecture
Monday June 25 @ 7 pm
Lecture location: Room 1613, 1st Floor, Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Building
5955 Veterans Memorial Lane, Halifax B3H 2E1

Presenters: Lesley Fleming, Registered Horticultural Therapist and Janice Morrison, Horticulturist
Can gardening be more than a feel good activity?

Explore programming in health care settings that demonstrate how horticulture can be used for specific health outcomes for a range of populations; seniors, children, bereaved, veterans, people with physical and mental disabilities and wellness groups. Current applications of horticultural therapy and therapeutic horticulture in health and human service settings will shed light on connecting horticulture and health.

Lesley Fleming is a Registered Horticultural Therapist with a private practice in Florida. She is a Director of the American Horticultural Therapy Association, author and Editor in Chief of AHTA News Magazine. She is a member of the Common Roots Urban Farm Advisory Committee.

Janice Morrison is a Horticultural Therapist specializing in programs with cancer populations. She has 30 years experience as a horticulturist/nurseryman/businesswoman in Cape Breton, sits on several boards related to protecting the natural environment and is a member of the Common Roots Urban Farm Advisory Committee

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Win Fame and Fortune: Enter the Common Roots Urban Farm Kiosk Design Contest

Partners for Care and Capital Health are excited to announce a contest to design the information kiosk for the Common Roots Urban Farm!


We're looking for great ideas from design professionals, new to the design biz folks, and aspiring wanna-be's. The contest is now open and entries are welcome until July 1, 2012.

Finalists will be selected by a panel of design gurus, community workers and Capital Health staff. The public will be invited to vote for their favorite design, with the winner being announced on July 17, 2012.

There are prizes for the finalists and the winner will receive $250.

Yes, there are rules and you can find out more about them by checking out the contest details on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KioskDesignContest


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Are You Interested In Improving Your Health Care?

Huge amounts of data are collected by hospitals, health districts, and the Department of Health and Wellness as part of providing health care to the people of Nova Scotia. There is tremendous potential for using this information to better assess the delivery of health care and ways to improve health care in the future. Health researchers in Nova Scotia are conducting a focus group to get feedback from the public on how all of these data might best be used to improve health care.


We are recruiting a small number of people to participate in a three hour meeting to discuss the issues around use of health care data to support research projects designed to improve the lives of the people of Nova Scotia.

We are interested in hearing from you if you are a person who:

is interested in health research

may have participated in a health research project in the past as a research subject

is not a health researcher, medical practitioner, medical or health science faculty or student

is not involved in health research or planning to pursue health research

is a Nova Scotian


You do not need a medical background. We are looking for feedback from the community. We welcome participants from diverse cultural, social and educational backgrounds.

The focus group is scheduled for Wednesday, June 27, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Dinner, free parking, and an honorarium of $50 will be provided. A group of 15 people will be invited to participate in the focus group.

There are 3 ways to indicate your interest in participating in the focus group:

Complete this online survey to register your interest

Email us: emily.edwards@dal.ca

Call us: (902) 494-7635

You must act before May 31st to be considered. With your help we can improve the quality of healthcare for all Nova Scotians!

Stories of Hope Video Launch

The Halifax Community Health Board is pleased to host the launch of our new film on Wednesday, June 13, from 5:30-6:30. This event will be held at the Bethune Ball Room at Capital Health's Bethune Building (1276 South Park Street, Halifax). (View on map at http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca/find-us). Share in the stories of hope of Nova Scotians whose lives have been affected by addiction. You won't want to miss the first public screening of this moving and inspirational film. We're proud of the courageous citizens who shared their stories, representing a milestone step in the fight against addiction stigma in our province. RSVP to Joan Swinimer at joan.swinimer@cdha.nshealth.ca or call 424-2021.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Creative StART Open Studio Program - Art Exhibition

Come help us celebrate the artworks created over the past ten weeks by the participants in the CREATIVE START OPEN STUDIO PROGRAM.


The CREATIVE START OPEN STUDIO PROGRAM has been developed for youth, 17 to 21 years of age with disabilities and related challenges so they can explore different types of visual arts. Through this program, participants decided what kinds of art materials and processes they want to explore such as drawing, painting, printmaking, and more.

DATE: Friday June 1st, 2012
TIMES: 1:00 – 3:00PM
LOCATION: Room 117, Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola Street, Halifax

For information about the CREATIVE START OPEN STUDIO PROGRAM, contact Gerard McNeil by phone at 456 – 0861 or by e-mail at visualconnectionsproj@gmail.com

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Take The Commuter Challenge

Stepping Up is proud to say we are working with Clean NS and SmartTrip to promote the Commuter Challenge. You and your workplace are invited to take part in the 2012 Commuter Challenge taking place during Environment Week June 3-9th:


Is your productivity sitting around in traffic?

• The average time a person spends commuting is equivalent to 32 working days per year! (Stats Can)

Give your car the day off and explore the walk, rollerblade, cycle, carpool, ride the transit system or work from home. Join the friendly, week-long competition between Canadian cities and workplaces and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to employee health and the environment while fostering active, safe, and vibrant communities.

Step Up to the Challenge today at commuterchallengehfx.ca

• Register / find your workplace, sign-up as an individual within your organization

• Gear up with HRM's bike week May 25- June 3rd http://www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/index.html

• Beginning June 3-9 enter your commute trips for the challenge and receive automated progress reports

• Prizes awarded daily!

Step Up to the Challenge today at www.commuterchallengehfx.ca encourage other organizations to do the same and lets make the Halifax region the most active, vibrant municipality in Canada!

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Chebucto Community Health Team is expanding!


The Chebucto Community Health Team has expanded its catchment area to include Fairview, Clayton Park, and Rockingham to Larry Uteck Boulevard.

People who live, work, or have a family doctor in the communities of Halifax Mainland can participate in the free health and wellness programs offered by the Chebucto Community Health Team.

Halifax Mainland communities include:

North – Fairview, Clayton Park, and Rockingham to Larry Uteck Blvd

South – Armdale, Herring Cove, Purcell’s Cove, Spryfield and the Sambro Loop

Postal codes – B3M, B3N, B3P, B3R, B3S, and B3V.

View the Chebucto Spring and Summer schedule and register online, or call 487-0690.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Which way do we go? Recruiting volunteers!

Capital Health wants to test out proposed new signs and directions at the Halifax Infirmary building of the QEII Health Sciences Centre. We’re looking for about 40 people who aren’t familiar with the Halifax Infirmary to help us out.

During the week of June 4 to 10, 2012, we’re asking you to come to the Halifax Infirmary and test out proposed new signs (at your convenience) and tell us what works and what doesn’t.

Participants need to sign up in advance so that we can send you a package with information about your specific clinic destination, as well as a feedback form.

When we receive your completed feedback form (mailed, emailed or dropped off by June 25), we’ll send you a $10 grocery store gift card as a small token of our thanks.

Interested in signing up or learning more? Contact Margaret Angus at 473-2726 or margaret.angus@cdha.nshealth.ca.

Monday, April 16, 2012

Bowl-a-Thon to "Strike Out Stigma"

The Halifax-Dartmouth Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is delighted to invite you
to its Second Annual Bowl-a-Thon to "Strike Out Stigma" and support the branch and the work it does in
our community.

Please join CMHA on Saturday, April 28th, 2012 at Bayers Road Bowl-a-Rama, 7.00pm-10.00pm for
Cosmic Bowling. Register a team (5 players per team), or join an existing one. The Registration Fee is $10.00 per person and
each participant will receive a pledge sheet. ALL proceeds from this event will support the social and recreational programs CMHA-Halifax-Dartmouth provides to its members and the wider community.

AND there will also be a draw for two "Wellness Baskets". Each basket contains a variety of products and services that have been donated
from local businesses that promote health and wellness in our community.

Join us on April 28th and help reduce mental health stigma, one string at a time.

For more information, or to register, please contact Bev Cadham at 463-2187, Donna Phillips at 455-0072 .

Friday, April 13, 2012

Free public lecture on Colorectal Cancer

Cancer Care Nova Scotia will host a free public lecture about colorectal cancer on May 15th between 7 and 8:30 p.m. in Halifax. The lecture will also be available in communities across the province through video conference. Dr. Bruce Colwell, a medical oncologist, will talk about screening, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of colorectal cancer.

For more information visit www.cancercare.ns.ca or call 1-866-599-2267.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

We're looking for great people!

Halifax Community Health Board is seeking volunteer board members interested in creating a healthier community. We serve residents of Fairview, North End Halifax, Downtown, Northwest Arm, South End Halifax, and Connaught/Quinpool.

We want our Board to reflect our community, so diversity, gender balance and the age of our members is important to us. If you are interested in a healthier Halifax, we want to hear from you!

For more information please contact Laurie MacNeil at laurie.macneil@cdha.nshealth.ca or 487-0571.
 
Deadline for applications is Monday, April 30, 2012.
 
You can also check us out on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @HalifaxCHB.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Social Media: Need Some Help?

The Halifax Community Health Board and FUSION Halifax are partnering to support community non-profits working in health and social issues to better understand and meet their social media needs. The event will take place on Friday April 27th 2012 at The Learning Incubator (LINC Room 2600, Killiam Library, Dalhousie University) from 9am to 3pm.

Participants from community-based organizations serving the Halifax peninsula and Fairview areas will engage with FUSION members and partner organizations working in social media, communications, and public relations. These social media advisors will be on hand to help grassroots community groups working to address health and social issues to incorporate various types of social media into their work.

Social media “experts” will be on hand to deliver mini hands-on workshops on using tools such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, and Google+. So that we can best understand the social media needs of your organization,  registration forms need to be received by April 18th, 2012. If you would like a registration form please contact Laurie MacNeil laurie.macneil@cdha.nshealth.ca (902) 487-0571.

Participants will be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. We expect this event to fill up quickly – to guarantee your spot, please register as soon as possible. One participant per organization.

We ask that participants bring their own laptops to the event. If you do not have access to a laptop, please let us know when you register as we may be able to make one available to you for the day.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Participation Changes Everything

With the assistance of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations, Dalhousie University will be conducting eight free workshops in various locations throughout Nova Scotia. These workshops will cover topics that will be of interest to voters and to potential candidates in the 2012 municipal elections. Topics include; what does municipal government do and why should I care, how to choose a good municipal councillor and should I consider running for municipal office?

Each workshop will be about three hours long and will be conducted in a friendly, interesting and interactive manner. Individuals who are thinking about running for municipal council, want to work on an election campaign, are thinking about becoming more involved in their municipality or just want to learn more about municipal government will find these workshop valuable. We view these workshops as providing a unique opportunity to promote greater civic involvement

Workshop leaders will be drawn from Dalhousie University’s College of Continuing Education, the Province of Nova Scotia as well as current and retired municipal councillors. There is no charge for the workshops.

In the near future we will be sending you some posters and informational flyers to help us in promoting these workshops. I know that you share our enthusiasm over the prospect of encouraging more people to become more informed and more involved. Please help us to make these opportunities known in your municipality.

Free workshop dates and locations are as follows. All workshops run from 6pm -9pm

April 20 Port Hawkesbury – NSCC Strait Area Campus Rm. 130

May 4 Berwick – Berwick and District Lions Club – Community Room

May 9 Bridgetown– Fire Hall

May 16 Stellarton – NSCC Pictou Campus Cafeteria

May 24 Bridgewater – NSCC Lunenburg Campus Rm. C112

May 25 Yarmouth – NSCC Yarmouth Campus Rm. C181

June 8 Dartmouth – NSCC Waterfront Campus Rm. 3736

June 15 Amherst – NSCC Cumberland Campus Rm. 154

A free campaign school will be held June 23rd at the NSCC Truro Campus (Sloan Hall, Salon C) from 10:30am-3:30pm for people more specifically interested in working on a campaign or running in the next election. Contact Shelby Lang to Register.

For more information contact: Shelby Lang - Project Coordinator: 902-494-7459 shelby.lang@dal.ca Jack Novack - Professor and Program Director Public Sector Programs: 902-494-6478 jack.novack@dal.ca

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Getting to the Heart of Living Healthy with Diabetes!

Getting to the Heart of Living Healthy with Diabetes!

The Hearts in Motion experience: Learn how healthy eating and behavior change goals can work to help you manage diabetes and heart health risk factors!
Join Registered Dietitian Wanda Firth as she talks about important information and useful strategies to keep you heart healthy and live well with diabetes.


Tradeshow featuring the latest in diabetes products!

Date:              Wednesday, May 9th, 2012
Time:              Tradeshow  6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
                      Update from Canadian Diabetes Association  7:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m
                      Guest Speaker  7:45 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Location:        Best Western, Chocolate Lake, 20 St. Margaret's Bay Road, Halifax

Prizes and refreshments available!
Space is limited. Pre-registration required.
For more information or to register, please call
1-800-326-7712 ext. 1 or email: NSinfo@diabetes.ca

Positive Youth Development Conference Invitation

You are invited to join us for the Do Your Part! Halifax 2012 National
Conference on Positive Youth Development - the only national gathering
devoted to all aspects of Positive Youth Development in Canada!

Building on the success of the seven national conferences held to date
in communities across the country Lions Quest Canada is thrilled to be
bringing the event to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with the help of the Host
Team led by HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development.

The conference is scheduled for May 11th and 10th, 2012 at Saint
Mary's University. Conference participants will include individuals
and teams, both youth and adults, from communities and organizations
across the country who are involved or interested in positive youth
development.

Conference goals include:
* Connecting Canadians of all ages involved in strengths based youth
development
* Investigating how communities can improve and enhance themselves
through social development, awareness and engagement
* Educating and exciting participants about what is available to
support your Positive Youth Development efforts through Asset
Building, Youth Entrepreneurship, Community Development, Youth
Engagement and other effective approaches.

Visit http://www.lionsquest.ca/ to view a complete list of Learning Sessions,
our latest updates for Keynote Presenters, to register online and for
information about the Pre-Conference sessions. Do not hesitate to
contact Kay Nelles at 800-265-2680 ext 102 or kay@lionsquest.ca if you
have any questions about the Do Your Part! Halifax 2012 Conference.

PAANS Scholarship Application

Funding Opportunities

Opportunities

Monday, March 26, 2012

Get active! Sneak it in!

Lose the loafers. Give the heels a break. Get ready for Sneak it In Week, brought to you by ParticipACTION. Wear sneakers to work April 9-13 and you’ll see how easy it can be to fit in more activity. Walk to lunch. Park a few blocks away. Hit the pavement on your coffee break. As long as your heart beats faster for 10 minutes, it really counts! So get active and sneak it in. You’ll be rewarded with a longer, happier, more fulfilling life.

How to get your organization involved ...

Starting now, you can download, print and share our free materials below to help spread the word about Sneak It In Week. Mark your HR calendars, put it on your intranet and tell your friends and colleagues in your network.

The week before April 9-13, check back here for more tips and information on how to Sneak It In, links to our Twitter Feed, featuring #sneakitin, our Facebook page, blog content, our press release, photos and more. http://www.participaction.com/en-us/Find-Programs-And-Events/Sneak-It-In.aspx

For more information, please email sstanley@participACTION.com

Monday, March 19, 2012

North-South Cycling Route Public Consultation: The Path to Bicycle Culture in Halifax

Halifax Cycling Coalition is inviting all coalition members, cyclists and interested Haligonians to attend HRM's public meetings that will influence the future of cycling culture in Halifax. This is your chance to support the Crosstown Connector for the north-south cycling route on the peninsula. HRM Regional Council will use the outcomes of these two meetings to make its decision on the final alignment and design of the north-south cycling route.

For more background information go to the Halifax Cycling Coalition website: http://www.cyclehalifax.ca/crosstown-connector/ or the Facebook event
http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/203915326381012/

Both meetings will follow the same format

Where: Bloomfield Community Centre 2786 Agricola
When: March 29, 2012 7:00-9:00PM

Where:Maritime Hall at the Halifax Forum, 2901 Windsor Street
When: Tuesday, April 3, 7:00 - 9:00pm

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Multi Cultural Health and Wellness Fair

WHAT: Multicultural Health and Wellness Network, MHWN 5th Annual Multicultural Health and Wellness Fair

WHO: For immigrants and newcomers
Over 45 Service Providers in HRM will be participating

WHEN: Friday, March 23, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: St. Andrews Centre,
3380 Barnstead Lane (off Bayers Road )
Halifax, NS, B3L 4S4

The Fair provides newcomers to Canada and service providers with an opportunity to share information through booths, workshops and demonstrations. Over 45 organizations and 400 newcomers are expected to participate this year. Workshops will be on topics such as Women’s Health, Men’s Health and Children’s Health to name a few. To encourage interaction, volunteer interpreters (trained by ISIS’S interpretation program) will be on hand to provide simultaneous translation in several languages.

Contact:
Hanaa Rashid
Event Coordinator
Direct phone: 902.406.8638
Email: hrashid@isisns.ca

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Promoting Mental Health: Challenges for Psychiatry and Neuroscience

7:00 pm Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Weldon Law Building, Room 104

6061 University Avenue

Novel Tech Ethics and CIHR presents:

Jacqueline Sullivan, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Many scientists now believe that mental health disorders are simply brain-based problems. Effectively treating persons with mental health disorders, then, just requires the use of pharmaceuticals to eliminate these problems. However, many scientists also acknowledge that pharmaceuticals currently on the market are not effective in enabling persons with mental health disorders to lead “normal” lives—to hold down jobs and establish and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. These same scientists assume that if they can locate those brain areas that underlie those learning and memory processes relevant for leading a “normal” life, they will be able to develop pharmaceuticals that selectively restore normal function in these brain areas and thus enable persons with mental health disorders to lead “normal” lives. Professor Sullivan will challenge these assumptions and offer alternative approaches to improving the quality of life of persons with mental disorders.

Website link: http://www.noveltechethics.ca/page.php?page=6&id=52

Raising Resilient, Relating & Responding Children

Dr. Sid S. Sodhi, Registered Psychologist,
Retired Professor of counselling Psychology

In this Workshop Dr. Sodhi will use various paradigms of child/youth development (Neuroscience/Psychodynamic/Social Learning/Existential/Spiritual) to engage parents/grandparents/teachers to develop strategies of humanistic child growth.

The following topics will be addressed:

1) What is RESILIENCE?
2) Resilient Parenting Models
3) Brain Development (Children/Teens and Resilience)
4) Mindset of Parents a) active listening
                                  b) two way communication
5) "Failure is a Feedback", when Children acquire distance from Parents
6) Teaching Self-Discipline, Empathy, Moral-Spiritual values through Parental Modeling
7) When all you know how to use is a hammer, you keep looking for nails
8) Negative Script Parenting
9) Some Parenting Strategies for Producing Resilience in children/teens
10) Characteristics of Difficult, Unhappy troubled parents & their children

When:         Saturday, March 17th from 9:30-12pm
Admission:  $12 each; $10 for Canada Games Centre Members
                     Community Room - Space will be Limited.

Pre-Register through LifeMark Sport Medicine & Health Centre at 404-3888 or e-mail info.cgc@lifemark.ca

Panel on Homophobic Bullying on March 27

Homophobic Bullying

A discussion on Homophobic Bullying will be held at noon on March 27. All are invited to this meeting of the Allies at Dalhousie in room 224 of the Student Union Building.
Several days before this event a report on cyberbulling will be presented to the Nova Scotia Legislature, a report which is the initiative of the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Dr. Wayne MacKay of the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie and the Chair of the Task Force on Cyberbullying, will be on the panel, together with three Dalhousie staff members who will report on how the university might deal with cases of homophobic bullying. The staff members include Gaye Wishart (Advisor, Harassment Prevention/Conflict Management), Jake MacIsaac (Community Safety Officer with Dalhousie Security), and Dianne Norman (Manager of Student Conflict Resolution). Marc Braithwaite (Assistant Vice President, Student Affairs) will facilitate the conversation.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Trash to Treasures Contest

Ages 10 – 18, individuals or groups.

Have trash collecting around your house? Turn trash into treasure! The challenge is to create a functional item or a piece of artwork from things that would otherwise be discarded. A bunch of old newspapers can become clothing; an old pair of jeans can become curtains or pillows; a sculpture can be created out of bottle caps!

Whatever your idea we want you to create either a functional item, or a piece of artwork, from things that would otherwise have been discarded.

Entry forms and submission guidelines can be found at halifaxpubliclibraries.ca.

Submissions will be accepted from March 1st to April 2nd, 2012.

Shortlisted entries will be displayed at a Judging and Showcase event for others to see and gain inspiration. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of community judges, who will be looking for the creativity, practicality and originality of the item as well as the percentage that has been transformed, reused or recycled.

Need a little time, space or inspiration to get your “treasure” started? Some locations are offering programs – check the teen program listings or the library guide.

Judging and Showcase Event:

Saturday, April 21, 2012

• Closed Judging: 12:30 – 1:30PM

• Public Viewing and People’s Choice Judging: 2- 4pm

Dartmouth North Community Centre, Multi Purpose Room

105 Highfield Park Drive, Dartmouth

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Women and Substance:Films and Talk

In recognition of International Women's Day, let's talk about improving the lives of women affected by substance use and/or gambling.

Please join us for Women of Substance - Films & Talk
When: Wed., Mar. 7, 7:00-8:00 pm
Where: Keshen Goodman Library, 330 Lacewood Drive in Halifax

Description: Women of Substance is a short film that invites the viewer to listen to bold, courageous women tell their personal stories. Together these stories highlight the influence of women’s roles in the journey to substance use, abuse and recovery. In another short film, Using Our Influence, experience the power of a community coming together to address women’s substance abuse, gambling, violence and abuse. Facilitated discussion following the film. Refreshments provided.

For more information, please call Rachel @ 424-8083 or email rachel.boehm@cdha.nshealth.ca

Can't join us for the event?

Participate virtually by "liking" our facebook page at www.facebook.com/WomenofSubstanceNovaScotia where you can ask questions, view our films and stay connected with the latest issues, news and events.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Community Development Fund

We’re looking for great ideas!

Halifax Community Health Board is accepting applications to the Community Development Fund from qualified non-profit and community based organizations.

Project funding for 2012 will focus on the following four priority areas from Our Healthy Future: A Community Health Plan for 2010-2013.

• Health inequities
• Mental health
• Sense of belonging
• Physical activity and Healthy eating

Halifax Community Health Board serves residents of Halifax peninsula and Fairview. Projects must take place in and serve residents of our area. Grants of up to $2,500 are available. Projects may be funded partially or in full.

To find out more about funding criteria and to discuss your idea, please contact Susan Dunn at 487-0592 or susan.dunn@cdha.nshealth.ca

Deadline for applications is 4:30 pm Friday April 27, 2012. Late applications will not be accepted.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

HRM Bike Week

Get Involved in Bike Week May 25 - June 3, 2012

HRM Bike Week is designed to celebrate, educate and increase participation in all types of cycling throughout the Region.

Have an idea for Bike Week? Organize your own event! We encourage events of all sizes! Fill out the registration form attached and send it to the address provided or go to www.halifax.ca/bikeweek/Registration.html.
• Are you a non-profit or individual interested in organizing an event?
• Do you want to volunteer during Bike Week?
• Does your school want to participate in Bike Week?
• Are you a business wanting to hold an event or workshop for your employees?
• Does your business want to participate in some other way?

Some event ideas:
• Lead a bike ride (historic ride, trail ride, city sightseeing tour, style ride, night ride, family ride, etc.)
• Organize a bike fashion show
• Run a photo contest or exhibit
• Coordinate a bike art show
• Host a bicycle movie night
• Invite a guest speaker to talk about engaging your community in safe, enjoyable cycling
• Host a bicycle maintenance clinic
• Offer a bicycle education workshop (e.g. CanBike)

All events must be registered with HRM and if you submit your registration form (below) before February 28th, you may be eligible to receive funding. We would be happy to receive event registration forms after this date but they will not be considered for funding and may not be mentioned in the Bike Week brochure. Please note that your organization may be required to hold public liability insurance depending on the nature of the event.

Please contact David MacIsaac at 490-1665 or macisad@halifax.ca with questions about registering your event or to help you get started with an idea.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Addictions 101 workshop

The Halifax Community Health Board presents: a free Addictions 101 workshop

Whether you are a community volunteer, service provider, concerned citizen or health professional, this workshop will help you respond to addiction needs in your community.

We’ll explore and discuss ...
• an overview of available programs and services
• substances and their effects
• the culture of alcohol use and related issues
• info session on fetal alcohol syndrome
• how to have a meaningful conversation about someone’s harmful involvement with drugs, alcohol and/or gambling
• how to support family members and others affected

When? Monday, March 26, 8:45 am-4:30 p.m
Where? 3825 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax, NS B3L 4R6
Everyone is welcome to attend! Registration is limited.

Please RSVP to Laurie MacNeil at 487-0571 or email: laurie.macneil@cdha.nshealth.ca

Hosted by the Halifax Community Health Board
Speakers provided by Addiction Prevention and Treatment Services, Capital Health

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Cafe Scientifique-The Rise in Childhood Bipolar Behaviours

What’s behind the extraordinary increase in the number of children being diagnosed with bipolar disorder? What are the possible causes and how is the diagnosis being made? Is this generation of children somehow more prone to this illness?

A Café Scientifique is a two-way discussion between health science researchers and the public. Join our panelists. Bring your questions and concerns. Refreshments provided.

7:00 pm Tuesday February 28, 2012

Just Us Coffeehouse
5896 Spring Garden Rd., Halifax

Monday, February 6, 2012

Can We Talk?: About new visions for the North End

Can We Talk?: About new visions for the North End

Your invitation to a DVD Screening and Discussion about the health and
social issues and opportunities facing Halifax's North End.

Dr. Ingrid Waldron of Dalhousie University's School of Occupational Therapy
invites you to a screening of a new DVD titled: "The North End: In Search of
a New Beginning" based on her 100 page research study "Identifying
Meaningful Occupations in Low Income, Racialized Communities in North End
Halifax".


Thursday, February 16, 2012
5.30pm - 8.30 pm
North Branch Public Library
2285 Gottingen Street, Halifax


This is a time for a broad range of interest groups and individuals to come
together in a way that will spark meaningful discussion and allow us to sit
together in small groups where we can work on creative solutions and first
steps inspired by the video and Waldron's findings.

Light dinner will be served.

RSVP Sarah Wakely at: pinkdogvideos@gmail.com or 429-3647

Phone: 902-494-4558

Friday, February 3, 2012

ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Course.

Communities Addressing Suicide Together is pleased to announce that we are hosting an ASIST: Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training Course.

The ASIST workshop is for caregivers who want to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over one million caregivers have participated in this two-day, highly interactive, practical, practice-oriented workshop.

Date: Thursday April 26 & Friday April 27, 2012, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Venue: First Baptist Church, 100 Ochterloney Street Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
Instructors: Keith Brumwell & Michael Poworoznyk
Cost: $175.00
Limited bursaries are available for those with financial need. Pre-registration is required.

For more information on ASIST go to: http://www.livingworks.net/page/Applied%20Suicide%20Intervention%20Skills%20Training%20(ASIST)

If you have any questions, or wish to register, please contact:

Katelyn Bessette
Program Coordinator, Communities Addressing Suicide Together
Canadian Mental Health Association - Nova Scotia Division
63 King Street
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 2R7
(902) 466-6600
1(877)466-6606 (toll-free)
(902) 466-3300 (fax)
katelyncmhans@eastlink.ca

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Community Forum-Eating Disorders Action Group

The Eating Disorders Action Group invites you to add your voice to an important discussion on eating disorders, support, and resources at our Community Forum.

Wednesday, February 8th, 7-8:30pm
Room 208, Bloomfield Centre, 2786 Agricola St.

All are welcome.
For more information please contact us at 443-9944 or reception@edag.ca

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

The Awesome Foundation is looking for awesome ideas!

The Awesome Foundation exists to spread awesomenisity through the world. There are 25 chapters (in locations from Boston to New Zealand). And now we’ve added Halifax to the list.

Each chapter gives away one, $1,000 grant every month to someone (or a group of someones) who has the most awesome idea. You can use it to change the world, do something silly that will put a smile on peoples’ faces, or introduce something wild and crazy that no one has ever thought of before. Pitch your awesome idea and you’re in the running!

The Halifax Awesome Foundation will give away its first $1,000 grant on February 29, 2012 at 7 pm at Garrison Brewery.

Interested in submitting an application for a grant? Visit the Submit Your Idea link and fire away!

Have questions? Drop us a line at halifax@awesomefoundation.org.

Want to know more about this very awesome foundation? Check out the main website at http://www.awesomefoundation.org/.

Starting and Facilitating a Self Help Group

Whether you are looking for information on starting your own self-help group or you are a current self-helper looking to expand your knowledge and skills regarding facilitating and resolving conflict in groups, this workshop is for you!

When: Saturday, March 31st 2012
Where: NSCC Waterfront Campus
Time: 9:30 am - 4:00pm
Registration at 9:00am
Cost: $20

* Cost includes lunch, snacks, coffee/tea, and all workshop materials

To register, contact Ashley Cooley Phone: 466-2011 ext. 16 or Email: ashleycooley@eastlink.ca

Friday, January 20, 2012

Volunteer Leaders Wanted!

Do you have a chronic condition? Interested in volunteering in your community? Learn how to manage your chronic condition & empower others to do the same. Volunteer with Your Way to Wellness!

What is Your Way to Wellness?

Your Way to Wellness is a 6-session workshop that helps people with chronic conditions and their caregivers overcome daily challenges, take action and live a healthy life! This free program is led by 2 trained volunteer facilitators. Groups meet weekly (2 ½ hours) for 6 weeks.

Participants learn how to:

• Set goals & problem solve
• Eat healthier & become more active
• Manage symptoms & make daily tasks easier
• Improve self-confidence & manage difficult emotions
• Improve communication with health care providers, family & friends

Volunteer Requirements:

Your Way to Wellness volunteers should…

• Be comfortable speaking in front of groups
• Have good literacy skills and be able to follow a scripted format
• Be able to commit to a 4 day training session (at no cost to you)
• Co-lead at least two 6-week programs within the first 18 months after training (and at least 1 within the first 12 months)
• Have a willingness to learn. You do not need a clinical/medical background to be a Your Way to Wellness volunteer (Training will be provided)

What's in it for me?

As a Your Way to Wellness volunteer you will…

• Gain valuable skills in learning and teaching, group facilitation & public speaking
• Become a certified Your Way to Wellness Volunteer Leader
• Help empower people in your community to improve or maintain their health
• Receive a small honorarium for facilitating group sessions
• Gain experience to build your resume and possibly lead to other career opportunities

Training Information

Dates: March 22-25 2012.
Time: 8:30am - 4:30pm (approx)
Location: Halifax (details to be announced)

There is no cost for this training. Meals (including lunch and light morning and afternoon snacks) will be provided. Free parking is available on site, but is on a first come first serve basis and is subject to availability.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Stephanie (program coordinator at Capital Health) at 473-7709 or yw2w@cdha.nshealth.ca.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Community Meeting/St. Pat's

RAISE OUR VOICES – SAVE OUR COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY MEETING
Topic:  St. Patrick’s Alexandra School

January 21 / 2012  - 1pm
Cornwallis Street Baptist Church
5457 Cornwallis Street, Halifax

RAISE OUR VOICES – SAVE OUR COMMUNITY

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Newcomer On The Move

Do you want to learn about ways to engage newcomer girls and young women in physical activity, sport and recreation initiatives?

CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move project, with support from Citizenship and Immigration Canada, is designed to address disparities in the availability and utilization of physical activity and sport opportunities for newcomer girls and young women (those living in Canada five years or less). CAAWS is excited to partner with Active Halifax Communities and The YMCA of Greater Halifax/Dartmouth Immigrant Services to support a Newcomer On the Move program in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Space is limited so register early!!

Cost: FREE!

When: February 7th 2012, 10:00am-3:30pm
Lunch and snacks will be provided (please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions).

Where: FairbanksCenter, 54 Locks Rd, Dartmouth
Dress appropriately to take advantage of the beautiful trails of ShubiePark during the lunch break!
R.S.V.P. to: deborah.fram@gov.ns.ca or 424-6608

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2012

Thursday, January 12, 2012

New project funding available

Halifax Community Health Board is accepting applications to the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) project funding from qualified non-profit and community based organizations.

This funding is being offered for the first time by the Halifax Community Health Board (HCHB). This funding is separate from our annual Community Development Fund grants. HCHB has received additional funds from the Department of Health and Wellness specifically for projects that support healthy eating and physical activity for children, youth and families. To be eligible for HEPA funding, a project must be focused on either physical activity or a combination of the two.

Halifax Community Health Board serves residents of Halifax peninsula and Fairview. Projects must take place in and serve residents of our area. HEPA project funding requests must not exceed $5,000. HCHB may choose to completely or partially fund your application.

To find out more about funding criteria and to discuss your idea, please contact Susan Dunn at 487-0592 or susan.dunn@cdha.nshealth.ca

Deadline for applications is Friday, February 10, 2012

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Free Collaborative workshop

You're invited to a free collaborative workshop for aspiring artists and musicians at: 

The Spot:
  • An innovative new arts place for youth and young adults
  • A place to connect with peers and mentors
  • A place to seek inspiration and inspire others
JOIN US TO:
PAINT, DRAW, SCULPT
WRITE STORIES, SONGS, POEMS
MAKE PHOTOS, VIDEOS
PLAY MUSIC, SING, RECORD AND ENGINEER SONGS


Thursdays: January 19th-May 10th, 2012
3:30-5:00 for ages 15-18
5:30-7:30 for ages 19-30


(Preview and registration day at the Pavillion on Thursday January 12, drop in between 4-6pm to see the space and meet us!)

The Pavilion: 5816 Cogswell Street: on the Halifax Commons
Bus Routes 1, 6, 80, 81, 7, 20, 23


REGISTRATION REQUIRED
CONTACT: Barb McLean
(p) 902.473.5227 ext 3
(e) TheSpot.Halifax@gmail.com
(w) http://www.thespothalifax.ca/

follow us on Facebook and Twitter: 
and 

Mental Health For All Coffee House

Mental Health for All Coffee House
presented by
CMHA Halifax-Dartmouth Branch 
Everyone is welcome! Feel free to drop in!
January 7th, 2012 - Musician Peggy Gillis

Live Musical Entertainment & Refreshments
Every Saturday Afternoon (weather permitting)
1:00pm – 4:00pm, until March 31st, 2012
Bloomfield Centre, Rm 114, 2786 Agricola Street, Halifax

For more information call 455-5445 or e-mail cmhahal@ns.aliantzinc.ca
web: www.cmhahaldart.ca or search for CMHA Halifax Dartmouth on Facebook!

Help promote local musicians, create community, reduce stigma and have fun!

This Initiative is funded by a grant from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.



Monday, January 9, 2012

Not Well Enough Alone: Mental Illness and Isolation

 Effective treatment of mental illness should include social dimensions of care. Yet the experience of being diagnosed with and treated for mental illness in Canada is often isolating. This CafĂ© Scientifique will highlight how important it is that we as patients, communities, health practitioners, researchers and policy makers create and implement strategies for preventing social isolation among individuals with mental illness, and promote supportive and innovative practices of social connection.

7:00 Thursday, January 19, 2012

Humani-T Gelato & Expresso Bar
5755 Young Street, Halifax

Presented by Novel Tech Ethics. Science on tap. Quench your interest.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Online Petition

"Be it resolved that the Halifax Regional Council review its decision to sell the St. Patrick's Alexandra School property to JONO Developments in order that the interests and needs of both the Community and the City be given equal opportunity in the use of this public property."


Hello,

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stpatricksalexandraschool/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=system&utm_campaign=Send%2Bto%2BFriend


Thanks,

Jillian Martin

North End Community Health Centre

Living at home longer: Home care programs that can help

Everyone wants to grow old at home, but many people need help doing that as safely and independently as possible. Learn more about what programs may be available, who is eligible, how much programs cost and how to access them, as well as resources for caregivers at this information session hosted by Capital Health Integrated Continuing Care and the Chebucto West Community Health Board. The session takes place Jan. 18 from 2 to 3 p.m. in room 169, Spryfield Wellness Centre, 16 Dentith Rd. (South Centre Mall). Free parking.