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Community News
Volunteer Training
We have a volunteer training session coming up on November 27. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please check out our website for the volunteer form and sign up for the training sessions. If you need any further assistance, contact: [email protected] or call: 250-871-5940.
Remembrance Day
On November 11 we remember the people that have served, and continue to serve, our country in times of war, conflict and peace. By remembering, we thank them for the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom and pay homage to those that respond to their country’s needs.
Where your poppy, pause for two minutes of silent tribute and take the opportunity to attend a commemorative ceremony in memory of those who died for our freedoms. Check the Royal Canadian Legion to find out about ceremonial events taking place.
New Name, Expanded Mission
Comox Valley Senior Support has been providing services to vulnerable seniors for over 35 years. A year ago, we were approached by the United Way of BC to take responsibility for the Better at Home program in the Campbell River area. With this expanded role, we decided that it was time to come up with a more inclusive name. As of November 1, 2025, we are officially Senior Support North Vancouver Island, but will use Senior Support as our day to day name. Our office address will stay the same, but our contact info has changed. To contact the office email: [email protected] or call: 250-871-5940.
Senior Support Programs – Comox Valley
In the Comox Valley, Senior Support will have four programs: Friendly Visitor, Navigate (formerly Senior Information and Access), Caregiver Support and Grief & Loss.
Senior Support Programs – Campbell River
In Campbell River, we now offer the Better at Home Program that provides some light housecleaning and grocery delivery. We also have the Seniors Information and Volunteer Hub, which will begin in January 2025.The Hub will be a reliable information service that will assist seniors, families, caregivers, and all community members with accessing information and navigating local services for seniors. The HUB will offer one-to-one service, so that you feel welcome and know that someone is interested in listening.
(part 2)
The Link Between Substance Abuse & Intimate Partner Violence.
Substance use is a factor in many cases of intimate partner violence – either for the abusive partner, the person being abused, or both. The use of substances by one or both partners substantially increases the risk.
The link between intimate partner violence and substance use is complex. Although many people may feel tempted to blame violent behaviour on drugs or alcohol, substance use is not the cause of intimate relationships, although it is highly correlated. Heavy drinking contributes to perpetration of violence, including increased risks of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Alcohol use in particular is a risk factor associated with sexual violence and intimate partner violence.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from their partner’s drinking behavior and harmful consequences. The effects of alcohol use on male perpetrators may also increase the severity of aggression toward a female partner. In the case of mutual abuse there is more physical damage to women’s bodies in a physical conflict situation. If women are abusing drugs and alcohol they are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence as well as when both partners are abusing drugs and alcohol. The risk of serious injury or death in an abusive relationship increases when an abuser(s) are using drugs or alcohol.
Signs of a Woman Experiencing Violence: Think the abuse is their fault. Hide the abuse from friends and family. Fear for their life or the lives of their children. Believe that the abuser is all-knowing and can see their every movement.
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
• Provincial Adult Addictions Information line (toll free) at 1-855-662-6605
• 24-hour province-wide Domestic Violence Crisis Line (toll free) at 1-877-977-0007
• Manitoba Justice Victim Services (toll free) at 1-866-484-2846.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
You are not responsible for the actions of your partner. With the right supports, you can stop the cycle of abuse.
Fall Prevention Month
November is Fall Prevention month in Canada. The importance of addressing the impact of falls on older Canadians cannot be understated. Falls can have devastating and long lasting outcomes on a person, resulting in chronic pain, reduced quality of life, injury and even loss of independence. Additionally, falls are the primary reason for injury-related death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. The cost of falls in the older adult population costs the Canadian economy $5.6 billion a year in medical and other expenses.
Tips to avoid falls:
● Exercise to build strength and balance.
● Don’t rush when getting up out of a chair or walking.
● Get your sight and hearing checked regularly; ensure you get and use glasses and/or hearing aids if they are required.
● Manage your medications and review them with a pharmacist as some may cause dizziness and falling.
● Wear well-fitting shoes, even when in your home.
● Consider using a cane or mobility device.
● Make sure you have proper lighting in your home and remove tripping hazards and clutter in hallways, stairs and rooms.
● Install handrails where appropriate. Preventing falls is critical to staying healthy for older adults in Canada. Take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of falls.
Vitamin D & Dental Health
Vitamin D plays a vital role in dental health by supporting calcium absorption, which is essential for strong teeth and bones. It helps in the mineralization of the tooth enamel, protecting teeth from decay and cavities. Adequate vitamin D levels can also prevent gum diseases like periodontitis, as it promotes a healthy immune response that reduces inflammation in the gums. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to weaker teeth, making them more susceptible to fractures and infections. Therefore, maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D is crucial for overall oral health and preventing dental problems.
Elimination of Violence Against Women & Children
November 25th is Interntional Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. DEFINITION:
Interpersonal violence directed against a person because of that person’s gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. It is the types of abuse that women, girls, Two Spirit, transgender and non-binary people are at highest risk of experiencing. Women and gender diverse people are at high risk of gender based violence due to the additional discrimination and barriers they face. This includes women with disabilities, Indigenous women, racialized women, transgender, non-binary people, women who are homeless, or under-housed. It can happen in romantic relationships, families, at work, and between friends and acquaintances or strangers.
THE IMPACT OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE IN CANADA
It cost lives: In 2022, 184 women and girls were violently killed, primarily by men. One woman or girl is killed every 48 hours in Canada (Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2022).
• The Toll: On those who are harmed is significant. It is a source of vicarious trauma. Children who witness violence in the home have twice the rate of psychiatric disorders as children from on-violent homes. (Eve Bender, Psychiatric News, 2004).
• The Cost: It costs billions of dollars: 7.5 billion to deal with the aftermath of inter-personal violence alone (Department of Justice, 2009).
• Can carry over into the workplace: Threatening a women’s ability to maintain economic independence. More than half (53%) of study respondents who experienced violence said that at least one type of abusive act happened at or near their workplace. Almost 40% of those who had experienced abuse. said it made it difficult for them to get to work, and 8.5% said that they lost their jobs because of it (Jennifer C.D. MacGregor et al., Safety and Health at Work, 2016).
• Become Abusers themselves. Children may be more likely to use substances themselves, engage in abusive behaviour, or fall victim to abusive behaviour in their own personal relationships, when they grow up in these environments.
Staying Social with Hearing Loss
For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally & don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
(part 2)
Support Systems: You’re Not Alone
Mothers aren’t meant to go through this journey alone, and a solid support system can be a lifeline. Whether it’s family, friends, or your local community, these people play a massive role in helping to prevent PPD. They’re there to lend a hand with the baby, listen to your concerns, and remind you that what you’re feeling is okay.
Creating Your Own Network:
1. Speak Up About Your Needs: It’s okay to ask for help. Let your loved ones know what you need, whether it’s a shoulder to lean on or an extra pair of hands.
2. Build Your Circle: Surround yourself with a mix of emotional and practical support — from close family to trusted healthcare providers.
3. Lean on Your Community: Make the most of local resources like support groups and parenting classes. These connections can be invaluable.
4. Partner Support: Involving your partner in caregiving duties can lighten your load and make recovery smoother. You’re in this together.
Lifestyle: Simple Changes That Make a Big Impact
Your mental health is closely tied to your physical health. What you eat, how much you move, and how well you sleep can all make a huge difference in preventing PPD.
● Eat Well: A nutritious diet fuels your body and mind, helping you feel more energized and emotionally balanced. Omega-3s, found in foods like fish, are especially helpful for mental health.
● Move Your Body: Gentle exercises like walking or postpartum yoga can lift your mood by releasing feel-good hormones. Always check with your doctor to make sure your body is ready before starting any new activity.
● Rest When You Can: Sleep is critical for both mental and physical health. Try to rest when your baby sleeps, and don’t hesitate to ask for help with nighttime feedings. Prioritizing sleep can make a world of difference.
By embracing early screenings, learning about mental health, building a support system, and making simple lifestyle changes, you can take control of your postpartum experience. But even with the best planning, PPD can still affect so many new parents. In the next and last article in this series, we’ll share real stories from people who’ve walked this path and found their way through. Their experiences remind us that, no matter how tough things may seem, there’s always hope and a way forward.
Alzheimer’s & Home Safety
If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to remember that one of the keys to aging at home is doing so safely. Safety at home begins with adapting the environment to support the changing abilities of the person with Alzheimer’s. Tips to help safeguard the home include: Install safety latches/locks on the doors and fenced/gated exteriors; Limit access to knives and harmful chemicals; Install grab bars for safe movement; Keep furniture in the same spot to avoid confusion; Install alarms on the doors, and store car keys in a locked container. It’s a good idea to bring in a homecare professional to ensure proper safety and comfort.
