Community Links Presentation 2012

Vision

Seniors in Nova Scotia are informed, active and engaged in their communities, have a voice in public policy and are able to age in place with quality of life.

Mission

Community Links is a province wide organization that promotes healthy, age friendly communities and quality of life for Nova Scotia seniors through community development and volunteer action.

Method of Working In Community

Community Links utilizes a community development, health promotion, and population health approach in all its efforts

Nova Scotia Division

Canadian Pensioners Concerned

Strategic Priorities

i. Seniors’ Well-beingii. Volunteerismiii. Communicationsiv. Advocacy

Programs and Activities

Seniors Well-being: Seniors across Nova Scotia are encouraged and supported to lead healthy, safe and active lives which promotes their ability to be independent, productive members of the community.

Ageing Well Together

Integral to the work of Community Links

Ageing Well Together Coalitions

Digby and Area Antigonish CountyAnnapolis-Kings Guysborough CountyWest Hants/Uniacke CBRMLunenburg-QueensHRM Pictou CountyColchester East HantsCumberland County

Activities

Network Development and Support Coalition Member Education Communications and Awareness Provincial Collaborations

Work of 12 Regional Coalitions

2007-2011 Cumulative Work

Community Actions 897Community Changes 186Services provided 1,167Media Coverage 257

Mobility Workshops

Evidence based program (Now You’re Going Places)

Partnership with Community OT’s, PT’s and Pharmacies

Incorporates Home Support Exercise Program Helps remove stigma and confusion around

proper use of mobility aids

Transportation For Seniors

Community Transit-NS

“All Nova Scotians have access to affordable. community-based transportation.”

Chair-Community Transit NS 2009-2011

Seniors and Gambling: A Hidden Problem?

2009-2010

Survey of senior leaders and senior servers Five focus groups with seniors Report-

Seniors and Gambling: A Hidden Problem?

Sept 2010 – June 2011

Fact sheets, newsletter developed and distributed

Eight regional presentations and continued dialogue

TYZE – Partnership with CaregiversNS

Supporting on-line networks for family caregivers and their loved ones

Programs and Activities

Volunteerism: Nova Scotians are engaged in volunteer action and are supported to be productive in their efforts to feel valued for their contributions.

Currently:

Member of Network of Volunteer Networks Managing the Provincial Gathering for Non-

Profit and Voluntary Sector Organizations (Nov 4th and 5th, 2010) in partnership with HPP - Volunteerism and Imagine Canada

Support the development of new provincial website

Age Friendly Workplace

To examine how non-profit organizations can network and attract older workers

Training for Senior Volunteers

Mini People’s SchoolsSeniors Growing Seniors’ Skills

Communications

The Membership of Community Links is well informed of and has input into issues and activities of importance to seniors

Newsletters Monthly e-bulletins Personal contact by Board members Regular monthly column in six regional

newspapers Website www.nscommunitylinks.ca

Advocacy

The issues affecting Nova Scotia seniors are represented to governments, funders, businesses, and other organizations so that seniors are aware of policies, legislation and resources that have an impact on their lives.

Seniors Influencing Policy in Nova Scotia

Focus on Implementation and Monitoring

Strategy for Positive Aging

Workshop Engaging Seniors in Public Policy-2003

Workshop for Seniors in Policy around Transportation-2004

Focus Groups 2005 – Action Plan People’s School – 2008 Mini People’s Schools –Shelburne, Kingston,

Tatamagouche (2009), Louisdale, Sydney (2010)

Membership

Group of IX Co-chair-Provincial Intersectoral Falls Prevention

Committee Canadian Pensioners Concerned-NS Division Nova Scotia Senior Abuse Awareness Network NS Stakeholders Group –Seniors’Housing Community Transit Nova Scotia