Steps to Connect Recreation Nova Scotia Conference September 29, 2016 Susan Hutchinson and Catherine Droesbeck

Acknowledgements Funding for the Steps to Connect project Nova Scotia Department of Communities, Culture, Heritage, Community Sport and Recreation Division Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation

What is Steps to Connect? A two session recreation-based program designed to help people living with ongoing health challenges connect to recreation opportunities in their community.

Goals of Steps to Connect Through activities and discussions participants will: Connect with what matters to them in living well with a health condition Discover how connections with others enable people to do more of what matters to them Discover ways to connect with one’s neighbourhood and community

Guiding Principles for Steps to Connect We believe… that self-reflection is key to taking action to overcoming barriers to participation people learn best by doing themselves integrating a medicine wheel approach reflects our belief in holistic health and recreation 4.In the power of fun, enjoyment and laughter 5.our job as facilitator is to coach, not to teach

Purpose of Steps to Connect Project To test feasibility of this recreation-based program as part of self-management supports for people living with ongoing health challenges in rural areas.

Interviews + focus groups Program development Mock training Facilitator training Pilot implementation Evaluation and Data analysis

What We’ve Learned So Far… Importance of ensuring facilitators have the mandate (within their current work) to be involved in the program. It is best (for facilitators and participants) if facilitators have: (1) experience with group leadership and (2) a relationship with participants. Easier to go to where people naturally are (to existing groups) than to try to promote and deliver programs to the general community.

Key Learning: Importance of Partnerships Build on existing networks of support Establish a shared/common goal Work with the health/community partner to ensure relevancy to your community Effective partnerships require being clear about role and intention about building trust Help participants make the links or transitions between services and supports

Here’s What Facilitators Had to Say: “Great program! Necessary. It has helped me see what other groups I should be partnering with in my community” (MPAL) “Doing the hike with the group was a great reminder to me that not everyone is fit, some are smokers as well.” (MPAL) “We want to do this program again with more people from our Centre”

Here’s What Participants Had to Say: “The hike proved to me that I could do something I didn’t know I could do” “It opened up my mind, helped me relax.” “I think this program can help boost people’s self esteem and confidence”

Next Steps for Steps to Connect Complete pilot implementation, evaluation, and data analysis Apply for additional funding to continue Work with other communities to scale up program and expand its reach

??Questions to Ponder?? How could you reach adults who have a chronic illness in your community? What support/partners might be available to help you implement Steps to Connect?

Our Teams Advisory team: Research team: Project Coordinator: Debby Smith, Barb Brown, Michele LeBlanc, Gord Tate Research team: Drs. Brad Meisner, Grace Warner, Heidi Lauckner, Susan Hutchinson, Victoria Law Project Coordinator: Catherine Droesbeck

Thank you!