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-being ii. Volunteerism iii. Communications iv. 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 AreaAntigonish County Annapolis-KingsGuysborough County West Hants/UniackeCBRM Lunenburg-QueensHRM Pictou County Colchester East Hants Cumberland County

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

Work of 12 Regional Coalitions Cumulative Work Community Actions897 Community Changes186 Services provided 1,167 Media Coverage257

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

Seniors and Gambling: A Hidden Problem? 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 Schools Seniors 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

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