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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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”

11. 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”

12. 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

13. ??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?

14. 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

15. Thank you!