CHSSN Community NetLink

News of the Community Health and Social Services Network

Fall 2016 Volume 25 NCSA on the Podium with Gold!

When they launched their new and around the world in service improvement and advocacy.” project to offer patients the services a searchable data base at https:// of a liaison agent at the Sept-Îles accreditation.ca The four initiatives All projects and practices submitted hospital with Sharon Shecanapish- were Jeffery Hale Community to Accreditation Canada go through Tardif as the first agent, the leaders Partners’ SNACS and Guichet unique a peer review process that is of the North Shore Community projects, CHSSN’s Community recognized by all major health care Association (NSCA) were confident Health Education Program, as systems and institutions in Canada it was going to be a success. well as NCSA’s interpretation and as the gold standard for evaluating accompaniment agent. quality of care. “Sharon is perfect for the role of interpretation and accompaniment “I was thrilled with the result of this “It’s a major accomplishment by for Naskapi and English-speaking effort to transfer knowledge from these NPIs,” says Mylène. “Less patients and their families,” says NPIs to the rest of the country,” says than a third of all submissions are Jody Lessard, Executive Director Mylène Kosseim, the consultant evaluated as sufficiently innovative of NCSA. “We knew it was a great who worked with CHSSN on and robust to be designated as practice – we knew it right away!” this project. Mylène is a trained ‘commendable practices’. When health professional and expert NPIs come to a CISSS or CIUSSS Now that confidence in the service and advocate in health and social table with this recognition it will boost has been seconded by Accreditation services performance evaluation their credibility even higher.” Canada, the national not-for-profit and knowledge translation based In Sept-Îles, those discussions with standards and accreditation agency in . She has worked with the health system haven’t taken place that “work(s) with health care CHSSN networks for more than two yet, but Jody says the reaction has organizations to help them improve years. quality, safety, and efficiency so they been very positive with the volunteer can offer you the best possible care “I was aware of great things leadership of the community. and service” according to its website. happening with the NPIs,” says “When the Chair of our Board, Mylène. “We think they deserve Debbie Laurie, got the news it was Accreditation Canada has just recognition, of course, but we also just after the Summer Olympics,” deemed four CHSSN NPI initiatives want to emphasize with all our remembers Jody. “She said, ‘This as “commendable practices” and local partners that building impact is a pure gold medal for us!’ We’re will now post them on its website for assessment into their work makes all a bit surprised but very proud of consultation by health professionals it that much more effective and this national recognition for a really and community advocates across powerful as a source of evidence for successful local project.”

The Chronicles of Gloria “No question,” says Jim Carter, not just the thirteen years’ worth of she created across .” CHSSN’s policy and program twice annual publications about our advisor, “Gloria Ménard is part of work which have informed us and “Gloria has been an amazing mirror the founders’ group of CHSSN. She tied us together that made NetLink for our community,” agrees Jennifer built NetLink into a visible expression so important for is, but the direct Johnson, Executive Director of of what it means to be a network. It’s communication and relationships CHSSN. “She allows us to see 2 3 The Chronicles cont’d... English,’” as she reported in a recent works at the local and provincial New Digs cont’d... yoga, and scrapbooking as well as where such services are rare or profile in a newspaper. level.” programming for families, especially non-existent for English-speaking ourselves from another perspective She grew up in the Maritimes and 4 Korners’ Executive Director those with young children, that is residents.” She expresses some concern, and that’s been invaluable for me studied chemistry and physics at approached the town of Deux- designed to overcome isolation and however about where things are Last March and April, 4 Korners and as the lead staff person and for our university. But life in a lab was not Montagnes to see if the municipality reduce vulnerability. headed after the adoption of Bill 10. its John Abbott partners held half- organization as a whole.” for her and she quickly combined could help. The response was The new, more affordable home day sessions in Deux-Montagnes, her science background with a talent positive and affirming. “It’s staggering, the rate of base in the Centre Communautaire , Ste-Agathe, Lachute, After thirteen years of researching, for writing, working for many years disappearance of community linked de Deux-Montagnes allows these Grenville, Gore, Arundel, and Morin writing, and publishing CHSSN for Alcan before launching her own “They invited us to use space in people in the institutions,” she says. efforts to continue and gives 4 Heights. The plan for 2016-2017 NetLink, Gloria is stepping aside communications firm. the town’s community centre for “We’ve lost wonderfully talented from the task. She says it’s been a free for our office and for meeting Korners a dependable springboard is to expand to at least two more people in the administration of labour of love and an inspiration. Well-known and appreciated by rooms,” says Lisa, “Of course, that to drive programming across the communities and to hold health CHSSN members and networks establishments critical for us. The validates our mandate to serve Laurentians. and wellness sessions in these 10 “All I do is talk to angels!” she says with for her knowledge and insight into participation of the community is English-speaking residents of Deux- communities annually. For example, a new initiative this a laugh. “It’s nothing but a pleasure health and social services in Quebec, largely gone too. The foundations Montagne, but the municipality’s year in Ste-Agathe called “Kids, “Community reaction to this project working with CHSSN people – they she is equally renowned for her and owner corporations that remain support also recognizes our Let’s Talk” will adapt a successful was very good – this is hot now in take on so much, especially given environmental activism in Montreal. are all helter-skelter.” regional responsibility through program from another MRC the Laurentians!” says Lisa. “We’ve their small numbers in so many parts As a writer and broadcaster but also the Laurentians English-speaking But her confidence in CHSSN’s designed to help parents with always had great response when of the province. And they have made through her hands-on involvement Advisory Network (LESAN) and our ability to respond to changing times early language stimulation for we bring health information to local a great difference in people’s lives - in municipal politics, she became a two satellite offices in Ste-Agathe- has not flagged, thanks largely to the children under five years of age. 4 communities, as we continue to do they’re really inspiring.” founding member of Friends of the des-Monts and Lachute.” strategic ability of key leaders like Korners has a mandate to bring with our CHEP information sessions Mountain/ Les amis de la montagne, Gloria has a long-lasting involvement Jim Carter. 4 Korners focuses on family this kind of programming to isolated in Lachute. This extends our reach a powerful player in the struggle reporting on health and social life in Deux-Montagnes and the communities within its territory. and connects with many more for responsible development in “He can see forty-five moves down services for English-speaking Laurentians, working to connect people.” downtown Montreal and a critical the road,” she marvels. “It says an “Our big project now,” says Lisa, Quebecers. Along with NetLink, she young families, seniors and others to force to protect Mount Royal’s green awful lot about that organization “is a continuation and expansion “We’re still looking for some things produced the Red Feather Forum, services and programming that can spaces and historic architecture. that they have managed federal, of our partnership with nursing and in the moving boxes,” she laughs, a quarterly bulletin with a particular support and enrich English-speaking The protection of Mount Royal provincial, and local bureaucracies dental students from John Abbott “but I’m feeling good about our new focus on Montreal health and social residents’ quality of life. It sponsors remains a passionate concern of so well and built their amazing College to bring preventive health home.” services institutions that she’s written recreational activities like Tai Chi, hers as do the communities she networks in times of such change care and health information to towns and edited since 1986 and that she came to know through NetLink and and unrelenting pressure on says shares the same philosophy the work of CHSSN that helps bind English-speaking communities and as NetLink on how communications them together. institutions.” can become a vehicle for the Youth in Need of Attention creation and reinforcement of a When she reflects on the path of The admiration is reciprocal for Jim. The Government of Quebec has As a result of this openness by the the community and with the Youth network of community activism. CHSSN since its founding she points been actively developing a new youth government and the clear expression Secretariat of the Government of “She is truly our chronicler,” he says, These publications, however, are to the “fantastic diplomacy” that she policy for the province designed to of continuing interest by the English- Quebec to design a pilot project for “recording all our diverse activity and just one small element in a varied sees at the heart of its success. guide decision-making and public speaking community, CHSSN English-speaking youth for potential making people feel they’re part of a and impressive life of professional investment until the year 2030 in its and two networks - Townshippers implementation in 2017. “They’re always a step ahead, able common effort even when they’re not involvement in community based programming for young people. Association and CASA - launched a to respond to any obstacle calmly activism. in direct partnership on a project. It’s focused effort to articulate the needs It’s a cliché (but no less true for being and with alternatives that make a real gift and we’ve been fortunate The first indications in early 2016 of youth in our community in concrete one) that our future rests with our Born in Montreal, Gloria’s first sense to decision makers as well to have her with us for the first were encouraging that the English- terms. young people. Our communities face ancestor in Quebec “crossed the as to community members,” Gloria thirteen years of this journey.” speaking community and the specific notable challenges in convincing our Atlantic with Montcalm ‘to fight the says. “They can show how an idea needs of Anglophone youth would Three priority areas were identified youth to live happily and prosperously be better recognized than they were (mental health, school perseverance, in this province, especially in its New Digs and New Opportunities in Deux-Montagnes in previous youth policy statements. and employment) and strategies to regions. CHSSN and some of its partners address them were proposed. “Of course, change is always Montagnes, looking around her new budget as it tries to serve English have been tracking this issue closely Watch for developments on this front hard,” says Lisa Agombar, offices, “but it’s good!” speaking communities across five for a number of years given its The response to this representation Executive Director of the 4 Korners MRC territories, from the Ottawa – we’re hoping for good news. Driven primarily by financial importance for the future of our local was positive and CHSSN has Family Resource Center in Deux- River all the way Mont-Tremblant, pressures on her organization’s communities. been working with its partners in 4 5 The QFA cont’d... minority groups in the campaign isolation of older Canadians in our Gaspé’s English-speaking and First Nation’s Communities Collaborate and is using The Advocate to raise neighborhoods. on Mental Health problems that can eventually force awareness about the issue and to “We’re relying on the goodwill a person to the emergency room. encourage Canadians to reach out The event is the first of its kind in Community Services is ensuring Gaspésie and Eastern Quebec with of members of the farming This problem exists everywhere and connect with an older person. the Gaspésie and eastern Quebec. that a First Nation’s perspective is almost as many beds for similar community,” says Dougal. “Our in Canada … and will only The Mental Health and Addictions integrated into the day. Organizers cases in neighboring northern colleagues at the Quebec farmers increase unless more is done to November 6 is the end of daylight Forum in Chandler on November are hoping that the model of a full New Brunswick with a population union, the UPA, often observe that address these issues.” See http:// savings time this year and as we 3, 2016, is billed as “one day of day of presentations and “world of just 35,000. Compounding the the volunteer spirit is strong among helpagecanada.ca/where-we-work/ turn back our clocks, the QFA true and honest exchanges about café” style discussions among inadequacy is the fact that the English speaking farmers. We want canada/ for details about RISE. and Help Age Canada are inviting stigmas, barriers, and solutions.” participants from the community dozen beds in Quebec are all in us to participate in “a day of to direct some of that volunteer and from the health care system institutions that are not staffed to The QFA is the only formal partner national recognition and action,” energy where it can make a real Thanks to the energy of long-time will have the same positive impact help patients in English. that represents official language reaching out and breaking the difference in people’s lives.” community activist Cynthia Dow, as a similar event in 2006 that led the event unites local partners - to the development of the local “We hope to kick start positive CASA, Vision Gaspé-Percé Now, NPI. change by creating a conversation and the CISSS de la Gaspésie – between health care providers The Power of the Law with CHSSN and with First Nation’s “People are often shocked to and people in the aboriginal and It’s not surprising that an – Éducaloi relationship “to the next drew 25-30 people each time and collaborators in a collective effort learn that the number of people English-speaking communities,” organization dedicated to making level.” With money from Justice there was a broad range of ages “for the well-being of the First who face mental health and says Cynthia. “We’ve had lots the law accessible to ordinary Canada’s commitment to the Road and specific interests.” Nation and English-speaking addiction challenges is so high,” of encouragement from local citizens would have several “Plain Map for Official Languages, a The program will continue this year communities of the Gaspésie.” says Cynthia. “Several studies partners as well as AMI-Quebec Language Specialists” on staff. pilot project was developed with 4 with Éducaloi adding three more have shown that at least 50% of and CHSSN and a very good Korners, Neighbours, and CASA. “Over the past year, we created a Canadians face a mental health response from the public health “It’s a bit of an odd title,” laughs community organizations to this Mental Health and Addictions Task issue at some point in their lives. system. As a first step, we need Sarah Dougherty, Plain Language The participating groups agreed burgeoning network – MCDC in Force with representation from the Right now, the resources that are to understand what’s happening Specialist with Éducaloi, “but it to undertake five specific actions Chaudière-Appalaches, Heritage aboriginal and English-speaking available to people struggling with a in our communities right now, but really describes what we do – with the support of Éducaloi Lower St. Lawrence, and the North communities,” says Cynthia. “We mental health or addiction problem we also want to begin imagining we try to explain the law in plain that are designed to connect Shore Community Organization. found that there are a lot of shared are very inadequate for the needs solutions.” language so that ordinary citizens English-speaking citizens to “This is really exciting for us,” says issues, especially concerning that we know exist here.” understand the legal system and better knowledge of and access Sarah. “We can reach people access to services, but also in For more information on the how to access it.” to Quebec’s legal system. These through this kind of community terms of awareness and attitudes As an example, she compares event and its impact, check in five actions include developing a Sarah and Éducaloi have been partnership that we could never to mental health.” the twelve beds available for on the Vision Gaspé-Percé Now bank of local lawyers and notaries connected to CHSSN and its touch otherwise. The CHSSN residential addiction services for Facebook page for news and able to provide services in English, Gesgapegiag Health and network partners for several community mobilization model the 200,000 people living in the updates. going into local schools to make years and Sarah had presented works well and CHSSN and local teachers and students aware of the at CHSSN gatherings a number organization staff have been The QFA is on the RISE resources available from Éducaloi of times. Sharleen Sullivan, extremely generous with their for young people, and integrating As it approaches its 60th year of members and their neighbours of Help Age Canada,” explains Executive Director of Neighbours in expertise and insight into how to very basic referral services to service to English-speaking farmers face.” Dougal. “He saw the opportunity Rouyn-Noranda remembers these get things done.” the legal system into their own across Quebec, the QFA (Quebec to partner with them to bring Help presentations well. programming. “Empowering!” adds Sharleen. “If I Farmers Association) is actively There are about 1,500 English- Age’s RISE campaign to English- “When I heard Sarah, I said to had to describe the impact of this raising awareness about seniors’ speaking farmers in Quebec living speaking farmers in Quebec.” Éducaloi used a variety of means to myself, ‘Hey, there’s a big gap in our pilot project on our organization and isolation in Canada, especially in in all regions of the province. About support these efforts including the knowledge here,’” says Sharleen. our community in just one word, rural regions. one third of them are members of RISE stands for “Reach Isolated provision of documentation, staff “At the same time, I felt I needed it would be ‘empowering.’ People the QFA and all 1,500 receive the Seniors Everywhere”, a national training, educational materials, and to challenge Éducaloi to do more in who participated aren’t afraid now. “We all know that Canada has an organization’s monthly newspaper, campaign against social isolation. video conferencing for community- the regions of Quebec.” They know the basics – their rights, aging population,” says Dougal The Advocate. The QFA is a Help Age says that “over a million based legal workshop sessions. Rattray, Executive Director of the member association of CHSSN Canadian seniors report they their obligations, where to turn for Sarah accepted the challenge QFA. “That trend is even more (www.quebecfarmers.org). are lonely and don’t participate “We learned a lot!” says Sharleen. more information online or for local and using the CHSSN community evident among farmers and farm frequently in any social activity. “The video conferencing was professional help. Our communities mobilization model developed a families. And it’s easy to recognize “Our former Executive Director, Ivan Social isolation can lead to a wide especially popular here in Rouyn- need this.” pilot project that took the CHSSN that isolation is an issue that our Hale, sits on the board of directors range of health and emotional Noranda. The workshops we held 6 Refreshing the Road The Wheels on the Bus Researchers Lunch and Learn about CHSSN-CROP Map The CHSSN-CROP Community Research on Linguistic Minorities also able to do a bit of what I’d The Government of Canada is What’s the best way to bring community organizations like Vitality Survey is the richest and Concordia University's call ‘training’ in how to access “on the last lap” of an extensive a scattered, rural English- the Howick Family Health Co- source of information available on School of Community and Public and use the data, including its process of consultation and speaking population together? op were also featured. the current state of the English- Affairs. It describes itself as “a strengths and limitations. We’ve analysis as it prepares to draw a speaking community of Quebec. dynamic alliance of researchers, tried to make the Survey as user- renewed Road Map for Official For the new Montérégie “It was a fun event that helped Building on the results of the first community members and friendly as possible, not just for Languages. Already, a number of West Community Network us all see the benefits of province-wide, telephone-based institutions dedicated to people in the community but for CHSSN partners have contributed (MWCN), you hire a bus, fill it closer ties,” says Pauline as questionnaire undertaken in developing research capacity researchers as well.” to the review process. CHSSN full of enthusiastic community her organization transitions 2000, the survey was redone in related to Quebec's English- leadership says all indications members from one town, and from the Chateauguay English 2005, 2010, and 2015. speaking communities.” “Based on the participation and are encouraging for ongoing go and visit the neighbours. Community Network to the reaction, I’m convinced that this strong commitment to supporting more broadly based MWCN. The Survey crosses all sectors Not surprisingly, Lorraine kind of event breaks down the community vitality. That’s one strategy that “The bus was packed even and is described by researchers O'Donnell, QUESCREN’s barriers that can exist between volunteer president Pauline fuller coming home, with tomato as robust – that is, it’s based on Coordinator-Researcher and community activists and “This is a critical time, however, for Wiedow and the other leaders plants and flats of annuals at a very representative sample of Affiliate Assistant Professor researchers,” says Lorraine. “We all programming that is supported of the MWCN have adopted to everyone’s feet.” people across all regions of the at Concordia, recognized the are not as aware as we should by funding provided by the Road put people from Chateauguay province and has been enhanced importance of the Vitality Survey be how our networks overlap. At Map,” says Jennifer Johnson, in contact with people in MWCN has planned more with research strategies like fixed for university-based researchers the very least people are getting Executive Director of CHSSN. Huntingdon and to start to build “shuttle diplomacy” to build panels of respondents across and suggested a collaboration. a sense of who they can call if “This review and renewal touches positive energy and closer links across Montérégie West surveys and focus groups in they want to collaborate more.” many departments – Canadian links among English-speaking with a“Valley Tour” at the end of regions where a representative “We help support community Heritage and Health Canada are residents across the region. September. These new, cross- polling sample is not created by vitality by developing research “I think the research community the most important for us and for regional visits are designed to random selection of interviewees. capacity,” says Lorraine, “and may be particularly interested in our members. The community has The destination was the Open let neighbours meet but also the CHSSN-CROP survey gets our willingness to work together to step up and take advantage of House Day at the Huntingdon pack in some fun and good food CHSSN has encouraged as into the nuts and bolts of things to shape the questionnaire that any opportunity to participate in the Adult Education and Community as well. The organization will wide a use as possible of these researchers need to know about we develop for each version of consultative process and provide Centre (HAECC) of the New continue its support of a range results by its own members and how the community is doing. We the Survey,” says Joanne. “There evidence that the results merit the Frontiers School Board on May of community based events NPIs and its value for service were happy to reach out to the are many issues that we track in investment.” 19th. and programs including walking development and advocacy is members of our network and put every iteration of the Survey, but groups, reading programs for Health Canada, for example, well known in the CHSSN family. them in contact with the survey we can include specific issues or “It was such a great success!” kids, fund-raising dinners, and recently launched an online survey But there are many sectors of and some of the people behind developments that are timely or says Pauline. “People couldn’t publication of its comprehensive to enrich its understanding of the community interest covered by it.” of interest to our networks – for believe it – the welcome, the tour listing of local events for the impact of the dollars that have the survey and CHSSN has example we included a question of the high tech greenhouse, English-speaking community flowed to Official Languages been partnering to make the data Joanne Pocock has been the on Bill 10 in 2015. So if it’s the seedlings and plants for called “Community Matters”. Minority Communities in support of better known and used. principal researcher developing important to understanding our sale, and the wonderful lunch health and social services related and interpreting the CHSSN- community better, we’re open to made by the students.” “It’s all about bringing people efforts to enhance vitality. QUESCREN, the Quebec CROP Community Vitality Survey collaboration.” together and showing the English-Speaking Communities over the years. She suggested HAECC has an excellent power volunteers have to make Health Canada’s investigation Research Network, is the most a “Lunch and Learn” event as a Learn more about QUESCREN at professional horticulture a difference,’ says Pauline, and evaluation will continue until recent collaborator in promoting first step. www.quescren.ca and access all vocational program that was herself a recipient of the the the end of 2016. The mid-term the use of the CHSSN-CROP the CHSSN-CROP Community showcased at the Open House Lieutenant Governor’s Seniors evaluation of the current Road Map Community Vitality Survey. “We know they work and they’re Vitality Survey results in the but programming for special Medal in 2015 for her many investments in health has been easy to set up,” says Joanne. documentation centre at www. needs students at the Centre years of dedication and service published and it’s very positive – QUESCREN is a joint initiative “It allows us to raise awareness chssn.org . as well as kiosks from area to the community. so that’s encouraging to CHSSN. of the Canadian Institute for of this rich, robust data set. I’m 8

The CHSSN Board of Directors

CHSSN is governed by a Board of Directors that Paula Celani is the newest member of the is representative of our network of community Board of CHSSN. Paula has a lifetime career based organizations and institutions. of involvement with special needs children and adults as well as extensive experience mentoring Ron Creary - President and coaching. She comes to our Board from the English Speaking Catholic Council. Ann Marie Powell - Vice President

Louis Hanrahan -Treasurer Founded in 1981, the English Speaking Mary Ellen Beaulieu Catholic Council is a lay, charitable, non- Paula Celani profit organization which serves as the voice of the English Catholic community of Greater Kevin Drysdale Montreal and beyond. The ESCC seeks to be Keith Eldridge an effective and collaborative leader for the Kevin Erskine-Henry English-speaking Catholic community. Stella Kennedy http://www.catholiccouncil.ca/ Josie Primiani Richard Walling

successful models of organization of The Community Health and Social services; is a network Services Network (CHSSN) • Promote informed public policy of community resources, associations, supporting the vitality of English-speaking and public institutions dedicated to the communities; development of health and social services for • Support conferences and other forms of English-speaking communities in Quebec. consultation on health and social services for English-speaking communities. CHSSN’s objectives are to: • Foster projects and initiatives, through For more information on CHSSN partnership and network building, to visit the website or contact us at: promote access to English-language health and social services, and support CHSSN community vitality; 1270, chemin Ste-Foy, bureau 2106 • Create new knowledge and provide Québec (Québec) G1S 2M4 information on English-language e-mail: [email protected] communities and their needs; Telephone: 418 684 2289 Fax: 418 684 2290 • Promote, evaluate and disseminate Website: www.chssn.org

Legal deposit: National Library of Canada: ISSN 1709-2175 Bibliothèque Nationale du Québec

Publication of this newsletter has been made possible through a financial contribution from Health Canada.