Webinar: Ethical tensions and harms in peer research and engagement

Delve into the world of peer research by joining an enlightening webinar scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024, from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. EST. The session, featuring presenters Merrick Pilling and Lori Ross, will provide unique insights into the experiences of peer researchers within mental health service user communities, people who use drugs, trans and non-binary communities, and racialized communities. The discussion will center on shared challenges stemming from systemic oppressions and advocate for a more reflexive approach to peer research methodologies.

To register for this important event, follow the link: Register Here

For more information and a deeper understanding of the topics to be covered, visit this link. This webinar is a must-attend for researchers and professionals across universities, hospitals, and allied sectors, offering a unique opportunity to identify potential harms experienced by peer researchers and discuss strategies to mitigate these challenges. The event will be moderated by Lucy Costa, Deputy Executive Director of the Empowerment Council. Don’t miss out on this chance to contribute to the advancement of equity in health research.

Empowering Women: Western University’s iHeal App Offers Support for Those Dealing with Abuse

The iHeal app, developed by researchers at Western University, is a comprehensive tool aimed at helping women navigate the challenges associated with abuse. Whether it’s emotional, physical, or psychological abuse, the app provides a safe space for individuals to access resources, information, and support networks. The app’s user-friendly interface ensures that those in need can easily navigate its features and find the assistance they require.

Link to CTV News Article: “Western Developed App to Help Women Dealing with Abuse”

Key Features of iHeal:

  1. Resource Hub: The app offers a comprehensive resource hub, providing users with valuable information on recognizing different forms of abuse, understanding their rights, and accessing legal assistance.
  2. Support Networks: iHeal facilitates connections with local support networks, including counseling services, shelters, and helplines. This feature ensures that users can reach out to professionals who specialize in assisting abuse survivors.
  3. Safety Planning Tools: Recognizing the importance of safety planning, the app includes tools that guide users in creating personalized safety plans tailored to their unique situations.
  4. Anonymity and Privacy: Understanding the sensitivity of the issues at hand, iHeal prioritizes user privacy. The app allows individuals to seek help anonymously, fostering an environment of trust and security.

Link to Western University News Article: “Western University Launches iHeal App to Support Survivors of Abuse”

How to Access iHeal: For those seeking support or wanting to learn more about the iHeal app, Western University has made it easily accessible for download. Simply follow the link provided below to access the app and take a step towards empowerment and healing.

The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity:  Mobility Think Tank

The Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity is a clinical research program based out of Parkwood Institute of St. Joseph’s Health Care London.  One of the Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity’s main priorities is to bring clinicians and academics together to collectively address the grand challenges that face individuals with mobility and activity dysfunction.

On December 6th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm we will be holding a Mobility Think Tank at Parkwood Institute. Gray Centre for Mobility and Activity invites you to attend this meeting where we will:

  1. Identify where our collective expertise lies in mobility and activity research
  2. Identify what resources, skills, and infrastructure we have, and what we would need in order to enhance our mobility and activity clinical research capacity  
  3. Identify what are the big challenges in mobility and activity care that have opportunities for clinical research
  4. Identify large funding opportunities that would drive our success

If you are interested in attending this meeting, please RSVP by November 30th by completing the form within the link below.   If you are interested but unable to attend, we will provide a survey to capture your views on each of the above points.

We are looking to reach as many members of the mobility and activity research community as possible so please forward this invite along to colleagues we may have missed.

Light refreshments and coffee will be provided. 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Jeff Weiler – jeff.weiler@sjhc.london.on.ca

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=jnn4f9lFkUuLdHDG2G_JucLxAksl8KdCoN7Bx-XoL_NUQVA5MjUzMTFDWERLVzc4SVVYRUNOWEJOMyQlQCN0PWcu

Register Today! Peer-Driven Work in Housing and Homelessness for Health Equity Event

On Monday, November 27th, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at Innovation Works (201 King Street, London, Ontario), the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI), with community and Western University partners, invites you to an interactive event focused on promoting health equity and peer-driven work in housing, health, and homelessness services. The event goals include creating awareness of peer navigators and other peer work roles in London-Middlesex area, as well as sharing the insights gained from a local evaluation on one model of peer work. We will convene relevant stakeholders, including peer workers, direct care workers, and leaders from health and social services.

The event will feature:

  • Interactive Panel Discussions: Hear from peer workers, co-workers, and leaders as they present their work and models of practice.
  • Practical Insights: We’ll delve into a guide for peer work with marginalized populations, fostering discussions on what makes peer work successful and how to overcome barriers to implementation.
  • Future Planning: Explore the way forward to address the unique needs of peer work in the London-Middlesex area.

We look forward to your participation and contribution to this vital discussion on peer-driven work in housing, health, and homelessness for health equity. Together, we can make a significant impact on the well-being of our community. Register now to be part of this transformative discussion!

Register soon because space is limited

Please contact CRHESI coordinators (crhesi@uwo.ca) if you have questions or need more information.

We look forward to a great discuss

Meet the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing

Date: Thursday, November 16

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Format: Hybrid – in person or on Zoom

Location: DCC-707/709, Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex, 288 Church St.

Access information: Screen captioning and ASL interpretation available. Wheelchair-accessible venue.

Introducing Professor Karen Soldatic

Professor Karen Soldatic, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing, will join the Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, in January 2024.

This $8 million 8-year program is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The Canada Excellence Research Chairs Program supports world-renowned researchers and their teams in establishing ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. 

Professor Soldatic is a leading international scholar of disability, marginality and global inequality. Her research program will use a critical disability lens to expand social understandings of health and well-being.

The CERC program provides an opportunity to work in partnership with local communities, civil society and health-care providers on core equity issues. Please join us for a collaborative discussion and working session to review:

  • Core areas of the research program as reviewed and approved by CIHR
  • Prioritization and alignment with our community

The CERC research program’s intention is to engage in strategic policy advocacy for social impact, and to ensure that community research partnerships and shared collaborations are robust and sustainable.

FCS looks forward to creating an environment with our partners that will help put knowledge into action and mobilize research to create meaningful, lasting, accessible and equitable outcomes for the communities which we serve.