Educators Showcase: Bringing an Equity Lens to Teaching About Mental Wellness/Health, Substance Use Health, and Suicidality

The Showcase is aimed at educators from diverse health-related disciplines. The Showcase goals are to provide an overview of EQUIP’s resources regarding the intersections among mental health, substance use and suicidality with attention to trauma- and violence-informed care, cultural safety, and anti-racism, and engage in a discussion about how teaching can be approached in a wide variety of classroom and clinical settings.

The Showcase will be held as 90-minute webinars twice in October 2023 via Zoom, to maximize opportunities for educators to participate. 

The first Showcase is on Tuesday, October 3rd from 9:30 am to 11 am PDT, and the second Showcase is on Thursday, October 12th from 10 am to 11:30 am PDT

Please register for a FREE ticket on the date that you are planning to attend.

Should you have any questions, please email Sarah Pendreigh at sarah.pendreigh@ubc.ca.

Celebrating Diversity and Community: London’s Newcomer Day 2023

City of London

Work, Play & Live in London

London, a city known for its rich history and welcoming spirit, is all set to embrace its vibrant cultural mosaic once again through the much-anticipated event of the year: Newcomer Day 2023. This event, hosted by the City of London, is not just a celebration of diversity, but also a heartfelt invitation for newcomers to call this city their home.

Newcomer Day 2023, scheduled for October 14, 2023 at the RBC Place London from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is a spectacular occasion that brings together both newcomers and long-standing residents of London. It’s a day of celebration, connection, and learning, offering a platform for people from all walks of life to engage with each other in a festive atmosphere.

This year’s theme is ‘Live, Work & Play in London” and will feature an Employer Exhibition with over 75 of London’s top employers, various community partners, service agencies and City of London resources.

Newcomer Day 2023 is more than an event; it’s a symbol of London’s open arms and warm welcome to all who choose to call this city their home. It’s an opportunity to celebrate cultures, make friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time resident, mark your calendar for this vibrant celebration of diversity and community. It’s a day where differences are embraced, connections are forged, and the spirit of togetherness shines bright.

If you have questions about the London Newcomer Day, please feel free to reach out to planning committee immigration@london.ca

Ontario Trillium Foundation – Resilient Communities Fund

Apply for funding to help your non-profit organization recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability.

The Resilient Communities Fund opens its application period from September 27 to October 25, 2023 at 5 PM ET. Non-profit, community-based organizations that deliver programs and services in Ontario and need funding to recover and build capacity, resilience and sustainability can apply for funding. Through this fund, organizations can develop and implement medium to long-term plans that address current organizational challenges they are facing.

NEXT DEADLINE

October 25, 2023, at 5 PM ET

TERM LENGTH

Minimum 6 months Maximum 24 months

AMOUNT AWARDED (PER YEAR)

Minimum $10,000 Maximum $100,000

Eligible applicants can apply for a grant to develop and implement medium to long-term plans that address current organizational challenges they are facing to recover and build resilience.

Grants support organizations as they: 

  • develop new approaches to generate revenue
  • start new activities to meet community need
  • adjust strategies and plans 
  • plan for future challenges 

Applicants are to select up to three project outcomes they want to achieve with their grant and can apply for funding to cover eligible costs needed to carry out the project. 

Application Questions

Familiarize yourself with our application questions to prepare ahead of time.

Application Supports

Starting September 7, 2023, OTF is offering a range of supports for organizations interested in applying for a Resilient Communities Fund grant.

  1. Attend a Support Webinar to hear directly from OTF staff on a variety of topics
  2. Book a 15-minute one-on-one coaching call to discuss your project with an OTF Program Manager.
  3. Contact OTF’s Support Centre for immediate assistance at otf@otf.ca or 1 800 263-2887.

Engaging Londoners in the Implementation of Health and Homelessness Hubs

In a proactive effort to address homelessness and promote better health outcomes for vulnerable individuals, the City of London continues to make significant strides in the implementation of Health and Homelessness Hubs. Londoners are now invited to actively engage in shaping and contributing to this vital initiative.

The Health and Homelessness Hubs project, a collaborative effort between various community partners, aims to provide a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the complex challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness. By integrating healthcare services, social support, and housing assistance under one roof, the initiative strives to create a comprehensive support system that addresses both immediate needs and long-term solutions.

Engagement Opportunities: Have Your Say!

The City of London is excited to invite all community members to participate in shaping the future of the Health and Homelessness Hubs. Your input is essential in ensuring that these hubs reflect the unique needs and aspirations of our diverse population.

Various engagement opportunities are available:

  1. Community Workshops: Join us for interactive workshops designed to gather insights, ideas, and concerns from a wide range of stakeholders. These workshops will provide an open platform for meaningful discussions and brainstorming sessions.
  • Wednesday, August 30, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. South London Community Centre – 1119 Jalna Blvd
  • Thursday, August 31, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Medway Community Centre – 119 Sherwood Forest Square
  • Tuesday, September 5, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Byron Optimist Community Centre – 1308 Norman Avenue
  • Wednesday, September 6, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. East Lions Community Centre – 1731 Churchill Avenue
  • Thursday, September 7, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Carling Heights Optimist Community Centre – 656 Elizabeth Street
  1. Online Surveys: Can’t make it to the workshops? Participate in online surveys that allow you to share your opinions conveniently. Your feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the design and operation of the hubs.

Together, We Create Change

The Health and Homelessness Hubs initiative is a testament to the City of London’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and supportive community for all residents. By participating in the engagement process, you play a pivotal role in ensuring that the hubs truly meet the needs of those they are designed to serve.

Your ideas can help shape policies, services, and facilities that contribute to a healthier and more inclusive city for everyone. Join hands with us in building a brighter future.

For more information, please visit the City of London’s official webpage.

Contact:

Media Relations
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Email: media@london.ca

Let your voice be heard in this transformative initiative! Together, we can make a difference.

This news update is brought to you by the City of London.

How Participants Experience London Housing Agencies’ Substance Use Policies

A community-based research project conducted in London, Ontario explored the perspectives of individuals living in emergency shelters and housing agencies who use drugs and are precariously housed. The project was initiated due to a significant increase in opioid overdoses and overdose-related deaths among the homeless population in the city. The researchers collaborated with several housing and emergency shelter agencies and conducted sixteen semi-structured interviews with participants to gather their insights on current substance use and overdose-related policies in place and how they impact their lives. Qualitative analysis methods were employed to identify major themes from the interviews. The findings from this project will contribute to the development of local policies concerning shelter substance use and precarious housing, aiming to establish consistent and comprehensive drug policies by incorporating perspectives from participants, volunteers, and staff in London’s housing and emergency shelter agencies.