As manager of Wood’s Homes Community Resource Team, I often engage with other mental health professionals in the non-profit sector. We work collaboratively to provide much needed mental health services, and support the well-being of families and individuals in our city. It’s an aspect of my job that I really enjoy.

Of course, in our pre-COVID-19 world, this meant shaking hands, face-to-face interactions with parents, students and professionals from other agencies. It also meant working in an array of settings – schools, community events, resource fairs – to present on topics relating to mental health that I am passionate about as a clinician.

For the past month or so, all of us have been doing our best to navigate uneasy terrain. Some have lost jobs or now feel cooped up at home adjusting to the delineation of personal and professional life. Admittedly, effective use of technology is something I am continuing to learn, as are many now engaging with their social and professional circles virtually. While this is new for many, including myself, I deeply appreciate that we have been able to harness it in a way that helps ensure we are able to remain connected with our families, friends and colleagues.

To this end, I am excited to have been invited as a panelist representing Wood’s Homes to the Mental Health: You, Me & Our Community webinar. This free, live innovation table is being hosted by the Social Impact Lab, a physical and digital space where United Way agency partners, government, donors, businesses, community members, and corporate volunteers can come together to solve, rather than serve, complex social issues in new and innovative ways.

On April 29 at 2 p.m. (MST), I will be joining Anila Lee Yuen from the Centre for Newcomers, and Cendrine Tremblay from the Calgary Silver Linings Foundation to discuss practical ways of maintaining our mental health and support our communities during this time of physical distancing. This webinar is a great opportunity to glean some valuable insights into these important issues and to find answers to any of your questions related to this new normal we’re all experiencing together.

To register for the event, click here. During these uncertain times, it is important to remember that our social agencies are continuing with the important work of serving our communities, and I invite you to be part of this journey and share your voice.

If you or someone you know is struggling, or could use a bit of support right now, Wood’s Homes’ team of highly trained mental health counsellors is here and can be reached by any of the following ways:

Call: 403-299-9699

Text: 587-315-5000

Email: etherapy@woodshomes.ca

LiveChat: visit woodshomes.ca

Thank you and take care of yourselves and each other.