The Provincial Developmental Services Self-Advocates Network meets for the first time using our videoconference sites. Hosted by Bethesda Services’ CARE Committee, this first meeting was a great success!
November 7th, 2014 marked the first meeting of the Provincial Developmental Services Self-Advocates Network ‘Linked Up’! The Network was founded by Bethesda Services’ CARE Committee leads, Trinda Rensen and Jeremy Walsh (pictured below). The first networking meeting was hosted by Bethesda Services and focussed on the healthy management of holiday stress. There were a total of 13 different videoconference locations connected across the province, with a total of 100 people with developmental disabilities participating! Areas represented included, Hamilton, Walkerton, Owen Sound, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, St. Catharines, London, Brantford and Sault Ste. Marie.
Dr. Kerry Boyd was the guest speaker for the event and participants were delighted with the creative efforts of the CARE committee at Bethesda! The meeting included a video of people at Bethesda, candidly discussing things that create stress for them as well as a fun and lively rap video of “whatcha gonna do, whatcha gonna do, when stress hits you!” Dr. Boyd reviewed the triggers of stress which can include: Emotions, Body, Mind, Spirit and Relationships. She then talked about stress reducers and what they look like; they include: Choices, Healthy Habits, Thoughts, Soul Care and People/Blessings.
The mood in the meeting was nothing short of electric with people in all sites cheering with excitement when they each introduced themselves! It was a real pleasure to see the interest, creativity and dedication of these groups to make a genuine connection. Feedback from the session was very positive! One participant wrote; “Trinda, what a success the video conference was. The individuals I support were thrilled to attend and stated that they learned a great deal. Thank you so much for organizing the conference, great job!”
The next Self Advocates VC Meeting will take place at the end of March 2015 and will be on the topic of “Relationships-Keeping them Healthy”. The leads from each self-advocates group will meet to plan the next year of meetings in January and allow each group to have an opportunity to host an event. If anyone is interested in getting involved, please contact Trinda Rensen at trensen@bethesdaservices.com or nhall@bethesdaservices.com.
The Self-Advocates Network is supported by the Southern Network of Specialized Care.