Mental Health First Aid course for veterans
Providence Farm is hosting a Mental Health First Aid course for veterans on Nov. 25 and 26.
Key outcomes for the 13 hour course include an increase in the skills and confidence for engaging in conversations about mental health in the veteran community.
“In addition, we intend to promote recognition of the most common mental health problems and illnesses, while decreasing stigma and discrimination,” a press release said. “Finally, we intend to increase confidence and desire to help others and to improve the mental health of the participant.”
The therapeutic community of Providence Farm recognizes that one in five Canadians lives with a mental health problem, and that veterans have their own specific issues in recovery. Individuals interested in the Mental Health First Aid course may contact Providence Farm at 250-746-4204.
The course is hosted by Providence Farm and is funded with a generous donation from the Royal Canadian Legion, Cowichan, and other local donors.
Make sure car seats safe
North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP will be holding a car seat safety clinic on Saturday, Nov. 23, from 1-3 p.m. at the City of Duncan fire hall.
Everyone from the public is invited to attend this free clinic and learn about child seat safety and have your car seats inspected. Experts will be on hand to ensure car seats are installed properly, rated for the age and weight of your child and answer any questions you may have.
“Our goal is to help parents keep their most precious cargo safe,” said Const. Natasha Mongraw. “We know that airbags and seatbelts save lives in collisions. Making sure that children are properly and safely buckled into car seats is important.”
Join the conversation on toxic masculinity
The community is invited to a workshop called Redefining Toxic Masculinity on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Sands Reception Centre in Duncan.
“Please join us in a community discussion exploring toxic masculinity’s impact on men and boys, women and girls,” said organizers.
The workshop is being hosted by MANifesting Change Promoting a Culture of Respect, a program of Warmland Women’s Support Services, and is billed as a community discussion to end sexualized violence against women.
Tired of wearing society’s imposed tough guys “tough guise”? Tired of hearing “act like a man”, “boys don’t cry”, “you’re such a momma’s boy”? Want a different dialogue for the young men in your life?
“Through our shared experience we’ll build a bridge of understanding how the weight of masculine bravado contributes to sexualized violence of women and young girls,” organizers said.
The workshop is appropriate for ages 12-plus and is by donation. Sands Reception Centre is located at 187 Trunk Rd. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
For more information contact 250-710-8177 or kthomas@warmlandwomen.org
Strong by Zumba
Jessa Michieli of Cowichan Secondary School is putting on Strong by Zumba charity event on Nov. 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
There is a minimum $5 donation to attend, with all proceeds going to Nourish Cowichan.
The event takes place at Cowichan Secondary School.
Learn about Lampreys
The Cowichan Watershed Board speaker series is welcoming biologist Joy Wade to speak about the wonders of the Cowichan lamprey on Thursday, Nov. 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The lamprey is a threatened eel-like fish that exists only in the Cowichan Lake area. The Species at Risk Register notes, “Slow but ongoing declines in habitat quality and quantity due to threats from droughts and water management, sediment mobilized following upslope logging, and shoreline development threaten the species’ long-term persistence.”
Wade will talk about why and how watershed management should include the needs of all species, including lamprey.
Wade is originally from New Brunswick, and moved to Vancouver Island from Newfoundland more than 10 years ago. She has worked with and for Fisheries and Oceans Canada at various times in her career in marine science in such varied fields as broodstock development, disease management, science policy and science advice. Lately her career has focused on ecology and water management issues, particularly pertaining to freshwater and marine species at risk.
The event takes place at the VIU Cowichan Campus in Duncan, lecture hall 140.