Student Feedback continued What is your perception of what they think of having a book done? GRADE 10: - I think they will be happy to see we put time into that. I think because a lot of people, when they go to visit they just sit there and don’t think about it afterwards, but now they will think about it and think there are people that actually care what they were talking about. - It is good that we went there because their stories get carried on and more people know about the stuff they did and what it was like being a child back then. - I think it is going to make them excited because they are in a book that they are in a published story and probably makes them excited to know that other people will hear their story. - So I asked her if she wanted it done or not. And she thought it was great and she was really excited about it. She said she would like for me to come read it to her. GRADE 5: - I think happy and grateful. - Really happy because he knows that it was written by me and my partner. What do you think was the most important part for you? GRADE 5: GRADE 10: - It was fun talking to the people and hearing their stories from the past. - Probably that we are not just stuck in the classroom and actually got to do something else. I didn’t expect half the stories that she told - It made me feel really good and I liked having it be part me. It is important to let them know that they still matter and more of my day. I asked my mom if we could go see him again people care about them than what they might think. and she said maybe one day. - I find it important for us because I find, myself, if you sit in class you get bored and tired so when you do stuff for other people it is better. It was important to see some people are luckier than what they think and should be satisfied with what they have. - Getting to spend quality time with my grandmother and looking back now and it was an amazing last visit with her. I had the opportunity to visit her in hospital but I did not want to because I wanted to remember our last visit the way it was. - I think it was about growing a relationship with someone. We see them multiple times but you don’t get that close and open up. We both opened up. I’ll never forget it. 51
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Working Together Collaboratively 52
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Seniors Groups are actively col-lab-o-ra-tion involved in programming to improve seniors mental health. noun A strong grass-roots Two or more people community led program. working together towards shared goals. Less isolation for seniors. Breaking down the barriers between communities and encouraging people to attend programs in neighbour communities. Sustainable funding that comes from multiple partners all contributing. 53
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MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Interviews Summary of Insights from Collaborative Partners, who include: Two staff members from Nova Scotia Health Authority, Mental Health and Addictions Board member from the Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre Staff member the Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre Volunteer with Seniors Club (Host to Around the Table) Staff member with the Municipality of the County of Richmond Two staff members with Richmond County Literacy Network What was the high point of being involved/connected to the Mind Body and Spirit Project? Working with so many well intentioned, committed, Becoming more aware of the extent to which social enthusiastic, motivated people who had no isolation impacts overall health. “me” motivation. Entire project has been an interest, being a member The broad scope of the project. of Seniors Take Action Coalition, it is great to see the How many people were reached with the project. level of participation of seniors in the different Learning more about issues in Richmond County aspects of this project. related to seniors mental health. Nice to see silos coming together from across many Being involved in the planning for the May organizations and communities for one purpose. Conference. Being involved in a project that was creating healthy, Working with the conference planning team. safe communities for seniors to improve Working in a community that I have not worked in overall wellness. before. The number of seniors interested in the technology program exceeded our expectations, speaks to the need for these programs. What did you value most about being involved in this experience? Seeing the positive impact on people and the Discussing opportunities to work more enthusiasm of the people involved. collaboratively in our communities. Being able to share my own experience and help I found myself talking about the project to others others. and generating an interest. Connecting with seniors throughout Richmond Before I became involved in this project I wasn’t County. aware of these issues, it has really opened my eyes. Seeing the future potential to sustain the project For that I am grateful. or transform it into a community lead movement. I was able to develop new working relationships in I was able to connect with people who are Richmond County with many different people struggling one-on- one and encourage them to Was nice to work on something that was focused on seek help if they need it. seniors and think about what services this Being involved in a project that can help others, population group needs and the connection between having my own mental health issues, I am open chronic illness and mental health. and not Created an opportunity for this project to also build afraid to talk about it. on some of the other work underway at the Opportunity to strengthen relationships with Kingston Centre and enhance services being offered. organizations that come into contact with Some of the other programs naturally seniors. For example, local Lions Clubs, retired complimented the work through MBS. Teachers Association, Men Groups and Church Groups . 56
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Interviews Continued What has changed in the way you view seniors’ mental health and addictions in rural communities? I was not aware of the magnitude of the problem. It was challenging to get referrals for the programs, more We need programs and services for seniors work is needed in this area to develop stronger available at all times, they represent a huge population connections with seniors’ club members who can in our communities and need to feel connected and encourage others they know, as well as other valued. professionals in the community who interact with seniors, How challenging it is to reach out to seniors and engage pharmacists, clergy, doctors, etc. seniors in rural communities. It is important to have someone from the Municipality The importance of a municipal council becoming more involved in these issues and make connections, aware of issues impacting seniors. seniors are our largest demographic. Was not aware of how social isolation impacts mental We need to ensure we have on-going programming in health. place, not just for one year. I didn’t realize the scope and extent to senior mental Rural communities have unique needs, people age health issues in our communities, it opened my eyes. transportation often becomes an issue and then this Beginning to understand that seniors can be a high further isolates people. priority population group with complex issues. I now understand how many seniors do not have family I was surprised at the impact of how social isolation members close by to help them out. impacts mental health. We have gaps in the services and programs available for I was able to reaffirm the importance of physical exercise this priority population. Seniors make up the and keeping active to brain health. largest demographic in our communities and we need to Increased my knowledge and awareness of seniors have more options available for them to improve their health issues and the way I view this issue. health. I did not know the extent of seniors that experienced Transportation is a huge issue in rural communities and social isolation and mental health in our communities. many seniors no longer drive. There is so much social deprivation. We still have a great deal of work to do to educate “Joe public” about seniors’ mental health and social isolation. Nobody chooses to be isolated, we have a community responsibility to reach out. What could a future look like in our communities if we continue to work together? Like communities used to look….More neighbors That seniors clubs connect with the Strait-Richmond watching out for neighbor as families used to in the Community Health Board and see how they can past. assist in supporting seniors affected by social isolation, More participation by all members of community; so and vice versa. many seniors have family members that live away. A more coordinated way of communicating with seniors More people helping/encouraging people to participate. so they know what is available to support Less isolation of seniors. them in the communities. Maybe one organization that Breaking down the barriers between communities and can connect all the other seniors encouraging people to attend programs in clubs etc. different communities, do not re-invent the wheel and Sustainable funding that comes from multiple partners duplicate services. all contributing. Continue the conversations about seniors mental health, A strong community led program that has grass roots. social isolation that occurred at the May One organization serving as the anchor organization conference. that can be the overall coordinator for programs That seniors clubs in the area see the benefits of the for seniors. programs being offered through this project, as well as This work needs to be an joint effort by government, others services offered such as the peer support group both municipal and provincial, as well as offered monthly by the Schizophrenia Society. community organizations. Seniors groups are actively involved in programming to improve mental health. 57
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION Interviews Continued Do you have idea about how we might go about creating that future? - Encourage the different communities throughout Richmond County to work together. - Shared ownership among communities for supporting seniors. - Provide tools & opportunities for growth and development in all communities. - One organization that functions as the umbrella “for all things seniors” to connect the dots with various organizations providing programs and services. - Look at possible longer term partnership with Mental Health and Addictions to support community members accessing the MHFA training; i.e. providing manuals so course can be provided at no charge with local trained instructors in the community. - Consider developing a webinar or slide deck to showcase the project to share with other rural communities. What do you think we need to help us get us there? - Communication challenge; Need to work on a form of communication (call list or something like that is easily accessible and reaches those not being reached. - The right people in the right positions working together to the same end. This is more about their motivation for involvement as opposed to skills as skills can be learned. - Build on the strengths of existing organizations and enable them to take on individual portions to sustain programming. - We need a host organization that can be the umbrella organization and we need sustainable funding for core programs and staff. - We need paid staff, volunteers can support programming but they need support and coordination. - It is shared issue, so should be a shared funding model, Departments of Community Services, Seniors, Health and Wellness and the Municipality. - Connecting this work with the Community Health Boards and the NSHA priorities will be important. 58
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION UPDATED Unintended Consequences Results that were not intended as an outcome in this project; positive and negative effects and potential problems that arose. Quite often when you plan a project you cannot always anticipate the outcomes that may come about that you really never expected. Often these can be very positive or at times can also be challenging. Whatever the case, it is always good to capture both as part of the evaluation process. - Participants who became involved in the Seniors Connecting Through Technology program reported that being involved also benefited the caregiver. It provided activity for the participant and provided respite for the caregiver and other family members. - Seniors who are not members of seniors clubs and regular users of programs became involved in some of the programs offered. - Projects that are attached to a one-year funding envelope can sometimes do harm in that expectations come about for programs to continue that need staff support and there is no sustainable funding. - The programs offered through the Mind, Body and Spirit project blended naturally with other programs being offered by the Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre (KMCHC) related to seniors and social isolation. - By the KMCHC taking the lead on this project, as well as the fact, they have hosted several other projects, they have developed capacity and expertise in seniors issues. They are now well positioned to continue to be a backbone organization for seniors services and programs. - There was opportunity to be frugal with the funding provided, as several programs offered through this project were closely aligned with other work underway at the KMCHC that allowed for shared resources. 59
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION UPDATED Lessons Learned - One year for this project may not have been realistic and was very ambitious. - Working to develop strong collaborative relationships takes considerable time and effort. - Authentic community development does not happen overnight. - Getting referrals for some of the programs takes considerable effort. - Use multiple methods and approaches when communicating with seniors. - Scheduling meetings can be a full time job. - Always have to expect the unexpected. - When working with partner organizations, staff departures can have a direct impact level of support for a collaborative venture. - Developing trust and relationships among community partners, government departments and other agencies can often be a challenge. - One of the most important steps in creating long lasting change is patience. - This work is marathon, not a sprint! NEW Lessons Learned Roles and Care and Important to toSthproovegrmoayuaglnengurdtieeaziemtamarotsedsintsodabnbepnesdoadfaonrottrrefhndeeee.dr responsibilities attention must understand the of partners need need to engage be paid to public or possible to be clearly ensure people participants prior articulated. feel engaged to offering a and valued. program. \"We can't do this work unless we work together\" - Project Partner \"This project had a ripple effect, program participants talked to friends and neighbours.\" - Project Partner 60
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION UPDATED Overall Reflections When several partners came together in Spring of 2016 to discuss the opportunity to provide services and programs to rural seniors using a more integrated and collaborative approach, it resulted in an innovative and creative funding proposal being submitted called Mind, Body and Spirit: A Collaborative Approach to Addressing Seniors Mental and Addictions in Richmond County. The original plan was for the Municipality of the County of Richmond to be the lead partner. Due to unforeseen circumstances the project was delayed for one year and then later an agreement was reached to have the Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre (KMCHC), one of the partners, take the lead role. During that one year delay period, there were other changes with original partner organizations that impacted the project. Staff changes with key partners in the Nova Scotia Health Authority including Public Health, another NSHA staff member who worked directly with seniors created a gap in corporate knowledge and skill sets. A new approach was needed and the KMCHC engaged a project advisor to provide high level oversight. Two part-time project staff, working on other projects at the KMCHC were responsible for the day to day coordination and programming. The Managing Director for the KMCHC was their direct supervisor. A project team consisting of the two paid positions, the advisor and the Board Chair was set up and met regularly over the course of the project until May 2018, when the project advisor had to step down due to a change in her paid employment that resulted in a conflict of interest. These project changes had a direct relationship with how the project rolled out. It was also anticipated that the Municipality would have a much more significant role in addition to providing funding and due to staff changes there as well, this contribution was less than expected 61
MIND, BODY, AND SPIRIT FINAL EVALUATION NEW Overall Reflections One of the challenges from the perspective of the On a positive note, the two project staff were closely new host organization, the Kingston Memorial connected to other initiatives and grants related to Community Health Centre, was that initially they seniors programming and social isolation that lent did not fully appreciate or understand itself to creating synergy between projects and the complexity and magnitude of the project. dynamic programming. The delays with the program development with Many new partnerships were formed between the Telile Community Television, related to a Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre and staff shortages, high learning curves, lack of a clear local organizations. understanding about the respective roles of the partners and the complexity of the issue, resulted in Community members reported that their knowledge the final product not being exactly as about seniors mental health and social isolation had was envisioned from the perspectives of both increased. partners. Many seniors had an opportunity to participate in Some of the anticipated original ideas were new and innovative programming. modified along the way to accommodate needed changes in responses to programs not being Community partners took on key leadership roles in available. providing services. The project took considerably longer than what The brand of Mind, Body and Spirit has become was originally anticipated. This is in part due to known as a holistic approach to supporting overall the fact that the coordinator was not working full health for seniors. time on the project, which was the original vision and the there was steep learning curve at the Overall this project was extremely successful, and beginning. exceeded the outcomes identified in the original project concept. Many rural communities would The MBS Advisory Committee that was set up at benefit greatly from a similar collaborative approach the beginning of the project was underutilized and and the project reinforced the need to have staff their contribution could have been much richer had coordination support in providing services to seniors. met more frequently and there has been more clarity of what was expected of them. There was limited outreach done with the formal health care providers to promote the various programs and to build relationships, needed to begin a more collaborative approach to meeting the needs for seniors \"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. \" - Martin Luther King 62
For Further Information: Sherry Sampson Managing Director Kingston Memorial Community Health Centre 40 School Road, L'Ardoise, NS 902-587-2800 Ext. 3 [email protected] Prepared by Celeste Gotell, Mental Health and Addictions, Formerly Public Health, Eastern Zone, Nova Scotia Health Authority as a contributing partner in the project. Graphic Design by Celeste Gotell and Janelle AuCoinMental Health and Addictions, Eastern Zone
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