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More innovations from Noojmowin Teg Health Centre: Making COVID masks and 365 days of walking the red road.
The Challenge
Maintaining relations and social connection is an important part of Indigenous people’s overall wellbeing. Social isolation requirements with COVID-19 have made it challenging for First Nations people on Manitoulin Island, especially Elders (aged 55+) and those with physical disabilities, to find opportunities for social connection.
The Solution
- Noojmowin Teg Health Centre recognized the need to facilitate social connection particularly for groups who are typically more isolated in their communities.
- They organized and have started weekly group telephone connections for FN community members to connect and share traditional teachings, stories, experiences and challenges with each other.
- It provides Elders (55+) and people with disabilities an opportunity to engage socially, laugh, stimulate their brain, and connect to professionals in the community.
- Groups are limited to 15 people.
The Process
- Participant contacts Noojmowin Teg by Phone (705) 368-2182 or Facebook/Twitter to schedule session
- Participant calls teleconference line to join session
- Moderator/facilitator welcomes participants, introduces guest speakers or topics
- The group joins in on the discussions
- Participants are encouraged to share stories and experiences with one another
- Session wrap-up
Contact
For more information on Elders Social Without Walls, contact: Chantelle Taylor chantelle.taylor@noojmowin-teg.ca
To share your innovation, email mhanorth@hsnsudbury.ca.