My first 60 days: Message from Zoë Dawe-CCHOHT’s first Executive Directo

Hello and Happy Fall! I am excited to have joined CCHOHT in August as the first Executive Director and to be immediately engaged into the impactful work that our OHT has been leading. 

My priority in the first 60 days was to connect, to listen to what is important, what has been achieved and what still needs to be done. We achieved our deliverable of the FY 2024-25 operating plan to Ontario Health on September 20, 2024. Prior to which we successfully hosted an in-person engagement event to capture multiple points of input that was attended by close to 30 community partners, patients, family members, caregivers and physicians. 

I have, and continue to be warmed by the numerous invitations to your Annual General Meetings, and open houses over September and into October to see where the work happens and have had the opportunity to speak firsthand to the staff at the point of care and those receiving services. 

Communication is vital and must occur through multiple channels to have impact. I have experienced myself and heard in my connections that so much of the wonderful achievements supported through the CCHOHT go unknown. Over the next few months, we will be developing a robust communications strategy which will be achieved by the recruitment of a new communication and engagement coordinator. This role will be essential for the CCHOHT to be visible and reachable. We hope to have a successful candidate on board by late fall and we will begin reaching out to illuminate your stories, programs and needs. 

Our website is being updated to capture essential updates across our partners and will include some exciting new features to enable engagement and spotlights on specific areas of focus of our OHT to make it simpler to understand what matters to you most. 

If we have not yet had the chance to connect or you would like to know more about the CCHOHT please contact us through info@connectedcarehalton.ca or to me directly at zdawe@haltonhealthcare.com

Warmly,

Zoe Dawe

Technology Accessibility Program (TAP)

Thanks to a two year grant from Ontario Trillium Foundation’s Resilient Communities Fund, Acclaim Health is able to offer this brand new program to Halton region!

The Technology Accessibility Program (TAP) is available to older adults who want to learn how to use technology to access services, information and social opportunities. Clients are provided with free, in-home, step-by-step training and a tablet loan, including data (if needed), for a 3-month period. They are guided through up to nine units by a friendly, trained volunteer, using age friendly best practices to learn tablet use and social information communication technology (email, internet, Zoom, games, YouTube, social media, messaging, etc.). This program is designed for older adults with limited or no experience and prioritizes those who would have trouble accessing other types of technology support. 

TAP Flyer

Acclaim Health is accepting referrals and recruiting for volunteers.  If you have any questions, please contact Nicole Truman by email: ntruman@acclaimhealth.ca or phone: 905-827-8800 ext. 2315.

April Newsletter

Click HERE to view our April newsletter, where we introduce the new Halton @Home program and provide updates on partner initiatives!

One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant

One Stop Talk/Parlons maintenant (OST/PM) offers free virtual counselling services and seamless entry into child and youth mental health services across Ontario. The program serves as a single access point to mental health services for children and youth aged 0-17. Click HERE for more information on the program and how to access services.

Enforcement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, students are required to have up-to-date immunization records or a valid medical or non-medical exemption on file with Public Health to attend school. Please click HERE for more details on Halton Region’s enforcement of this Act and upcoming immunization clinics for students born in 2006 and 2007.

MasterClass Series

Primecare Family Health Team is offering a variety of FREE webinars on various topics open to all members of the community. Join them in March and April for discussions on supporting children’s mental health, the challenges of perimenopause/menopause, and overall health and well-being. Click HERE for more information and to register!

That’s a Wrap (TAW) Program

John Howard Society of Peel-Halton-Dufferin has launched their “That’s a Wrap” program. This program assists youth with goal achievement, system navigation, skill development, and building a connection to community and services. The program also provides supportive services to parents and guardians to individuals accessing the program. Click HERE for more information and HERE for the program referral form.

Older Adult Workshop Series

CAMH’s Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) is seeking facilitators who would be interested in delivering a workshop series on mental health and well-being to older adults in their workplaces and communities.

To facilitate a workshop, staff or volunteers must have experience:

  • working with older adults
  • facilitating groups, and
  • assisting clients with mental health or addiction issues.

In participating, facilitators and partner organizations gain access to twelve evidence-based curricula and support from Canada’s largest mental health teaching hospital—at no cost.

The series itself covers a breadth of topics including, but not limited to:

  • depression
  • anxiety disorders
  • bipolar disorder
  • dementia
  • psychosis
  • cannabis and alcohol use.

Additionally, workshop facilitators will be invited to participate and receive support from a province-wide facilitator Community of Practice – a growing network of service providers connecting on knowledge and experience exchanges. For more information, visit: https://kmb.camh.ca/eenet/initiatives/olderadults#Workshops.

Youth Counselling Program

Thrive Counselling has opened registration for their Youth Counselling Program! The program is designed to support mental well-being and can be attended in person or virtually. Experienced counsellors provide one-on-one sessions and will help you navigate life’s challenges. Click HERE for more information and to register.