GWSA
683 Woolwich Street N1H 3Y8 Guelph, ON, Canada

The April 2021 Edition of the GWSA Sentinel has just been released. Check it out at https://www.yumpu.com/s/xwmtbrlPeydYhHCB

https://10carden.ca/connecting-circles/

GWSA The February 2021 edition of the GWSA Sentinelhas been released.Check it out at https://www.yumpu.com//d/view/65257726/february-2021-issue

It's #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. The last photo challenge is to post a #handoverheart selfie. Add #SACWD and #WSPD2020. #LiveForTomorrow CMHA Peel Dufferin CMHA Waterloo Wellington Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention - CASP Register for the tonight’s seminar "So, you say you want to help me..." being presented virtually by Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention - CASP on World Suicide Prevention Day. Panelists will share... their unique experiences of suicide attempts and ideation followed by a live Q&A. http://ow.ly/NICN50B8WHs CMHA Waterloo Wellington Tonight is the virtual cross-Canada concert featuring artists performing classical, jazz, folk, and more in support of suicide awareness, prevention, and hope on #WorldSuicidePreventionDay. 7 pm EST: https://www.mysteriousbarricades.org/2020-online Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention - CASP At 8 pm tonight, put a candle in your window in remembrance of those who have died by suicide and to support the survivors who still grieve them. Talking about suicide is the best prevention. There is hope. #WSPD2020 #LiveForTomorrow Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention - CASP Mental Health Commission of Canada Commission de la santé mentale du Canada CMHA Waterloo Wellington CMHA Peel Dufferin See more

City of Guelph Solid Waste Management Master Plan: Survey and StoryMap Recent additions to our project tile in Have Your Say Guelph include a new StoryMap, an online version of what would have been a public open house information session, the direct link to which is https://storymaps.arcgis.com//d2d3ac05b49c4d22aee5c50f3bc7 . Public Survey #1 is also available. Taxpayers, residents and businesses in Guelph, and customers of our service, and welcomed to complete the survey as well as share the link with their Guelph friends and neighbours. The Survey can be found by clicking on the Solid Waste Management Master Plan tile at Have Your Say Guelph, https://www.haveyoursay.guelph.ca/. A link to the StoryMap is also available there.

September is Recovery Month. The use of alcohol or other drugs to deal with emotional pain or mental health issues may lead to addiction. Some drugs act as depressants and may also contribute to suicide attempts. Recovery is possible if you seek help. CMHA Peel Dufferin CMHA Waterloo Wellington The picture for Day 1 of our photo challenge is "These are my loved ones. " On September 1, post a picture, add #SACWD and share why you #LiveForTomorrow, as we count down to World... Suicide Prevention Day. CMHA Waterloo Wellington Your Caledon Centre for Suicide Prevention See more

The GWSA September 2020 Edition is now available online. Download it at https://www.yumpu.com///view/63974599/september-2020-issue.

The GWSA quilters will be holding a sale of reusable cloth masks on Thursday, August 20 from 10.00 a.m. until 12.00 noon at the front doors of the Evergreen Senior Centre. There will be masks for adults and children.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The August 2020 Edition of the GWSA Sentinel is now available. Check it out at https://www.yumpu.com//doc/view/63754899/august-2020-issue

GWSA Hear Ye! Hear Ye! The July 2020 Edition of the GWSA Sentinel is now available. Check it out at https://www.yumpu.com//docum/view/63569693/july-2020-issue

GWSA The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is recruiting committee members and potential board members. Can you recommend one or two candidates or are you interested in putting your name forward? Please talk to the people youd like to recommend about the possibility of putting their name forward or let us know about your own interest. At this critical time, we are especially interested in seniors with fundraising or technology management experience. Please connect with us through our Contact Us page (gwsa-guelph.ca/contact-us) and select GWSA Volunteer Information from the dropdown to find out more.

GWSA The GWSA's Pickleball Club is alive and well and finding creative ways to practice its craft https://www.youtube.com/watch

United Way Guelph Wellington Dufferin GWSA Try this free shopping and delivery service for seniors needing help with groceries. Available to seniors who live in Guelph, with a valid credit card... Shopping and deliveries are Monday & Tuesday evenings Email [email protected] to confirm a night Then, email shopping list by noon the day prior to delivery day Shopping is done at Zehrs on Eramosa. Volunteers will try to fulfill the items on your list; let us know if youd like to eliminate or substitute if they cant Pay remotely on delivery night using your credit card Thanks to generous volunteers, there is no charge for delivery! After shopping volunteers will immediately deliver the items to your home United Way GuelphShopping for Seniors

GWSA The June 2020 Edition of the GWSA Sentinel has just been released. You can view and download it at https://www.yumpu.com//vi/63435481/june-2020-issue-revised

GWSA Uoft How has Your Experience been with COVID-19? Researchers based at the University of Toronto Mississauga are conducting a survey about Canadians experiences with and perceptions of COVID-19. They welcome your participation in the survey by following this link: https://s.surveyplanet.com/TycAd5R2r. This research has been approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board, is anonymous, and there is a chance to win a $50 gift card. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Principal Investigator Dr. Madeleine Mant at [email protected]

Suicide Awareness Council Wellington Dufferin GWSA COVID-19 Resource Round-Upfrom the Suicide Awareness Council https://www.sacwd.ca/ Telephone Support HERE 24/7 Waterloo- Wellington 1-844-437-3274 TTY - 1-877-688-5501... This service is a 24 hour, 7 days a week service for support with mental health and addictions and crisis services. Trained staff will listen to you to understand what you need and work with you to get you connected to services and supports. Call Here 24/7 if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Distress Line 1-888-821-3760 (Daily from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.) Do you just need to talk to someone? This service offers friendly trained volunteers to compassionately listen and support you if you are feeling isolated, alone, or experiencing stress in your life. Seniors Safety Line 1-866-299-1011 Service 24 hours a day, this is a confidential and free resource with information, referrals, and support in over 150 languages for seniors experiencing abuse. Tele-health Ontario 1-866-797-0000 TTY 1-866-797-0007 A free, confidential service you can call to get health advice or information. A registered nurse will take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 211 A free helpline that connects you to community and social services in your area 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in over 150 languages. They can help you find information about housing, health, social assistance and community programs. Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis 1-800-265-7233 The Crisis Line is a 24-hour telephone and TTY support and referral line in Guelph and Wellington County. They will offer you support if you have experienced or are experiencing physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse and/or stalking. Do you have questions about COVID-19? Contact Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health 519-822-2715 or 1-800-265-7293 Tips on Staying Healthy during COVID-19 It is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared or angry during the pandemic. Limit the amount of news you listen too. Talk to someone about your feelingsfamily, friends, neighbours, or call one of the numbers listed above. Keep to a regular schedule as much as possible. Start each day with a few things that you would like to do. Try to stay active and get as much fresh air as you can. Tap into your creative side. These are mood boosters.

GWSA The GWSAs Pickleball Club is alive and well and finding creative ways to practice its craft https://www.youtube.com/watch

GWSA The SEED Community Food Project The SEED, a project of Guelph Community Health Centre, is responding to Covid-19 by scaling an Emergency Food Home Delivery program to support 10,000 community members. Do you need food or know someone who does? Would you like to donate money? Seniors should stay home to stay safe. However, we can still support this ambitious project. Visit https://www.theseedguelph.ca/homedelivery or call 519-821-6638 x 317 for more information.

GWSA The May 2020 Edition of the GWSA Sentinel is now available online only. See it at https://www.yumpu.com//docume/view/63297806/may-2020-issue

GWSA Its National Volunteer Week! Volunteer Centres are connecting volunteers and community needs. Across Canada, local volunteer centres are matching volunteers with community organizations and municipalities to help meet growing needs during challenging times. From collecting personal protective equipment from the community to distribute to the frontline workers, to innovating with virtual volunteer opportunities, these coordinated efforts help allocate resources where they are needed most while ensuring the safety of volunteers and at-risk people who need support. #CheersToVolunteers #NVW2020

GWSA Its National Volunteer Week! Volunteers are making a door to door difference across Canada during COVID-19 Through community and non-profit organizations across Canada, volunteers are delivering meals and groceries to seniors and those who have difficulty safely leaving their homes and apartments. Community-minded volunteers are taking grocery orders over the phone and coordinating fellow volunteers who pick and pack orders for the drivers to pick up. Every month, Canadian volunteers give over 166 million hours of their time to make life better for their communities. #CheersToVolunteers #NVW2020

Heart & Stroke GWSA Heart & Stroke Presents... Webinar for People with Lived Experience Practical virtual rehabilitation and self-management techniques during COVID-19 for people living with heart conditions to continue the recovery journey.... Friday, April 24, 2020 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT Register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/5526261296034407180

GWSA Its National Volunteer Week! Sew many ways that volunteers are making a difference Across Canada, a popular pastime has become a way to show community caring. Canadians of all ages are picking up their needles and thread to fashion all manner of masks for their families, friends and neighbours. Some are making caps for those on the front lines of health care. Others are collecting and delivering sewing supplies and cloth to keep production flowing. #CheersToVolunteers #NVW2020

GWSA Lets make sure Canadas almost 13 million volunteers receive a well-deserved round of applause. Its National Volunteer Week, please join @VolunteerCanada as we celebrate volunteers and all they do for our communities. #NVW2020 #CheersToVolunteers

I came across this article today -- It is a timely piece of wisdom. "Make Hand Washing a Mindfulness Practice" At a time when hand washing is more important than ever and were likely all doing it more than we ever have, why not turn the act of washing your hands into a mindfulness practice? Follow the steps outlined below to make washing your hands a regular practice in mindfulness.... 1. Set the intention to wash your hands mindfully. This means simply saying to yourself, "I will bring my full attention to washing my hands." 2. Engage all of your senses. Feel your feet on the ground beneath the sink and the smoothness of the faucet as you turn on the water. Notice the different colours and textures of the sink and faucet. Hear the sound of the running water and feel its warmth on your hands. Take in the scent of the soap. Immerse yourself completely in the experience of washing your hands. 3. As you finish washing your hands, turn the water off slowly and take a deep breath as you prepare to continue with your day.

GWSA Guelph General Hospital Guelph General Hospital Requests Homemade Masks and Caps -- Guelph General Hospital Foundation has issued a challenge to those who sew. They are seeking cloth face masks for approved visitors who enter GGH as well as their discharged patients. You can drop off completed masks at Linamar on Woodlawn Rd W or McTague Street. Visit the GGH Foundation Sewing Mask Challenge web page for more detailed instructions about how to participate: https://gghfou...ndation.ca/fggh-sewing-mask-challenge/ Some GGH employees have also asked for homemade surgical caps. You can find the pattern and a tutorial for the surgical caps here: http://twelvebees.blogspot.com//how-to-sew-surgical-cap-pa A local Facebook group is coordinating the surgical cap efforts and may be able to answer questions you have: https://www.facebook.com/groups/217935396123538 Lens Mill is closed to the public but they are offering kits for masks, caps, and protective gowns for online purchase. The Waterloo Chronicle covered their efforts: https://www.waterloochronicle.ca//9936737-len-s-mill-retu/

GWSA Canadas chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam does not recommend the wearing of face masks in public. Referring to her advice as permissive, she indicates that masks add an extra layer to protect others, as the wearer may be contagious while showing no symptoms. She advises their use in settings where maintaining social distancing is difficult as when getting essentials or taking public transit. Seniors are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. The best advi...ce to protect yourself and others is to stay home whenever possible. For necessities, try to have groceries, medications, and other needs delivered or dropped off by friends or relatives. However, some seniors live where things cannot be delivered to their doors due to the current pandemic. They may have considered wearing homemade cloth masks when they leave their units. The Canadian Governments website has a new webpage sharing information you may consider regarding the use of homemade masks to protect against COVID-19: Government recommendations on the use of homemade masks. If you would like to wear a mask, but dont sew, you can use a couple of rubber bands or hair elastics to make a no-sew mask. The type of fabric you choose for your mask matters. According to research conducted by Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, high thread-count cotton fabrics do a better job filtering small particles while still allowing for breathability. Pillowcases, sheets, and dinner napkins are good sources of high-thread-count fabric. Knit fabrics, like most cotton t-shirts, are not as useful. If you dont have high thread count cotton, consider sandwiching a layer of flannel between the lower-quality layers. To get the benefits of wearing a mask, remember the following tips: The mask should fit well (non-gaping); Dont touch your face mask or eyes while youre wearing the mask; Stay two metres away from other people even while you are masked; Put the mask directly into the washing machine (or a disposable bag) immediately after wearing, and wash on a hot or sanitize cycle; Dry thoroughly. Assume the mask has picked up contaminants while you were wearing it; Wash your hands thoroughly using soap with water for at least 20 seconds right after removing your mask; Never share your mask.

GWSA #NVW2020 From April 19 to 25, Volunteer Canada and the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (aka GWSA) celebrate Canadas 12.7 million volunteers during National Volunteer Week (NVW). With over 2,900 members and almost 500 volunteers, the Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is one of the largest organizations of its kind in Canada. We have a straightforward mission To enable older adults to be active, involved, make friends and age with dignity.... We wish to acknowledge the many volunteers at the GWSA and to thank them for all that they did and do to make the world a better place.

GWSA On Monday, April 6, Canadas chief public health officer, Dr. Theresa Tam suggested the population wear masks in public to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Watch her discuss the topic in two videos in this CBC coverage: https://www.cbc.ca//non-medical-masks-covid-19-spread-1.55 If you dont sew, you can use a couple of rubber bands or hair elastics to make a no-sew mask as illustrated in this video: https://twitter.com/Constance8Ne/status/1246186931643449349 If you... sew, you can make your own cloth mask using one of these popular videos by Jenny Doan of the Missouri Star Quilt Company: with elastic earloops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kwFaRFHKhY with fabric ties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_-R8Ox3Spw The type of fabric you choose for your mask matters. According to research conducted by Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, high thread-count cotton fabrics do a better job filtering small particles while still allowing for breathability. Pillowcases, sheets, and dinner napkins are good sources of high-thread-count fabric. Knit fabrics, like most cotton t-shirts, are not as useful. If you dont have high thread count cotton, consider sandwiching a layer of flannel between the lower-quality layers. Source: https://www.nbcnews.com//making-your-own-face-mask-some-fa To get the benefits of wearing a mask, remember the following tips: Wash your hands before putting on the mask. Dont touch your face while youre wearing the mask. Remember to stay two metres away from other people while you are masked. Wash your mask after wearing it in public because it might have picked up contaminants. Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds as soon as you take off your mask.

GWSA GuelphToday.com Public Health to move COVID-19 assessment clinic to Victoria Road Rec Centre -- The current COVID-19 Assessment Centre on Delhi Street will close this weekend and a new site will be opened Monday at the Victoria Road Recreation Centre. The new location will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. The new site will provide better parking and increased accessibility, said a joint news release from Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, Guelph Family Health Team and Guelph General Hospital sent Friday.

GWSA Update: Monday, March 30 at 3:10 pm -- On March 26, Mayor Cam Guthrie declared a state of emergency for Guelph in response to COVID-19. Marianne Walker, Chief Executive Officer of Guelph General Hospital has told us, The most important way the community can support us right now is by practicing relentless social distancing. Scott Stewart, Guelphs Chief Administrative Officer explains, "This is a clear signal that people need to stay home. Weve closed what we can, an...d were relying on everyone in our community to do their part to slow this down. Dont leave your homes unless you really need to. Shop for groceries once a week. Dont go to the hardware store unless youre there to get stuff for a home emergency. Were all in this together. If you crave social contact, we encourage you to pick up your phone, send an email, or try FaceTime, Skype, or Zoom. In addition, weve collected some free things you can try, individually or connected to others, all from the comfort and safety of your home. Visit this page (https://gwsa-guelph.ca/activities-for-mind-and-body/) to start a new adventure!

GWSA Heart & Stroke Webinar from Heart and Stroke, for People with Lived Experience: Support, self-management and self-care during COVID-19. To register for this free webinar go to: https://register.gotowebinar.com/regist/1300628103500288268

GWSA Bulk Barn Announces Call-Ahead Service

GWSA Update: Monday, March 23 at 5:00 pm http://gwsa-guelph.ca GWSA Community Support Services... For our CSS Clients, we will be rolling out a program to provide meals within the limits of our staff capacity, as determined by costs, available supplies, and the ability to deliver the meals. We have received many generous offers of help. However, due to current recommendations, and considering everyone involved, we cannot accommodate any volunteers without generating undue risks. That means this service will be provided exclusively by the CSS team for now. CSS is finalizing a list of members that require this service so staff can start delivering what will likely be five frozen meals per member weekly. This service will be offered on a week to week basis considering closures, food supply, and direction from the City. CSS staff will be in touch weekly with members of this program updating as we go around the ongoing changes. We encourage our members to also be in touch with community programs that offer similar services so they are already connected if our service is interrupted. This is a period where information evolves rapidly and we will keep people informed around changes that affect our services. If you learn that a Guelph/Wellington Senior is particularly vulnerable and needs special services or support at this time, please refer them to our Community Support Services (CSS) program at 519-837-5665 or [email protected]. We are here to help make sure no senior is isolated, hungry, or unable to get their medications. ----------------------------------------- Non-Essential Businesses to Close Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced plans on Monday for non-essential businesses to close across the province but said food, medicine and essential products would remain available. Urging all Ontarians to stay home, he said the order, issued under the provinces state of emergency powers, would come into effect Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. and last for 14 days but could be extended if necessary.

GWSA The April 2020 Edition of the GWSA Sentinel is now available online. Check it out at https://www.yumpu.com//docu/view/63165940/april-2020-issue. PLEASE NOTE: The April 2020 edition of the Sentinel is ONLY available online due to the Evergreen Centres closure caused by the Covid-19 outbreak and related restrictions.

GWSA Free online computer mentoring for GWSA members. Simply click on the image below. This will take you to the Computer Mentoring webpage on the GWSA website which has all the details and next steps

For timely updates, sign up for GWSA Email Updates by clicking on the image

GWSA The City of Guelph Please note the following info for seniors in Guelph

GWSA The City of Guelph Update: Tuesday, March 17 at 4:22 pm (Guelph Transit) Beginning March 18, Guelph Transit will be offering free transit and operating on a 30-minute schedule Monday to Saturday. See details here: https://guelph.ca//guelph-transit-changing-service-to-slo/ Please direct questions about routes and scheduling to Guelph Transit (Tel: 519-822-1811 or guelphtransit.ca.

GWSA The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association will suspend all face-to-face programs and activities effective immediately until they can be safely resumed. We will continue to assess the situation pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit http://gwsa-guelph.ca for more info

GWSA The GWSA has a new Covid-19 Update Hotline. Please share these numbers with friends and neighbours without Internet access. Phone number 1-800-930-0058 Access Code 100 0333 followed by the number sign Please check the GWSA website for updates (http://gwsa-guelph.ca)