PCSBV Mar 2021 Newsletter

PCSBV Mar 2021 Newsletter

Volunteer Thank You

For many years, Roseanne Tarnowski has given her time and talent to helping build up the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley to what it is today. Roseanne has most recently served as our Board Secretary and she has helped steer our organization for growth and to serve all residents of the Bow Valley. She is also an avid quilter and was integral to the development of our "Precious Belongings Bag" program. Roseanne's time on our board ended on March 1st and we take this opportunity to publicly extend our deepest thanks and appreciation.

THANK YOU, ROSEANNE!

The PCSBV is looking for volunteers to serve on its board of directors. We are looking for individuals who have experience and background in several areas including fund raising, governance and the legal field. If you are interested in joining a dynamic team of volunteers who are passionate about supporting people and families in the Bow Valley facing terminal illness, please contact chair @ pcsbv.ca .

SPEAKER SERIES 2021: MARCH 31st EVENT

The Speaker Series organizing committee is excited to share that our first two speaker events of 2021 have been exceptional. We are thrilled to invite you to join us each month for an exploration of a new topic, and we ask you to share your ideas with us for new topics. We look forward to learning together!

On March 31 we are looking forward to welcoming Alexandra Krushliak to talk about Advanced Care Planning.

Join us on March 31st to learn more about Advanced Care Planning one of Alberta Health Services leading educator’s, Alexandra Kushliak. Learn more and head into April better prepared for these very important family conversations. National Advance Care Planning (ACP) Day in Canada is held every April 16th. It is focused on promoting conversations among Canadians about their wishes and values for their future health care. This year’s ACP Day is based on the theme 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 : 𝐀𝐧 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 .

REGISTER AT PCSBV.CA

DID YOU MISS OUR FEBRUARY SPEAKER ? Grief in our Families: The Impact on Children & Teens On February 24th, our special guest speaker, Nadine Gariepy-Fisk from the Children's Grief Centre, shared information on grief experienced by young people, including how it can be a particularly difficult process for teens. Many teens find it hard to open up and engage with others, with their own feelings, memories, and thoughts. Youth don’t necessarily have the life experience to know how, when, or if the grief will pass. The Children’s Grief Centre offers professional, specialized services for grieving children in Southern Alberta. The counsellors help families, children, and teens adjust to the changes in their lives. Using individual, family counselling and group support, the Centre compassionately supports young people through grief. The counsellors are recognized experts in end-of-life, grief and trauma counselling for those aged 19 years and younger. There are a variety of ways to access services including drop in, text and chat line, groups, online support. Additionally, the Centre has a focus to provide education to increase capacity within the community, providing resources, educational workshops, and more.

In order to work with younger people experiencing grief, the Centre uses different resources including images, quotes, videos, and movies.

COVID-19 has introduced new struggles for those experiencing grief. There are fewer options for reaching out to others or participating in experiences that could help with the process. With less ability to distract and keep life moving forward, isolation is one of the biggest issues from grief, particularly for children and teens. This leads to a major role for the Centre to reduce isolation and show youth that they are not alone. Different options of support for children is critical during periods of loss and grief, and to do so as a community helps everyone - particularly the child - to process the grief in a healthy manner. People around the child that can help may be a teacher, a school assistant, or another adult in their life. Most crucial is the role as a listener. It is important to listen if they are seeking out support from someone they trust. Children rely on having someone to be present and show up for them, and acknowledge the difficult emotions they are feeling, and to ultimately show empathy and support.

We encourage people to learn more about the Children's Grief Centre and the resources available by visiting https://www.hospicecalgary.ca/childrens-grief-centre/

********************************** PCSBV SPECIAL EVENTS SAVE THESE DATES ! **********************************

May 1st to May 31st

VIRTUAL Hike for Hospice gets folks out and moving supporting hospice in the Bow Valley. People register and hold their own physical activity while fundraising for palliative care in the Bow Valley. This event is an opportunity to come together anytime, and anywhere to raise money to improve the experience for individuals and their families who call the Bow Valley home and who are on the journey with life-limiting illness. Now is the time to come together, while staying apart

We are working on the registration details! Stay tuned… updates to follow soon!

GOLF FOR HOSPICE July 8th

Shine up your 9 iron!

We are looking forward to a wonderful day hosted at the Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club

More details will be coming soon!