NIA Visits British Columbia to Strengthen Collaborative Efforts to Support Ageing Populations
The community-based seniors' sector (CBSS) plays a crucial role in improving the quality of life for older adults across British Columbia. Last week, the NIA and United Way BC connected with partners from Nanaimo to Victoria to meet with and learn from organizations that provide critical programs and services to older adults.
Alyssa Brierley, Executive Director of the NIA and Kahir Lalji, Provincial Director, Government Relations & Government Programs at United Way BC met with the British Colombia Ministry of Health, the BC Healthy Communities Society, the BC Seniors Advocate, The Canadian Red Cross, and Nanaimo Family Life Association to discuss collaborative approaches to working with the CBSS sector.
The NIA and United Way BC are dedicated to serving as a collaborative partner and a valuable resource for other organizations.
By working together with our partners, we can address the diverse needs of our ageing population and build a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence.
Highlights
BC Healthy Communities Society
BC Healthy Communities Society is a province-wide not-for-profit organization that facilitates the ongoing development of healthy, thriving and resilient communities. They provide a range of programs, resources and services to address critical challenges such as active transportation, age-friendly communities, health and the built environment, multi-sectoral collaborations and walkability. The NIA and United Way BC met with Jodi Mucha, Executive Director, to learn about their important work across BC.
Office of the Seniors Advocate British Colombia
The Office of the Seniors Advocate British Colombia collaborates with service providers, government and health authorities to improve effectiveness, efficiency and outcomes for older adults. NIA and United Way BC met with BC’s Seniors Advocate, Dan Levitt, to learn about his role monitoring and analyzing seniors services and issues in BC and making recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues.
The Canadian Red Cross
In Western Canada, older people are disproportionately impacted by emergencies such as wildfires. The NIA and United Way BC met with Pat Quealey, Vice President of the Canadian Red Cross, which responds to ongoing needs such as food, transportation and additional supports for older adults and communities who are unable to return home. The Red Cross also supports older people recovering at home from injury or hospitalization through the Health Equipment Loan Program and promotes community connection through the Friendly Calls initiative.
Nanaimo Family Life Association
The Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA) is a non-profit organization based in Nanaimo, BC that provides a range of community-based services aimed at supporting individuals and families. The NIA and United Way BC met with Deborah Hollins, Executive Director, and talked about the challenges facing older adults in Nanaimo, particularly when it comes to housing, and what NFLA is doing to support them. In addition, the NFLA supports older adults by providing companionship programs, social activities, and assistance in navigating social services.
