Parksville workshop explores food security, mental health
Parksville Qualicum Beach NewsMar 16, 2018
Two priority issues of concern in Parksville Qualicum Beach — food security for school-age children and mental health supports for youth and young adults — drew more than 80 participants to a workshop in Parksville in February.
Charting the Course Together for Health and Wellness in Oceanside: A
The event, held at
Last month's follow-up workshop was meant to dig deeper into these issues and start making plans for collaborative action, OHWN stated in a written release.
"New ideas that have traction are important to put on the table," said Kent. "Best innovation comes from community – you know the issues first-hand, you know the players, and you can see the possibilities."
Participants split into two groups – one to focus on mental health supports for youth and young adults and another to look at food security for school-aged children. There was significant interest in mental health, with 75 per cent of participants choosing that theme.
The group addressing mental health and wellness for youth and young adults heard from
OHWN will host two follow-up meetings to build on and move forward with the ideas for action generated at the workshop, including finding more partners and leaders to take collaborative community actions and make a positive impact on the health of the area's young residents.
To get involved or to learn more, visit OHWN's website at www.rdn.bc.ca/ohwn or contact Carissa Kazyss, OHWN interim coordinator, at info.ohwn@gmail.com or 250-228-0513.
— NEWS staff/OHWN submission