By Kiera Booth, Young Worker Committee (YWC)
The SEIU-West Young Workers Committee (YWC) is shining a light on issues that often get pushed into the shadows and aims to break down stigma associated with important issues in our communities.
SEIU-West Education Committee's list of mental health resources
SEIU-West Education Committee is encouraging our members to seek out the opportunities to take education on mental health.
In a report released by Statistics Canada, seven in 10 healthcare workers reported worsening mental health during the pandemic.
The Education Committee has researched several options to share with you:
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women 2021
The December 6 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women marks the anniversary of the murders of 14 young women at l’École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989.
We recognize this day to remind us that there is still work to do to eliminate violence against women in Canada so that one day gender-based violence will end.
The SEIU-West Young Worker Committee (YWC) encourages you to do your part in raising awareness on violence against women and to demonstrate your solidarity for those who provide support to women in need.
Sask Association of CLXT 2021 Virtual Fall Conference: Apply Now!
APPLY TO BE ON A COMMITTEE FOR 2021-2023 TERM
The Expression of interest process for SEIU-West Committees closed on June 30, 2021.
Thank you to everyone who applied. Members who applied before the deadline will receive notification as to which Committee they are on when the selection process is complete.
Contest Winners of NCC Mask Draw 2021
Congratulations to the winners of the SEIU-West Nursing Care Committee's mask draw.
The winners are as follows:
National Nursing Week 2021
This past year has challenged us, frightened us, and caused us stress and anxiety. But the one constant sign of hope has been the incredible frontline staff who show up, advocate for and provide hands-on care to our residents, clients and patients in our health care system (hospitals, home care, and long-term care facilities), retirement homes, group homes and private care homes.
Multicultural Mentorship Committee
interview with Justin Kwan
MMC has decided to interview members of our community to highlight multiculturalism in our community, and to discuss the successes and struggles New Canadians face. Here is an interview from the MMC to Justin Kwan, local business owner.
SEIU-West YWC Shine A Light On...211 Saskatchewan
The SEIU-West Young Workers Committee (YWC) is shining a light on issues that often get pushed into the shadows and aims to break down stigma associated with important issues in our communities. For this article, the YWC is focusing on 211 Saskatchewan and is based on an interview between YWC member, Brittney and Andrea Howe, Director of Labour Partnerships & Community Impact with the United Way.
What is 2-1-1 Saskatchewan?
2-1-1 is a free, anonymous, confidential service that connects individuals to human services in the province. 2-1-1 maintains information on over 5,500 listings of social, community, non-clinical health, and government services in Saskatchewan and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
How can 2-1-1 be accessed?
2-1-1 can be reached by phone, through text, through our website, and by chatting through our on-line platform. Help is available in the way that is most comfortable and convenient for the person seeking services.
2-1-1 information is provided by certified information and referral specialists. Anyone can access 2-1-1.
Is 2-1-1 available in different languages?
Yes. 2-1-1 is available in over 175 languages, including 17 Indigenous languages.
Why 2-1-1?
2-1-1 is an important part of United Way’s work across Canada to build strong communities by connecting people to services.
A significant barrier for individuals and families to accessing the services they need is the complexity of finding the information they are looking for. Whether it is finding assistance with basic needs such as food, shelter and employment, looking for support for an aging parent, or trying to find childcare, navigating through all of the information out there can be overwhelming, confusing and ultimately a roadblock to finding support.
Besides serving major urban centers and smaller cities, 211 plays a critical role in providing support to individuals located in rural and remote regions where online services are often beyond reach.
How long has 2-1-1 been available in Saskatchewan?
United Way Saskatoon & Area and United Way Regina collaborated in partnership to bring 2-1-1 service to Saskatchewan to help people get connected to the information and support they need.
In 2014, the on-line database was launched (www.sk.211.ca). In June, 2018, the 2-1-1 service was expanded to include phone, text, and webchat.
What is the impact of 2-1-1?
211 helps first responders, social workers, police, and other service providers find accurate information to direct people to the right resources. Example:
• This December, the Saskatchewan RCMP announced a general duty business card re-print with RCMP contact information on the front (in English and French) and 2-1-1 Saskatchewan information on the back.
• "Front line officers with the RCMP will use the business cards to inform clients of 211 Saskatchewan and provide them with an avenue of outreach when a social issue is beyond our scope of ability to help with”. (Constable Joelle Nieman, Saskatchewan RCMP's Violence Relationship Coordinator)
2-1-1 helps to re-direct non-emergency calls from 9-1-1.
2-1-1 will be able to identify gaps in services and geographical areas based on unmet needs in our communities.
Beyond everyday needs and with further development the 2-1-1 service has the potential to be used for emergency response support as has been proven with the resources required in the Calgary floods or Fort McMurray wildfires, and currently COVID-19.
2-1-1 and COVID:
Existing 2-1-1 services across Canada saw a dramatic increase in the number of people reaching out for help during the first wave. For example, 2-1-1 Saskatchewan experienced a 90% increase in contacts from March to August of 2020 compared to the previous six months. As part of its COVID-19 response, the Government of Canada provided funding to United Way Centraide Canada to increase the capacity and expand access to 2-1-1 services for all Canadian residents. This will be even more valuable as we enter the second wave of the pandemic.
2-1-1 has been available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and most of Quebec. With this Federal investment, 2-1-1 is now available in Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. In Quebec, services are available in some areas, with plans to roll out service across the province in December.
When should I call 2-1-1?
