People may shy away from talking about anxiety, but we need to understand it is common AND there are ways to mitigate its impact. Financial worries, relationship or work stress, even something like a stranger passing by can be the trigger. Imagine Laserworks helps you reduce the effects of anxiety and the impact of it on your life. We allow you to regain focus and control by helping promote hormonal equilibrium and balanced endorphin production. No drugs, no needles, non-judgmental support. The effects can often be felt before you even leave the office.
Community News
November Events for Seniors at RDPL
Symphony at the Snell with RDSO (November 2)
Red Deer Cancer Connect (November 5 and 19)
Bring, Brag, Break with the Alberta Genealogical Society (November 9)
Readers’ Theatre ( November 21)
Sip n’ Stitch ( November 21)
55+ Social Club: Hallmark Movie Night (November 25)
Downtown Walk & Talk (every Tuesday at 12:15 p.m.)
Travel Memories (first Wednesday of each month)
First Thursday Concert Series (first Thursday of each month)
Book Clubs (various dates/times)
For full details, visit rdpl.org/events
Elevate Your Style
Wigs offers endless possibilities for self-expression and versatility. Whether you’re experimenting with bold colors, trying out a new length, or enhancing your everyday look, wigs allow you to transform your appearance effortlessly. They provide an opportunity to refresh your style without committing to permanent changes. From sleek, straight styles to voluminous curls, a wig can complement any outfit or occasion. Wigs also offer a practical solution for thinning hair or hair loss, boosting confidence and providing a flawless, polished look. With the right wig, you can enhance your personal style and explore new trends easily.
Better at Home Services
Better at Home supports seniors by meeting their non-medical needs. By providing assistance with these simple, day-to-day tasks, Better at Home assures older adults continue to live independently in their own homes and remain connected to their communities. Services vary from community to community but may include the following:
• Friendly Visitors
• Transportation
• Light Housekeeping
• Grocery Shopping
For assistance: Elizabeth at 604-531-9400 Ext. 201 Email: [email protected]
Join Today
Brella Society allows individuals to stay engaged in the community even if it is from the comfort of their own home. We offer programs that stimulate an individual’s cognition, provide emotional support, food security and physical activities. Our priority is the well-being of the older adults in our community; therefore, we take initiative in advocating for them and assisting them in navigating support. Please visit brellasociety.ca for more information.
Volunteer Training
We have a volunteer training session coming up on November 27. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please check out our website for the volunteer form and sign up for the training sessions. If you need any further assistance, contact: [email protected] or call: 250-871-5940.
Staying Social with Hearing Loss
For someone with hearing loss, social situations are challenging. Help improve communication with them by following these simple tips: • Gain their attention before you begin talking. • Speak naturally & don’t shout. Speak distinctly, at a normal rate, using pauses to give the person time to process speech. • Keep your hands away from your face while talking. • Avoid sudden changes of topic. And if the subject is changed, tell them what you are talking about now. • Seat them where they can see as many faces as possible. • Check in. If you think your listener may not be following, convey the information again in shorter, clearer sentences.
New Name, Expanded Mission
Comox Valley Senior Support has been providing services to vulnerable seniors for over 35 years. A year ago, we were approached by the United Way of BC to take responsibility for the Better at Home program in the Campbell River area. With this expanded role, we decided that it was time to come up with a more inclusive name. As of November 1, 2025, we are officially Senior Support North Vancouver Island, but will use Senior Support as our day to day name. Our office address will stay the same, but our contact info has changed. To contact the office email: [email protected] or call: 250-871-5940.
Senior Support Programs – Comox Valley
In the Comox Valley, Senior Support will have four programs: Friendly Visitor, Navigate (formerly Senior Information and Access), Caregiver Support and Grief & Loss.
Senior Support Programs – Campbell River
In Campbell River, we now offer the Better at Home Program that provides some light housecleaning and grocery delivery. We also have the Seniors Information and Volunteer Hub, which will begin in January 2025.The Hub will be a reliable information service that will assist seniors, families, caregivers, and all community members with accessing information and navigating local services for seniors. The HUB will offer one-to-one service, so that you feel welcome and know that someone is interested in listening.
Remembrance Day
On November 11 we remember the people that have served, and continue to serve, our country in times of war, conflict and peace. By remembering, we thank them for the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom and pay homage to those that respond to their country’s needs.
Where your poppy, pause for two minutes of silent tribute and take the opportunity to attend a commemorative ceremony in memory of those who died for our freedoms. Check the Royal Canadian Legion to find out about ceremonial events taking place.
Elimination of Violence Against Women & Children
November 25th is Interntional Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Children. DEFINITION:
Interpersonal violence directed against a person because of that person’s gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. It is the types of abuse that women, girls, Two Spirit, transgender and non-binary people are at highest risk of experiencing. Women and gender diverse people are at high risk of gender based violence due to the additional discrimination and barriers they face. This includes women with disabilities, Indigenous women, racialized women, transgender, non-binary people, women who are homeless, or under-housed. It can happen in romantic relationships, families, at work, and between friends and acquaintances or strangers.
THE IMPACT OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE IN CANADA
It cost lives: In 2022, 184 women and girls were violently killed, primarily by men. One woman or girl is killed every 48 hours in Canada (Canadian Femicide Observatory for Justice and Accountability, 2022).
• The Toll: On those who are harmed is significant. It is a source of vicarious trauma. Children who witness violence in the home have twice the rate of psychiatric disorders as children from on-violent homes. (Eve Bender, Psychiatric News, 2004).
• The Cost: It costs billions of dollars: 7.5 billion to deal with the aftermath of inter-personal violence alone (Department of Justice, 2009).
• Can carry over into the workplace: Threatening a women’s ability to maintain economic independence. More than half (53%) of study respondents who experienced violence said that at least one type of abusive act happened at or near their workplace. Almost 40% of those who had experienced abuse. said it made it difficult for them to get to work, and 8.5% said that they lost their jobs because of it (Jennifer C.D. MacGregor et al., Safety and Health at Work, 2016).
• Become Abusers themselves. Children may be more likely to use substances themselves, engage in abusive behaviour, or fall victim to abusive behaviour in their own personal relationships, when they grow up in these environments.
(part 2)
The Link Between Substance Abuse & Intimate Partner Violence.
Substance use is a factor in many cases of intimate partner violence – either for the abusive partner, the person being abused, or both. The use of substances by one or both partners substantially increases the risk.
The link between intimate partner violence and substance use is complex. Although many people may feel tempted to blame violent behaviour on drugs or alcohol, substance use is not the cause of intimate relationships, although it is highly correlated. Heavy drinking contributes to perpetration of violence, including increased risks of intimate partner violence and sexual assault. Alcohol use in particular is a risk factor associated with sexual violence and intimate partner violence.
Women are more likely than men to suffer from their partner’s drinking behavior and harmful consequences. The effects of alcohol use on male perpetrators may also increase the severity of aggression toward a female partner. In the case of mutual abuse there is more physical damage to women’s bodies in a physical conflict situation. If women are abusing drugs and alcohol they are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence as well as when both partners are abusing drugs and alcohol. The risk of serious injury or death in an abusive relationship increases when an abuser(s) are using drugs or alcohol.
Signs of a Woman Experiencing Violence: Think the abuse is their fault. Hide the abuse from friends and family. Fear for their life or the lives of their children. Believe that the abuser is all-knowing and can see their every movement.
WHERE TO GO FOR HELP
• Provincial Adult Addictions Information line (toll free) at 1-855-662-6605
• 24-hour province-wide Domestic Violence Crisis Line (toll free) at 1-877-977-0007
• Manitoba Justice Victim Services (toll free) at 1-866-484-2846.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.
You are not responsible for the actions of your partner. With the right supports, you can stop the cycle of abuse.
