HUB COMMITTEES
Hub Projects are taken on by Hub Committees, issue-based, action-oriented groups made up of representatives from the Council, Partner Organizations, and the community. They meet as needed to focus attention on particular issues or activities by sharing information, suggesting to the Council what approaches might work, and planning events. They act on behalf of seniors to bring attention to issues and gaps in services. Their work engages businesses, government agencies, non-profit agencies, and the public in moving towards a community where seniors can have their needs met and age well.
At this time, Hub Committee members are all collaborating as a Working Group on the multifaceted Building Capacity Dementia Ventures project so for action consider Getting Involved!
ACCESS & MOBILITY COMMITTEE
Identifies seniors’ concerns and needs regarding access and mobility
Develops strategies to address those concerns
Engages Partner Organizations in coordinated action to keep seniors active and safe within their neighbourhoods
WHAT HAVE WE DONE?
We recently completed Walk and Be Seen – Neighbourhood Projects 2017 – 2018. This was a pedestrian visibility project that encourages seniors to walk and be more visible during low-light hours. It reached >600 participants with education and visibility gear wiith funding from the federal New Horizons for Seniors Program. The final report is here.
To stay informed about current issues, we send a representative to connect with the City of Vancouver Seniors Advisory Committee and to Seniors' Transportation is a Right meetings.
HEALTH & WELLNESS COMMITTEE
Identifies key physical, social, and mental health issues of Westside Seniors
Prioritizes needs and find ways to address them through collaboration with Westside Seniors Hub Council, Hub Partners, other seniors serving organizations, and the community
Promotes awareness of seniors’ needs and advocate for change
WHAT HAVE WE DONE?
Through a partnership with the Alzheimer Society of BC, the Committee has offered two series of workshops to train more than 100 participants in how to create a more dementia-friendly community. Community members, volunteers & staff of the Hub's Westside Partners participated in the workshops.
In 2019, we initiated a collaboration with UBC and Lakehead University for active grassroots participation in the 4-year federally PHAC-funded umbrella project for Dementia Ventures.
COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE
Provides resources for people who want to learn more about seniors’ serving organizations and their services on Vancouver’s Westside.
Creates online and print materials that are accessible to seniors, care partners, and the general public
Recruits volunteers withskills in website development & maintenance, photography, messaging, and publishing.
WHAT HAVE WE DONE?
With a New Horizons for Seniors Program grant, we consulted with seniors for input on the Hub design of a logo, website, and print materials and conducted quality testing. We developed a Communications Plan for rolling out and maintaining the website.
The website is now being updated to showcase Dementia Ventures and the projects that Partners are initiating. Our communications invite more Partners, Council members and volunteers to join the Hub for collective action on issues affecting seniors!