Connection
IMPACT
Wainwright & Area
Information. Mentorship. Prevention. Action. Community. Team.
Make an IMPACT, through connection
We encourage you to make connections.
Connect
IMPACT wants to encourage you to connect with yourself, friends, family, and your community.
Monthly
Each month there will be a way to connect and we encourage you to give it a try or recognize how you do it already.
Prizes
Let us know about your connection by heading to our contact us page, and we will put your name in a draw to win a prize.
The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment, and ourselves in that moment!
What do we know?
Some facts about connection and why it’s important.
Connection to people, pets, experiences, and ourselves can
boost our mental health and wellness. It can be mutually beneficial when we share a laugh with a friend, a delicious meal with family, play with a pet or help the community. We can also take time for self-connection when we pause to listen to the birds, read a good book or try a new recipe. No matter how we choose to connect we can reap the benefits.
The Canadian Mental Health Association highlighted research that loneliness is on the rise and a lack of
human connection can be more harmful to health than obesity, smoking and high blood pressure. When we engage in social connection anxiety and depression can be reduced, it helps us regulate our emotions, improves self-esteem and empathy, and can help improve our immune systems.
There are times we may not feel like we have time to connect given busy schedules and when we are tired and feeling stressed, we may just want to be on our own. This is the time that we can connect with ourselves through hobbies, take time in nature, go for a walk, or curl up with popcorn and a good comedy. However we choose to refuel, we need to show ourselves the same compassion that we would someone we care about.
Get Started
We have put the 12 monthly ways to connect on magnets which you can pick up and take at some local restaurants, local libraries, Family Resource Network, FCSS and the Base Gym. Use the magnet to see how to connect each month and remember to tell us about how you decided to connect that month, for a chance to win a prize.
April
May
June
July
August
September
April
Make an IMPACT with Connection – Volunteering
IMPACT encourages you to connect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. Each month there is a different way to make a connection, and for April, the focus is on volunteering!
Volunteering is any act of giving your time with the purpose of supporting and strengthening others’ quality of life or the overall community. In addition to the valuable contribution that volunteering makes to the community, it has also been proven to have many benefits for the individuals engaged in volunteering. These benefits include opportunities to learn new skills, expanded social contacts, reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, decreased feelings of isolation, and a sense of belonging to others and your community.
With busy day-to-day lives, finding the time to dedicate to volunteering can be difficult, but volunteering doesn’t always have to include grueling hours or a long-term commitment. Volunteering can be done in a variety of ways that suit your lifestyle, whether that is traditional methods of volunteering or more non-traditional methods. When you think of volunteering, you may not realize the extensive possibilities that can be included in this role. For example, volunteer your time by putting your crafting skills to the test and challenge yourself to create needed items such as winter items (mittens, toques, scarfs), blankets and stuffed animals to donate to local organizations and shelters. This is one way to volunteer in a non-exhaustive way while still greatly helping those in need (plus crafting can be great for improving your overall health and happiness!). If crafting isn’t your thing, perhaps you would want to try getting involved with local sports teams, a retirement home, or at the library.
While all methods of volunteering are beneficial, it’s important to choose the method that suits your lifestyle best. Before you pick what direction of volunteering you want to go, it can be helpful to spend some time discovering what causes matter most to you, what skills and experiences you have that you want to share, and what your level of commitment and availability are. The right volunteer role can help you find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career. No matter how we choose to connect through volunteering, we can all reap the benefits. This April, we encourage you to go ahead and Make An IMPACT With Connection!
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
May
Make an IMPACT with Connection – Children
IMPACT encourages you to connect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. Each month there is a different way to make a connection, and for May, the focus is on children connecting with children!
We are not meant to go through life alone. Healthy relationships and social connections are important to lifelong wellness and these interactions begin in childhood. As your child grows from a baby into a toddler and then into a teenager and finally an adult, their social networks will shift and change dramatically. Children learn by example so parents play an important role in the development of social connections.
When your child is a baby, healthy social interaction is all about attachment and bonding. Simple ways to bond can include singing, cuddling, soothing them when they cry, reading to them, eye contact, tummy time and so much more.
As your baby grows into a toddler, social connections are starting to be made outside of their primary caregivers and they start to interact with children their age through play. Toddlers will move from parallel play (beside each other without interacting), to cooperative play (small group with the same activity) to rough and tumble play (interaction, taking turns, following simple rules). In early childhood, your child will begin to identify one another as friends. Simple ways to encourage positive relationships can include setting up playdates, respecting your child’s personality and interests and modeling good friendship skills.
As your child grows into a teenager, they spend more time in their social environment. Positive friendships can provide teens with support, companionship, a sense of belonging and lay the groundwork for successful adult relationships. Simple ways to encourage positive connections can include reinforcing the values that are important to you and your family, teaching your teen the importance of being assertive when
necessary, giving your teen room to breathe, and listening first to understand their perspective.
There are various ways in our community to facilitate positive social connections for children. Family Resource Network, Wainwright Public Library, Wainwright on Wellness, Military Family Resource Network and PSP all provide great programming for babies right up through to teenagers. In addition, you can sign your child up to a sports team or have them join a club such as Brownies, Scouts, 4-H or Cadets. Even something as going to a park or campsite will allow children the opportunity to connect with other children. Close relationships are what keep people happy throughout their lives and these begin in childhood. This May, we encourage you to go ahead and Make an IMPACT With Connection!
Source: https://www.all4kids.org/news/blog/social-connection-on-child-development/
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
June
Make an IMPACT with Connection – Nature
IMPACT encourages you to connect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. Each month there is a different way to make a connection, and for June, the focus is on nature!
Did you know as little as 10 minutes a day spent outdoors can have a benefit on your mental and physical health. In fact doctors across Canada are now prescribing nature to some of their patients. PaRx, Canada’s national nature prescription program. With the launch of PaRx in Alberta, the province’s health professionals can now formally prescribe nature to their patients.
Nature brings us to tap into our 5 senses with ease. A recent camping trip to Riverdale Mini Park, was just what the doctor ordered. I was immediately reaping the benefits of spending time outdoors, and realized I could not help but smile, breath, and admire the beauty of the landscape. I noticed the natural ways I tapped into my 5 senses including hearing the birds, the sounds of others enjoying the campground, the ping of a golf ball, and a times the pure enjoyment of stillness and quiet. Seeing the variety of birds, including a momma owl and her 3 babies, perched in trees, the flowing river, and the rolling hills in the river valley on the golf course. The left-over leaves from the fall, and the new growth of spring all bring joy to each season. The feeling of the air in your hair, while out walking, eating outdoors, with the dirt beneath your feet, and the warmth of the sun, brings a sense of grounding and appreciation deep into the soul. The smells first thing in the morning of fresh dew, with a hint of smoke due to the unfortunate forest fires burning out of control, but a part of nature we are aware of both the devastation they cause, but also the new growth it brings. The smell of cooking outdoors and the aroma of bar-b-q’s, and tasty food cooking brings out so much flavor to our tastebuds when enjoying eating outside.
After reflecting on our fist camping trip of the year I would have to agree with the research that is showing the benefits of connecting with nature or simply being outside. According to the McMaster University 7 benefits of spending time in nature are:
1. Increased feeling of calmness
2. Increased endorphin levels and dopamine production (promotes happiness)
3. Restored capacity for concentration and attention
4. Reduced Symptoms of anxiety and depression
5. Reduced irritability
6. Lowered blood pressure and reduced cortisol(stress hormone)
7. Reduced Feelings of anxiety
In summary whether you are out camping, spending time in your back yard, or just walking around your block, nature has something to offer. Wainwright & MD have a wealth of green spaces, walking paths, trails, parks, and campgrounds to explore. Challenge yourself to do a pre and post check in before heading outdoors and after you return to see how you are feeling most likely it will be on the positive side. Enjoy the great outdoors.
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
July
Make an IMPACT with Connection – Smile and wave
We can all be difference makers! The simplicity of a hello, smile and or a wave can make the difference of feeling accepted and acknowledge or feeling down and unnoticed.
There is something magical about the humanity expressed by little ones sitting in a grocery cart, some of whom will naturally gain eye contact with a stranger sharing a smile, hi, wave. I know this brings a smile to my face, warms my heart and immediately is reciprocal. I can think of numerous times the awkwardness of being in an elevator and everyone looking down at their feet, until someone says hi, or gives a gentle smile making room, this kind gesture brings ease to an uncomfortable situation. It brings me back to my childhood and reminds me of the nervous feelings I always had going to school getting on the bus, and the smile, nod, and good morning from my bus driver helped ease the uneasy feelings.
Take some time and reflect on the smiles, hellos and waves you share and receive everyday with complete strangers; how do you feel giving and receiving? Could you make more of an effort? Are you the one that is spreading the joy, contagious to others following your lead?
With smiles, waves, and hellos from you, we are naturally meeting some of the prevention strategies set out by the province for FCSS’s to measure such as: fostering a sense of belonging and promoting social inclusion. Thank you in advance for your simple friendly actions and behaviours; and making a positive impact in our community one smile, wave or hello at a time.
In summary If we were to be as natural as a child to smile and wave in various situations, this world would be a much kinder, accepting and understanding place to live, work and play.
This month- we challenge you to smile and wave to as many people you see.
August
Make and IMPACT with Connection – Neighbors
IMPACT encourages you to connect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. Each month there is a different way to make a connection, and for August, the focus is on Neighbors!
As we navigate our busy lives in the modern world, it’s easy to get caught up in our own routines and overlook the significance of the relationships we share with those who live nearby. This month, we want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of connecting with our neighbors and how it can enrich our lives and our community.
Neighbors are often the first people to lend a helping hand during times of need. Whether it’s borrowing a cup of sugar, looking after your pets while you’re away, or offering assistance in emergencies, having a friendly connection with your neighbors creates a sense of trust and mutual support that can be invaluable. Additionally, a strong sense of community discourages crime and promotes a safe environment for everyone. When neighbors know each other and communicate regularly, they are more likely to look out for one another and report any suspicious activities promptly.
Social connections are essential for our mental and emotional well-being and engaging with neighbors in casual conversations and participating in neighborhood events can provide a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of isolation. Interacting with neighbors from different walks of life can also broaden your horizons and expose you to more diverse perspectives. Sharing experiences and knowledge can be intellectually enriching and help you grow as an individual.
Looking for ways to connect with your neighbors? Check out the Block Party Kits available for FREE at Wainwright FCSS. These Block Party Kits provide a comprehensive checklist, suggested timeframe, invitations, a list of available games, and more! Individuals, on behalf of their neighborhood, can apply for funding of up to $75.00/year to conduct activities designated in their neighborhood. Contact Wainwright FCSS at 780-842-2555 to learn more.
Let’s nurture a sense of community that benefits us all and creates a more vibrant and harmonious neighborhood. This August, we encourage you to go ahead and Make An IMPACT With Connection!
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
September
Make and IMPACT with Connection – Activity
Engaging in a variety of activities is an essential aspect of a fulfilling life. There are many types of activities that can enrich our lives, such as creative endeavors, social events, educational interests, physical movement and more. Activity plays a vital role in helping us lead happy, connected, and balanced lives. The first step in finding the right activity is to take a closer look at what you are already doing in your life. Consider the activities that interest you and the ones that you find enjoyable. From there, you can identify ways to incorporate more, or a variation of these activities into your routine. It’s important to remember that activities do not have to be time-consuming or complicated. Even small actions, such as taking a walk, reading a book, or trying a new recipe, can bring joy and satisfaction to your life. By being intentional about the activities you engage in, you can create a more enriched and gratifying life that aligns with your interests, passions, and values. So, take some time to reflect on what you love to do and start incorporating more of those activities into your daily routine!
Let’s explore the 8 Domains of Wellness to help find activities that suit your life.
1. Spiritual wellness activities and practices can help us develop resilience and a more balanced perspective and a greater ability to navigate life’s ups and downs. Meditation, prayer, attending religious services, reflection and spending time in nature are some examples that keep us feeling grounded and centered.
2. Overall, Occupational wellness provides us with a sense of purpose, enhances our self esteem and contributes to our overall life satisfaction. Some activities to help achieve wellness in this area are setting career goals, taking breaks, seeking professional development opportunities, giving back to your community, and prioritizing self-care. By incorporating these activities, you can improve your overall happiness and find greater satisfaction in your work.
3. Emotional wellness activities are practices and exercises that help us enhance and maintain our emotional wellbeing. These activities focus on cultivating positive emotions, managing difficult emotions, and developing skills to navigate life’s challenges. Some of these activities may include journaling, breathing exercising, using positive affirmations, finding a creative practice, or talking with a friend or counsellor.
4. Social wellness activities can have a positive impact on our daily lives by fostering healthy relationships, promoting a sense of belonging, and helping us to learn better communication skills. Some of the activities that build our social wellness are, joining a club or group, spending time with friends and family or attending events in your community.
5. Physical Wellness is key to maintaining good health and preventing health issues form arising. Engaging in physical activities like exercise, sports, or even daily tasks like gardening, house cleaning, and running errands can help keep your body moving. Along with physical activity,
prioritizing sleep routines and creating a healthy diet can also have a significant impact on your overall well-being.
6. Engaging in Intellectual wellness activities can significantly benefit us in our daily lives by stimulating our minds, expanding our knowledge, and enhancing our curiosity and cognitive abilities. Explore your interests and passions through reading, taking online courses, exploring
creative pursuits, and attending workshops or classes.
7. Environmental wellness activities focus on fostering a healthy relationship with your outside environment and your personal space. Some activities include cleaning and organizing your personal space, gardening, hiking, recycling, reducing waste and energy consumption.
8. Financial wellness activities play a crucial role in improving our daily lives by helping us manage money effectively and reduce stress. Some ways that can benefit us are by creating and sticking with a budget, creating financial goals and plans, investing for your future, and seeking professional advice.
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
October
November
December
February
October
Make and IMPACT with Connection – Caregivers
IMPACT encourages you to connect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. Each month there is a different way to make a connection, and for October, the focus is on Caregivers!
Caregivers, often the unsung heroes in our society, play an essential and invaluable role in the lives of countless individuals. From aiding those with physical or cognitive challenges to offering emotional support and companionship, caregivers contribute significantly to the well-being and quality of life of those they care for.
The bond between caregivers and those they care for is more than just a professional duty; it is often a deep, personal connection built on trust, respect, and empathy. This connection is a two-way street, as both sides benefit from the mutual support and bond it provides. The person receiving care gains not only physical assistance but also emotional solace, knowing that someone genuinely cares about their well-being. For the caregiver, this connection can be equally rewarding. It offers a sense of purpose and fulfilment that comes from making a positive impact on someone’s life. This ongoing, mutual impact of caregivers should stand as a reminder of our shared connection and the importance of helping others during their times of need.
While caregivers provide invaluable support, it is also important to recognize that the nature of their work can be emotionally and physically draining. Caregivers often put the needs of others before their own, which can lead to burnout and compassion fatigue. To continue offering the best care possible, caregivers need their own support networks, including proper self-care and mental health resources.
Are you a caregiver looking for support? Caregivers Alberta offers free, one-on- one caregiver coaching sessions. Whether it’s assistance finding resources, advocating for yourself, or requesting support for your health and well-being, Caregiver Coaches are here to help. For more information, visit: https://www.caregiversalberta.ca/
Let’s nurture a sense of community that benefits us all and creates a more compassionate neighbourhood. This October, we encourage you to go ahead and Make An IMPACT With Connection!
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
November
Make and IMPACT with Connection – Relationships
Throughout our lives, we become involved in many relationships. They may be romantic, familial, platonic, or intimate. When these relationships are healthy, they promote emotional and social wellness, and when they are unhealthy, they may make you feel exhausted and drained. At the heart of every positive relationship lies communication, trust, and mutual respect. These foundational elements form the basis for strong and meaningful connections that enrich our lives in many ways.
When we prioritize building healthy and positive relationships, we open ourselves up to support, love and understanding. Positive relationships contribute to our growth and development, when we surround ourselves with others who inspire us, challenge us, and genuinely care for our well-being we are more likely to flourish and to reach our full potential. When we engage in meaningful interactions with others, we gain new perspectives, learn valuable life lessons, and acquire the emotional support to help navigate through life’s challenges. Positive relationships have a substantial impact on our mental and emotional health.
People who maintain strong social connections are happier, more resilient and are better able to cope with stress. Whether it is a shoulder to lean on, through challenging times or a friend to share our joys with, having positive relationships in our lives provides a sense of belonging and fulfillment that is essential to our overall well-being. It is important to recognize that every connection requires effort and care. Being willing to compromise, actively listening to others and expressing empathy are all vital pieces of healthy relationships. Taking the time to celebrate the achievements of loved ones, and offering support during their low points, helps to strengthen the bonds that hold us together.
Positive relationships extend beyond our personal lives and into the community. By promoting kindness, empathy and understanding in all our interactions, we can contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society. Leading by example and building positive connections with those around us creates a ripple effect that can make a significant impact. Make An IMPACT With Connection!
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
December
Make and IMPACT with Connection – Giving Back
Have you ever thought about the impact of giving back to the community and those around you? It’s pretty amazing how a small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity. Whether it’s volunteering at a local organization such as the food bank, helping a neighbor, or supporting a community event, giving back can make a real difference in people’s lives.
When you give back, you not only help others, but you also contribute to building a stronger, more connected community. It’s all about spreading love and support, and the best part is that it doesn’t have to be a grand gesture to make a meaningful impact. Even the little things, like offering a listening ear or sharing your skills and knowledge, can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
So, let’s make it a point to look out for each other and find ways to give back, no matter how small. Together, we can create a more caring and supportive community where everyone feels valued and supported. Remember, kindness is contagious, so let’s spread it around!
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
February
Make and IMPACT with Connection – Family
IMPACT encourages you to connect with yourself, your friends, your family, and your community. Each month there is a different way to make a connection, and for February, the focus is on Family and connecting with Family!
Family by definition is described as a group of one or more caregivers/parent(s) and their children/dependent(s) living together as a unit.
Families today can be wonderfully diverse and may look different from household to household. Our family unit shapes who we are, and who we’ve become today. Family is important because it is the building blocks to success in life and lays the foundation for future relationships. Family can influence brain development, mental health, overall well-being, and life satisfaction. These outcomes can be either a negative or positive experience depending on your family or the family environment you create.
How can you make these aspects a positive experience in your family unit? How do you encourage clear communication and connection in your family?
Connecting with your family starts with from to birth and impacts you until adulthood. It is important to set aside quality time to do things together. Giving your attention and time to your loved ones, regularly and often. These don’t have to be elaborate or expensive, simple gestures such as reading books to baby, going for a walk to together, making new supper recipes with each other, having mealtimes together and using this time for conversation and discussion. Building bonds in small ways, often.
Solidify family support by keeping communication open. Making discussion time a safe place to share and a place where your loved one feels seen, respected, and heard. This way, your family, especially your children will be welcoming to share the good news and funny stories with you AND will be the first to turn to you for support with the harder, more challenging discussions life tends to throw at us. Knowing they have a support system will make these times easier.
There are many fun ways in our community to encourage healthy family support, connection, and quality time. Such as, but not limited to; Family Resource Network, FCSS, Wainwright Public Library, Wainwright on Wellness, Military Family Resource Network, the town of Wainwright, offers numerous activities (which can be found on their website) and events for families. In addition, you can access the Communiplex for family swim nights, watch hockey games, indoor playground, or live theater showings. Or take advantage of the paved walking/bike paths and beautiful splash park or playgrounds which will allow families the opportunity to connect with other families. The golf course is open year-round for in and outdoor play, boxing club, fitness centers, field courts, curling, bowling and movie theater are some other options families may find fun to invest in, to encourage the deep family connection.
Close healthy family relationships are vital for a healthy successful society and is what keeps your family feeling supported and happy throughout their lives. This February, we encourage you to go ahead and Make an IMPACT With Family!
Submitted by:
Coalition Member
You can win!
Don’t forget to email Impact about how you decided to connect each month by following the prompts above and you’ll be entered for the chance to win a special prize!
