[Webinar] Supporting Communities Together: Exploring Nav-CARE Volunteers and Community Connectors in Action

Sept 25, 1:00-2:00pm (PT)

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Across the globe, organisations are working tirelessly to support individuals facing declining health and increasing social needs. As populations age and health systems strain under rising demand, the importance of addressing the social determinants of health, alongside medical issues, has never been more urgent.

A growing body of evidence highlights the profound benefits of tackling social factors such as isolation, food and income insecurity, and access to community resources. It has been shown that the outcomes of such action include improved well-being, enhanced health outcomes, and reduced costs for the healthcare system.

In response to this need, two innovative community-based programs – Nav-CARE and Community Connectors (Social Prescribing) – are making huge strides. They offer compassionate, person-centred approaches that empower individuals and strengthen communities.

What is Nav-CARE? Nav-CARE (Navigation: Connecting, Advocating, Resourcing and Engaging) is a free volunteer navigation program that supports persons living with declining health at home or in a home-like setting. These specially trained volunteer navigators serve as companions and advocates, helping individuals and their care partners to access resources, build social connections, and navigate the challenges that come with serious illness in order to improve their overall quality of life. Developed from over a decade of research, Nav-CARE is grounded in a relational, compassionate community approach that complements healthcare services by addressing persons’ social and emotional needs. 

What are Community Connectors? Social Prescribing Community Connectors are professionals who bridge the gap between health and social care. They provide older persons experiencing complex needs with coordinated access to community resources that address a broad range of the social determinants of health, and facilitate referrals within the healthcare system. They are also instrumental in building community networks and strengthening the relationships between the community-based seniors’ services sector, healthcare providers and local government services.  

Join us: The Nav-CARE team (University of British Columbia Okanagan - UBCO) and United Way BC invite you to join them to learn more about these programs and how together, they are building stronger compassionate communities and making a difference to the lives of many.

The session will feature a discussion between leaders from both programs, Dr. Barb Pesut (Co-founder of Nav-CARE, UBCO) and Prabhraj Sandhu (Health Care Systems & Community Specialist, United Way BC). They will offer insights into their unique approaches, explore shared goals, and discuss opportunities to work together to support people with declining health and increasing social needs. 

Following the discussion, real-world insights and practical examples from two individuals - Yola Switkowski (Seniors Community Connector, North Shore Community Resources) and Nicole Tait (Brella Community Services Society) who have put these programs in to practice will be presented. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving you the opportunity to ask questions and reflect on what might work in your own setting.

Sept 25, 1:00-2:00pm (PT)

Register for meeting link

Speakers

• Dr. Barb Pesut, Professor School of Nursing and Nav-CARE Co-Founder (UBC Okanagan)
• Prabhraj Sandhu, Health Care Systems & Community Specialist (United Way British Columbia)
• Yola Switkowski, Seniors Community Connector (North Shore Community Resources)
• Nicole Tait, Director of Community Services (Brella Community Services Society)