In this issue
Welcome to HeretoHelp Within Reach! HeretoHelp Within Reach is a quarterly newsletter that highlights resources from HeretoHelp and the BC Partners for Mental Health and Substance Use Information.
From the BC Partners
2022 HeretoHelp Survey
Please share your thoughts on the HeretoHelp website in a short survey so we can improve the site to better meet our users' needs. BC residents can enter a draw to win a $50 gift card! [Thank you for your responses! The survey is now closed]
Housing as a Human Right issue of Visions Journal
Safe, adequate housing is a critical component of health and well-being, for both physical health and mental health. It helps people live with dignity and respect, and feel included in communities regardless of their income or net worth. However, far too many people are excluded from a safe, dignified home—or any home, in some cases. In this issue of Visions, writers share how poor housing impacts so many aspects of a person’s life, how secure housing can help people weather life's ups and downs, and how housing that recognizes cultural, social, and other needs builds communities. Read the issue at www.heretohelp.bc.ca/visions/housing-as-a-human-right-vol17.
Into the great outdoors
Growing research shows us that spending time outside is an important tool in managing stress, improving mood, improving symptoms of mental illnesses, improving cognition, and even managing physical health problems like cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes. (Want to learn more? Check out Nurtured by nature from the American Psychological Association at www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature.)
As the weather moves towards to spring, take advantage of warmer days to explore your local parks, green spaces, trails, beaches, and mountains. You don't need to go on a difficult hike into the backcountry to see the benefits—spending time outside in a park or walking trail near your home or work is a great place to start.
Not everyone has easy access to nature, and the programs below help British Columbians get outside.
PaRx
PaRx is a nature prescription program where licenced healthcare providers in BC (and other provinces) can prescribe time outdoors to help people manage their physical and mental health. Patients who participate earn entries for monthly draws and can access free admission to local green spaces like the UBC Botanical Gardens and Nitobe Memorial Garden. Healthcare providers can also prescribe a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, which covers admission to national parks. To learn more about the program and find resources on the health benefits of time in nature, visit www.parkprescriptions.ca.
Parks Canada access for new citizens
New Canadian citizens receive free admission to Parks Canada national parks, national historic sites, and national marine conservation areas for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship's Canoo app. Visit www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission/cultur to learn more.
BC Parks Social Services Camping Fee Exemption
Children in the BC Ministry of Children and Family Development's At Home Program, adults who receive PWD through BC Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction, and adults who receive PWD through Indigenous Services Canada can access free frontcountry camping at BC Parks campsites. Visit bcparks.ca/fees/disability.html to learn how to access this program.
Take a Hike Foundation
Take a Hike Foundation partners with school districts to work with vulnerable youth who struggle in the mainstream school system. With Take a Hike, youth receive an individualized education plan as well as counselling and mental health supports, regular time outdoors and opportunities to build wilderness skills, and regular volunteer work in the community. Take a Hike is currently available in Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta, Saanich, Nanaimo, Cowichan, and West Kootenay. For more information or to learn about intake, visit www.takeahikefoundation.org.
Are you ready to get outside and enjoy all that our beautiful province has to offer? Stop by North Shore Rescue's education resources at www.northshorerescue.com/education/ for more on the 10 Essentials, staying safe, and finding help if you need it.
