Punjabi Community Health Services

Newsletter

PCHS receives Bhayana Award

June 2017

Message From the Executive TeamJune 2017

Phone: 905-677-0889, Fax: 905-677-9141www.pchs4u.com

When immigrants come to Canada, they come with their lived experiences. Often these experiences are either detrimental to the clients or these experiences don’t bring the same rewards as they did back home. So, the immigrants are confronted with new learnings and adopting new contradicting behaviours.

Some immigrants are able to adopt the new world view while others struggle to accept new learnings. Often immigrants go through a phase of judgement as to what is acceptable as new and what is not. And, this judgement brings with it new stresses and challenges. Some examples to illustrate these points: In many developing nations, forceful arguments are needed to convince the bureaucratic system to pay attention to ordinary folks. While, often we do not need to use strong arguments to get the job done in Canada. However, the force of habit often lands the new immigrants in hot water as they use argumentative approach. Within certain cultures two dominant behaviours can be seen based on their experiences back home as they interact with the ‘bureaucratic system’. Either the new immigrants are very passive or they are very aggressive. This behaviour can also be noted amongst refugees as well. As service providers, we need to be in tune of these subtleties so that we are able to not only provide services but also educate them about how Canadian ‘system’ functions.

At PCHS, working with newcomers, education and skill based training is imparted. For example, how to access system of help. What are the major themes in our healthcare, education, legal, and social service sector. By themes, we mean that in healthcare, clients need to understand what constitutes an emergency and or how to access a medical professional. In education, the theme could be that schools want the parents to become involved in their child’s school and education, and in legal system, what is the role of police and the lawyers. Finally, how does one access social services and what is required to qualify for those services. If we can educate our newcomers to become ‘civically’ involved then these newcomers will participate in our democratic institutions more readily. We have been hearing from many long-term residents that they still don’t know what level of services are provided by the Region, the City, the Province and the Federal government.

At PCHS, education to newcomers goes hand in hand with serving them.

Baldev Mutta ,CEOAmandeep Kaur, COOAnu Randhawa, DOO

2 Punjabi Community Health Services

PCHS Addictions Case Managers, Harinder Sahota and Prabhjot Gidda presented at Ontario’s biggest AMHO Conference discussing topics around addictions and opioids. The annual conference was attended by over 350 delegates, and offered 48 concurrent sessions, facilitated by 150 speakers. Prabhjot and Harinder’s presentation discussed Family as a Client. “Family members frequently do not know how to bring up the issue of addiction therapy, and opt to ignore the problem for fear of pushing their loved ones away during a confrontation or

intervention. Our services enable those who are suffering with addictions issues to seek help, help them become healthier, provide coping skills, and tools to make healthier choices. Sahara Men’s Group is a linguistically and culturally appropriate psycho-educational program for South Asian men. The group addresses ‘substance abuse’ and ‘Domestic violence behaviour’ issues simultaneously. In addition, this group works closely with women and other extended family members and provides holistic care to the entire family.”—Prabhjot Gidda.

PCHS presents at Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) Conference, May 28-30, 2017

Image source: http://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/mothers-day-ideas/mothers-day-quotes/

Images provided by: AMHO

3June 2017

Continued from page 3

ALS – which is known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease is an illness that damages the motor neurons which are essential in the well being of the voluntary muscles. This leads to muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, talking and breathing alone. Eventually the body systems collapse and it is a fatal condition. As of now there is no permanent cure for this illness nor is there a known definite cause that would instigate this illness. In Canada June is ALS awareness month and there are many fundraisers and events (like Walk for ALS) that you can partake in so there is more funding put towards finding the cure and causes for this disease. Source: http://walkforals.ca/

Suggested Reading:Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom is an inspirational book about an individual suffering from ALS and motivates us to have a meaningful life. “So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they’re busy doing things they think are important. This is because they’re chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” -Mitch Albom, Tuesdays with Morrie

Every June in Canada it is Heart and Stroke awareness month. Heart disease affects Canadians heavily as statistically every 7 minutes someone dies from heart disease or a stroke. Heart disease is essentially any issue affecting the heart and stopping it from working the best it can. Strokes on the other hand are when there is a blood clot stopping the blood from going to the brain which damages brain cells. This harms the brain depending on how severe the clot was. Strokes can lead to impairment, the risk of

having another stroke and/or death.June is dedicated to raising awareness and getting Canadians to learn the benefits of living a healthy and active life to avoid heart complications. Eating healthy and staying active is a great way to lower the blood pressure and avoid heart complications. Teaching your kids early the importance of staying healthy will be easier to maintain later on.Source: http://www.heartandstroke.ca/

Kulroop Singh, Summer Student-Operations

Kulroop Singh, Summer Student-Operations

June is ALS Awareness Month

June is Heart and Stroke Awareness month

4 Punjabi Community Health Services

Mental Health Forum- June 18, 2017

PCHS’s Mental Health Forum provides an opportunity for members of the community to become aware of the difficulties that the South Asian community faces with mental health and how to improve it. In the Mental Health Forum 2017, professionals like Debbie Grant, nutritionist with Four Corners; Harvir Grewal, Kundalini Yoga instructor; Aman Virk, mental Health Case Manager PCHS and Shanjot Singh, Addictions Case Manager, PCHS provided information on

topics such as nutrition, addiction, meditation, and spirituality. Harvir Grewal guided the participants through breathing exercises and yoga which are widely used to improve mental health. Lastly, Shawn Mccullough performed beautiful Spoken Word pieces which were inspired by struggle with mental health. The PCHS Mental Health team did an amazing job with organizing this informative event, and we look forward to Mental Health Forum 2018!

Simrat Atwal, Summer Student-Social Work

5June 2017

Sumit Rai, Settlement/Intake Coordinator

Seniors of the Mississauga and Brampton PCHS Wellness Program went for a day trip to Niagara Falls on Thursday June 8th2017. Three air conditioned buses loaded with seniors started from 50 Sunny Meadow and took the detour by Square One and Malton location. They travelled down Highway 403 and then along theNiagara Parkway towards Niagara-on-the-Lake where they reached their first halting place,the famous Floral Clock.The journey was very comfortable though the weather was quite hot.Manjeet and Jagdish, assisted by a few volunteers, were the coordinators and incharge of the trip. All the participants were given breakfast snacks and a water bottle when the buses moved.

Seniors spent about three hours at the Floral Clock area that was well developed, having all the amenities like washrooms and seating provision etc. They first examined the beautiful clock and the intricate designs on the face of the Floral Clock that had been created with up to 16,000 carpet bedding of beautiful plants. Then all the seniors split into groups and found benches and shady areas in the nearby parks to enjoy their food, and subsequently had a little siesta. After the siesta they explored the area, and finding a suitable place, they took part in dancing, singing and had fun. At 2 pm buses took them on to Niagara Falls.Niagara Falls are a magnificent, awe inspiring NATURAL PHENOMEN where several million people visit each year to witness more than 168,000 cubic meters of water tumble over the

edge every minute. Here the seniors were allowed to move in convenient groups, enjoy the beauty of the falls and see other interesting places at their will like “Journey Behind The Falls’ Niagara’s Fury, White Water Walk, Whirlphool Aero Car, Hornblower Niagaracruises And Mistrider Zipline &Whirlpool Adventure Course’. They were further advised that during this exploring adventure period of about 3 hours, if feeling tired, they can rest at one of the restaurants situated close to Horseshoe Falls. There they could sip coffee/tea etc. and take some eatable as per their taste and come back at 5:45 pm because the buses would proceed homewards at 6 pm. At 5:45 pm the seniors with their glowing faces were feeling extremely happy and boarded the buses for return journey. On the way they narrated their rich experiences about what they saw and how they enjoyed the trip, as if they were returning after participating in 150 years celebration of Canada. Further they requested the coordinators that one regular session of wellness program be utilized for celebration of 150 years of Canada by discussing Canadian history, its culture and its contributions in various fields of world affairs as well as the functioning of multiculturalism in Canada.Manjeet and Jagdish took several snaps of the event and looked after the seniors very carefully. Both of them and their volunteers deserve a pat on their back.

Mulkh Raj Monga, Member of Mississauga PCHS Wellness Program

PCHS SENIORS FORESEE NEW VISION IN CANADA150th CELEBRATION

6 Punjabi Community Health Services

7June 2017

PCHS receives Bhayana Award at United Way’s AGM- June 27, 2017

PCHS employee Nirlep Gill was honored with the Bhayana Family Foundation Award at this year’s United Way of Peel Region’s Annual General Meeting. The award recognizes extraordinary contributions made by frontline staff and is made possible through a generous donation by Madan and Raksha M. Bhayana. This year PCHS nominated Nirlep Gill, Peer Support Worker – Addictions and Shashi Parth, Program Support for Langar on Wheels for their dedication, creativity and team spirit to contribute towards making a better community for all of us. In the words of RakshaBhayana, the awards are a “celebration of social architects of Peel region.” PCHS is proud of its staff!

Image provided by Ekta Choksi, Finance Manager PCHS

From left: Anita Stellinga, Interim President and CEO, United Way of Peel Region with Nirlep Gill, Peer Support Worker-Addictions, PCHS with other recipients of the Bhayana Award.

8 Punjabi Community Health Services

Image provided by Ekta Choksi, Finance Manager PCHS

Father’s DayKulroop Singh, Summer Student-Operations

June 18th2017 is Father’s day, a lovely day to celebrate the father figure in the family. This day was started in 1909 (but not made official until 1972) as a woman named Sonora Dodd was listening to a Mother’s day sermon in church and figured there should be a day to recognize the hard work of dads. Sonora’s mother had died during birthing so she was singlehandedly raised by her father, thus the appreciation. It was also said that Father’s

day has been around since the Middle Ages – that celebrating father figures was especially important since they were most often the providers for the family. Obviously, in today’s modern society that is different, but it is still a day full of love and gratitude for our dads! Source: http://www.livescience.com/10697-father-day-turns-100.html

9June 2017

Understanding & Dealing with “DOUBT” ( PUNJABI )

presentation by Baldev Mutta, CEO PCHS

The SAHARA Men’s Group program has been in existence since July 1995. It is a linguistically and culturally appropriate psycho-educational 16 week group program for South Asian men. The group addresses “substance abuse” and “violence behaviour” issues simultaneously. In addition, this group works closely with women and other extended family members and provides holistic care to the entire family. An interim report is provided upon request by the referral source and each participant receives a completion certificate upon successful completion of the 16 week group program.

PCHS on

10 Punjabi Community Health Services

PCHS participates in William Osler’s Multi-Faith and Diversity Day: Building Community Partnerships- June 2017

Gurwinder Gill, William Osler’s Regional Director, invited PCHS to a three-day outreach event to increase awareness about the importance of linguistically and culturally appropriate health services. PCHS attended this three-day event on June 27th, June 28th, and June 29th at the Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General

Hospital, and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health & Wellness respectively. This was an important opportunity to promote our inclusive services and learn more about services/agencies in the Peel community. Thank you to those who participated in this initiative!

Simrat Atwal, Summer Student-Social Work

Image provided by William Osler Health Partners

11June 2017

PCHS Welcomes Canada Summer Students 2017!

Prabhjot Gill, Summer Student-Social Work

Rajdeep Boparai, Summer Student-Operations

Kulroop Singh, Summer Student-Operations

My name is Kulroop Singh and I am a summer student here at PCHS.I am 19 years old and I will be starting my third year of university in the fall at Queen’s

University. My major is Political Studies and with this I would either like to work with the government or go to law school in the future. My hobbies include travelling

to new places, watching movies, hanging out with friends and exploring new foods. I’m thankful to be working at such an amazing place like PCHS as it gives me a lot of insight and experience. The work I do here helps me learn more about administration and social work, something that will help me in the future.

Hi! My name is Prabhjot Gill, I am currently going into my third year of studies at the University of Guelph-Humber. I am working towards my Bachelor of

Applied Science in Family and Community Social Services and a Social Service Workers’ Diploma. At PCHS I work in the Family Enhancement Program.Through

the program I am developing a great degree of knowledge and understanding while gaining practical experience. My future goals are to continue my education in the social work field by obtaining a Masters in Social Work as well as to travel around the world. All in all, it is a great pleasure working at PCHS and I am very grateful to be a part of the team!

Well hello there, my name is Rajdeep Boparai and I am currently working as a summer student at PCHS. Last year I was accepted to McMaster engineering

as a full time student.I got the opportunity to join PCHS through a friend of mine and I must say it has been an exceptional journey so far. Beinga part of this organization

has helped me to learn skills, tips and tricks that very few 18 year olds have an access to. In the future, I aspire to one day become an entrepreneur, starting my own business that will benefit the community. I am looking forward to the upcoming weeks at PCHS.

12 Punjabi Community Health Services

Simrat Atwal, Summer Student-Social Work

Ansjyot Kapoor, Summer Student-HR and Admin

Kulroop Singh, Summer Student-Operations

My name is Simrat Atwal and I am entering my third year in Honours Science in Psychology and Biology at the University of Waterloo. I am currently on my

first co-op term and I have joined PCHS as a social worker in the Mental Health team. I am passionate about mental health and I wish to pursue a career in psychiatry

or research in clinical psychology. The Mental Health team has provided me with an abundance of knowledge and practical experience about the reality of those who are impacted by mental illness. I look forward to continuing to strive for excellence and spread awareness about mental health in our South Asian community with PCHS.

Hi! My name is Ansjyot Kapoor. I am a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) student at George Brown College

in collaboration with Ryerson University. It has always been a goal of mine to obtain Summer Student job opportunity with PCHS because not only it places the

needs of individuals as a top priority, but also is an accredited organization with CARF International and Imagine Canada. In the past, I volunteered with PCHS at the Seniors Health Mela for three years and also volunteered with Child Minding at the Sahara Women’s Group and Parenting Sessions. I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Tree Planting and International Women’s Day events which I enjoy very much every year. I am attending the International Women’s Day event for the past 6 years and it is a rewarding experience.Given this summer student job opportunity, I have been able to work with the staff more closelywhich has allowed me to make stronger connections and be familiar with the work environment. Making a difference in people’s lives and bringing them hope and cheer is not something that you can achieve in just about any career. In the future, my passion is to work in the health care setting as a nurse. I find this program incredibly satisfying which will allow me to act in a way that is consistent with my principles. Being able to help and support people on every day basis is something I look up to doing in the future.

13June 2017