Alex Evanshen (right), Chair of the North Shore Sunshine Coast Council, emceed the forum, which included Ross Chilton, CLBC CEO (left).
Self-advocate leaders knew they’d hit upon a topic that everyone wanted to know more about, when they had to close registration to a forum on aging, nearly a month before the event.
Families, self-advocates and care givers in North Vancouver had an opportunity to learn from each other and service providers at a standing-room-only forum on aging, on October 11, 2023. The event was co-hosted by Community Living Society.
Those at the forum heard from a parent on her struggles, a self-advocate caring for an aging parent, and from the Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction. Other speakers included CLBC’s manager of Service and Community Development, and representatives from the Family Support Institute, Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network (PLAN) BC and the Community Living Society.
Shelley Nessman,
Director of Family Support and Leadership for PLAN, led a talk about the things that make up a good life, including friends and family, a caring community, a place to call home and a plan for the future.
Speakers acknowledged that aging, of both family caregivers and those who receive funding from CLBC, is a pressing issue. They also shared resources on aging.
More information to support people and families as they age can be found at these links:
Aging Resources – Community Living BC
PLAN Institute – Empowering people with disabilities to lead a good life
Information on Personal Support Networks from PLAN
Community Councils
Members of CLBC Community Council across B.C. make a difference in many ways, including hosting community forums like this one. They help build awareness of the importance of having a community where everyone belongs.
Learn more about Community Councils here, including how to volunteer as a member.
