METIS SETTLEMENTS FASD NETWORK NEWSLETTER: THIRD EDITION WHAT YOU WILL FIND IN THE 3RD EDITION OF OUR NEWSLETTER Mocktails over cocktails - CANFASD Guidelines to remember Subscribe to our mailing list! www.metissettlementsfasd.ca www.metissettlementsfasd.ca Message from the Network Coordinator Tansi, I hope this message finds you safe and healthy. As we approach the end of 2020, I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support, not only for each other but also for the FASD Network during these trying times. It is no secret that the COVID 19 pandemic has taken a toll on everyone, I want to remind you that we are in this together and as we navigate. In this issue, we have information with respect to resources, services, research and other materials that can inform and provide support to frontline staff, caregivers, and parents. Wishing you all a safe and Happy Holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! www.metissettlementsfasd.ca Lakeland Centre for FASD – Mothers-to-be Mentorship Program The Lakeland Centre for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) provides FASD services including: Prevention, Diagnosis, and Intervention Services. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that occurs when an individual is prenatally exposed to alcohol; recent studies show that 4% of Canadians have FASD. The Mothers-to-be Mentorship Program is a free, non-judgemental, 100% voluntary, one-on-one support program that assists women to have and raise healthy babies. We know that the women who come to the program are dealing with various situations; they will never be asked to leave the program due to a setback or relapse. This FASD prevention program is for women who are pregnant, are planning to become pregnant or who have recently given birth and are dealing with alcohol and/or drug use and want to make a real, positive change for their future. Mentors have the flexibility to do whatever it takes to help the people in their care. This can involve finding alcohol and drug treatment, connecting mothers to community resources, and stabilizing their lives by connecting to community resources that can provide clothing, shelter and healthcare. Service providers working with women and addictions need to be flexible. Our Mothers-to-be Mentor’s carefully guide and navigate the women they serve through several systems. These systems may include: Justice, Child Welfare, Family Court and Treatment. These systems can be worrisome for the client to navigate on her own; it can feel like everyone is talking over and ordering the woman around. Mother’s to be Mentors help women to navigate this confusing journey. The woman is the driver of the car; the Mentor is simply helping to direct the woman using her (the client’s personal goals). Each woman will have a different kind of service in the Mentorship program, this is because each woman’s needs and goals are unique to her situation. Who can access the mentorship program? Any person who is pregnant or has recently given birth in the last year and has used drugs or alcohol at any time during pregnancy. Women who wish to make positive changes in their lives and their children's lives. Mentors work using a non-judgmental and harm reduction approach. The Mothers-to-be Mentorship program is available across the Lakeland Region, with Mentors in Fishing Lake Metis Settlement, Elizabeth Metis Settlement, Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement, and Kikino Metis Settlement. To connect with your local Mothers-to-be Mentor call the Lakeland Centre for FASD at 780-594-9905 or toll free 1-877-594-5454. www.metissettlementsfasd.ca Northwest FASD Society** (City of Grande Prairie) Peavine East Prairie Gift Lake Northwest Peace FASD Network – has an active Mobile FASD Diagnostic Clinic. We have clinics in the following areas: High Prairie Peace River Grande Cache Grande Prairie and all surrounding areas. We also serve the Metis Settlements of Peavine, Gift Lake and East Prairie. If there is anyone who is interested in being referred (or referring someone else) for FASD Diagnostic Assessment, please contact : Jen Duperron-Trydal at 780-533-5444 for more information. Our FASD Prevention Facilitator has some great sessions starting soon: Caregivers or Parents Presentations: Mental Health and the Family – Options to get help for your loved one with potential mental health problems. Sleep Issues and Managing Behaviors – Learn how sleep minimizes emotions that cause self-harm and harm to others. Self-Care - Do you do enough to prevent caregiver fatigue or burnout? Ensuring Safety – Ideas to help keep our children, youth, adults safe when affected by FASD Managing Grief and Loss – Understanding how to accept when your child, youth or adult struggle to measure up to society's expectations. Increasing Friendship and Fun – How to help your child/youth or adult increase friendships and find fun to relieve the daily stresses of life. All sessions are 40 minutes or less. There is no cost in our service areas. Please contact Leanne at leanne@nwfasd.com or 780-533-5462 for more information. Currently offered through Zoom. www.metissettlementsfasd.ca Upcoming FASD Training Opportunities The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is hosting a free virtual workshop on February 3, 2021 to address the important role of front-line service providers in screening for alcohol use during pregnancy and supporting women throughout pregnancy. SAVE THE DATE - Registration opens January 4, 2021 *Spaces are limited and will be available on a first-come basis. Register by signing up for an email reminder and be notified once registration opens in January. This workshop includes expert guest speakers, a lived experience presentation, opportunities for discussion, and an interactive virtual learning experience! Participants will receive a certificate of attendance and a package including evidence-based screening tools. Here is the link to the Eventbrite page: VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR FRONT-LINE SERVICE PROVIDERS Tickets, Wed, Feb 3, 2021 at 1:15 PM | Eventbrite The 2021 Symposium is a virtual event. Attendees will be able to participate online (virtually) from home or office from all parts of Canada and the United States. The Regular rate is $125 CAD and is available until the registration cut-off of January 15, 2021 For more information visit: FASD Symposium Registration Information | ABLE2 Leanne Aspen, FASD Prevention Conversation Facilitator Gwen Vekved, Executive Director NW Peace FASD Network NW Peace FASD Network Grande Prairie, AB Email: leanne@nwfasd.ca Ph: ( 780) 533-5462 Grande Prairie, AB Email: kim@nwfasd.ca Ph: ( 780) 533-5460 www.metissettlementsfasd.ca #FASD is the leading developmental disability in Canada, impacting more people than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined. Remember: We all play a role in supporting healthy pregnancies! www.metissettlementsfasd.ca As we stay home to protect ourselves during the COVID-19 pandemic, isolation and physical distancing increase stress and for some, increases their alcohol intake to cope. Increased alcohol consumption and having unprotected sex increases the potential to have an alcohol-exposed pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives. www.metissettlementsfasd.ca Opportunities Looking for more learning opportunities that you can do from home? www.canfasd.ca Basic FASD Learning This course is intended _for everyone_** that will come into contact with individuals with FASD including all sectors of work, families, individuals with FASD, spouses, and the general public Sector/Special Interest FASD Training The Prevention Conversation A training program for front-line health and social services professionals, to provide them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence when engaging with their clients/patients. See more online training opportunities at www.canfasd.ca TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY THE METIS SETTLEMENTS FASD NETWORK www.metissettlementsfasd.ca
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