Although the healing and well-being of Survivors is at the Foundation’s forefront throughout the year, it becomes a high priority at this time of year. The Survivor-led, volunteer Board knows well that the holidays can be a challenge, made even more difficult by the current pandemic. For some of us, the holidays can bring up unwanted feelings, trigger unresolved trauma or sometimes cause us to unintentionally re-enact such experiences. We want you to know that, as part of this community, you are not alone this holiday season.
We understand how important it is that we do everything we can to support the needs of Survivors as quickly as possible. The new volunteer Board is now hard at work to make that happen. As members of the Board we want you to know that if you are struggling this holiday season, to be gentle with yourself and others. We encourage you to connect with the safe people in your life, or to reach out for support without hesitation.
Here are some of the existing supports available to you.
If you need emotional and/or mental health counselling - crisis support is available to Survivors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through the Hope for Wellness Hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or online at www.hopeforwellness.ca. By calling the Hotline or going to the website, you can speak immediately to culturally competent counselling support. We understand that many Sixties Scoop Survivors have used this service, and the Hotline team is knowledgeable about these issues. National mental health supports are available here in English and here in French
There are also supports provided online for those who are interested in connecting to communities virtually. There are many Sixties Scoop Communities that you are invited to explore or join, please visit this link for more details.
Happy Solstice, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!!! We look forward to a productive 2021 as our first full year as volunteer Board Members. From all of us, to you, your families and communities we send offerings of good health, love, compassion, joy, and peace.
