Nikki Buechler
Shawville Jan 11, 2022
The new Connexions Resource Centre satellite office at St. Paul’s Anglican church on Main Street, Shawville, is occupied by Michèle Gagnon. The former executive director of the Western Quebec Literacy Council was recently hired by Connexions, and appointed as . . .
Community Engagement and Outreach Manager for the Pontiac region.
Gagnon is managing programs to promote the health, well-being and vitality of the English-speaking population of the Pontiac, and expressed excitement at joining Connections.” I am thrilled to join this dynamic community organization, and can’t wait to dig into all the wonderful programs being offered.”
The first project Gagnon is working on for Connexions involves the promotion of a series of Caregiver Chats that aim to offer support, share information and provide an opportunity for local caregivers to make connections with their communities. “We will be hosting a series in English and one in French,” said Gagnon, who added “it is wonderful to have the opportunity to deliver these services to the entire community, in both languages.”
On the subject of inclusivity, Gagnon expressed concern that “a lot of people don’t realize they are caregivers.” Being a caregiver has nothing to do with your field of employment. “If you regularly help someone who is over the age of 65 by bringing meals, helping with cleaning or grocery shopping, transportation or accompaniment to medical appointments or other ongoing care, we consider you to be a caregiver,” Gagnon stated.
A lot of people can be categorized as caregivers under this definition, and Gagnon is seeking to garner interest from the community in the hope that the series will bring benefit to as many caregivers as possible.
Unfortunately, the first session, which was scheduled for Dec. 17th, was delayed by COVID restrictions. “We are going to be moving forward with finding new dates for any delayed sessions,” said Gagnon, “but we had intended for in-person attendance — for the moment we are waiting to see what the developments with Covid will allow for our end of January and February activities. So, the other events listed in the press release are on hold or will be hosted virtually.”
The inaugural chat, on the heavy but pertinent topic of grief, had been scheduled to coincide with the approach of the holiday season. “Grief is often magnified by the holiday season and, at the same time, it’s something that people don’t always talk about openly,” said Gagnon. “Our chat sessions are a safe place to find support, discover new resources and learn about well-being strategies.”
The coping with grief session was scheduled with special guest Julie Keon, and there will be similarly qualified speakers at future events. “Whether you’re caring for your spouse, a family member, a friend or even a neighbour, it can be easy to go into ‘caretaker mode’ and forget about your own health and mental well-being. That’s why it’s so important to make self-care a priority,” Gagnon remarked.
The Pontiac Caring Community Project is a caregiver support program funded by Appui Outaouais, and the free seminars will be held every other week. Gagnon reiterated concern that people might not think they qualify as caregivers, and may hesitate to reach out for support.
“If you bring a loved one to the doctor, check-in on a neighbour or buy them groceries, advocate for an ill spouse or even support a friend long-distance, you are a caregiver. It’s important to realize you are performing an important and difficult role, and that support is available,” Gagnon reiterated.
Anyone interested in attending the series or finding more information about other services offered by Connexions is welcome to call Connexions Resource Centre at 819-557-0615 or visit https://centreconnexions.org/community-services/caregivers/
