Every year, Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week (M-SUAAW) provides an opportunity for Manitobans from all walks of life to engage in meaningful discussions and explore solutions for addressing the harms caused by substance use and addictions.
The theme for the 2020 campaign was, “Change Begins with Me”, which acknowledges that we can all play a role in bringing about positive change. It also challenges us to look for opportunities wherever we can, whether it’s adopting a more caring attitude to those who experience substance use issues or offering support to someone in our own lives.
Due to COVID-19, M-SUAAW events were delivered virtually which allowed us to provide relevant substance use and addictions-related information across the province with low barrier access for all Manitobans.
LUNCH AND LEARN SESSIONS:
A number of Lunch and Learn sessions were held virtually from November 23-27. To view the archived webinars please see below.:
Change Begins with Me, An Indigenous Perspective: Four Laws for Change with Deborah Tacan
Description: This lunch and learn explores change
from an Indigenous perspective. The Elders tell us that all
things are interconnected and there is a natural order to
everything on Mother Earth and in the universe. There are
principles, laws and values that help bring us back into
harmony with the natural order of the universe. Also to be
discussed is the Cycle of Healing from teachings of
four directions around the medicine wheel.
Watch the archived webinar now
Coping With Stress, Anxiety and Substance use During Covid-19 with Tannis Ross
Description: Stress, anxiety and substance use during
Covid-19 is a concern for all of us. The emotional and physical
health of our youth and their families is very important. Please
join us for some straight forward strategies and support we
can use to keep our communities and families safe and healthy.
Hookah Harm Reduction and COVID-19 with Tannis Ross
Description: Hookah harm reduction and Covid-19 provides education
and harm reduction strategies to an old practice that has
had renewed fame across the world. Is it really safer
than smoking? Join us and find out.
Watch the archived webinar now
Life Story Board Project with Christine Granger and Cathi Sarens
Description: The Vidaview Life Story Board is an interactive
visual interview tool designed for helping professionals to
use with clients which can be used for assessments and the
therapeutic process. Clients create a “lifescape” with their Life
Story Board by using a table top play board with magnetic
card sets and markers, which show the people, events, and
situations that are part of someone’s life story. This tool can
help evoke information, increase sharing, and discover insight
in ways not achievable by verbal means alone.
Watch the archived webinar now
New Beginnings with Gisele deMeulles
Description: This training is to provide anyone with an
opportunity to look at the direction of their life and to step
into change in a positive way. A workbook is included for
people to use to guide them through the process.
Watch the archived webinar now
Events were also held in Brandon, Thompson, Parkland, The Pas, Flin Flon and several other communities across the province.
Brandon:
- Resource packages along with video clips and prizes provided for the schools
- Liquor bags were dropped off at the schools for students to do art work on and provided to local liquor mart.
- Virtual presentations (contact local office for more information)
- Daily Public Service Announcements on local radio
- Virtual Community Forums on addictions treatment services
Flin Flon:
- Awareness promotion spots all week long featuring information from our AFM and the CCSA.
- Radio contest with gift certificates to the winners
- Elementary school coloring contest in the with prizes for winners – artwork to be displayed in participating schools
Parkland:
- “Change Begins with Me” Art Therapy event
- Article in local newspaper
- Daily Public Service Announcements on local radio
Thompson:
- Information broadcast on local radio
Winnipeg/Central:
- AFM Library Instructional Video Launch – learn to use the largest addictions resource library in Western Canada!
- Class presentations in College Miles MacDonell Collegiate and River East Collegiate
- Portage la PrairieHigh School quiz with prizes
- Virtual Parent Intervention Program (River East Transcona School Division)
- Norwest Youth Hub Virtual Discussions
- Jewish Child and Family Services virtual sessions