Each 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 2021 campaign, which runs Nov. 21-27, is “Driving Change Together.”
Throughout the week a series of webinars will be held with a focus on this year’s theme and how by working together we can bring about positive change.
All webinars will be recorded and posted to this page upon their completion. Additional information regarding M-SUAAW will be posted here as it becomes available.
The schedule for this year’s webinars is below.
Monday Nov. 21, 2021 – M-SUAAW Virtual Launch
The kickoff for M-SUAAW 2021, the Virtual Launch includes greetings from AFM leadership and several speakers including Dr. Joanna Lynch, President of Manitoba College of Family Physicians.
Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021 – It Takes a Village: A Glimpse into AFM’s Successful Collaboration With Newcomer Community Partners Through the Newcomer Youth and the Families Outreach Project
Presenter: Tannis Ross, AFM Community Addiction Worker, Newcomer Youth and Families Outreach Project
Driving Change Together to reach and support many. This presentation provides a glimpse into the successful collaboration between the Newcomer Youth and the Families Outreach Project and community newcomer groups.
Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021 – Building Bridges: Collaborative Practice Enhances Integration of Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment
Presenters: Caroline Gahungu, MSW, RSW, AFM Clinical Specialist and Jessica Johnson, MA, AFM Clinical Specialist
As part of Manitoba Substance Use and Addictions Awareness Week 2021 we are pleased to present Building Bridges: Collaborative Practice Enhances Integration of Co-Occurring Disorders Treatment. AFM Clinical Specialists Caroline Gahungu, and Jessica Johnson discuss how collaborative and integrated care can lead to improved outcomes for individuals living with co-occurring disorders. In this presentation, they examine the importance of collaborative practice to support recovery. Elements of integrated care are discussed, with attention to ways we can build capacity for collaboration. Creating change involves everyone. Join us in learning how we can drive change together.
Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021 – Driving Change Together
Presenter: Gisele DeMeulles, BSW, AFM Director, Northern Region
The one thing that is a universal truth is that change is constant. It is because of this that we all face times when we need to sharpen our skills to weather these waves. This session gives you tips to consider when facing times such as these.
Friday, Nov. 26, 2021 Housing & Addictions: A Systems Approach to Housing Supports Initiatives
Presenter: Amanda-Rose Bourget, BA, AFM Community Addiction Worker, Brandon
This webinar looks at ways to support individuals facing addictions and housing insecurity or precarity using collaborative approaches and partnerships that promote continuity of care and sustainable service. Drawing on research and current trends in addictions, housing, and support services, we also look at the importance of asset-based community engagement, holistic wrap-around supports, meaningful tenant and landlord engagement and education.
M-SUAAW Events Throughout Manitoba
Throughout the week AFM staff in several of the communities we serve will also be holding events in recognition of M-SUAAW 2021.
Here is a look at some of the events being held.
Dauphin
- Staff will spend a day at the libraries in Swan River and Dauphin to share information about services and art work from clients at the Willard Monson House in-house treatment facility.
- Holding a Manitoba Liquor Mart bag art work contest for Grade 5-12 students. The bags are used at the local store during the holiday season.
- AFM staff will host a hot dogs and refreshments evening at Under One Roof. Under One Roof is a warm, safe space that provides meals a couple nights a week. It is a welcoming and non-judgmental place for service providers to meet with individuals and provide information.
- Running a Public Awareness As on local radio to raise awareness for M-SUAAW 2021
- The committee also purchased pocket book calendars to hand out to participants of Under one Roof.
Thompson
- Staff will be attending middle schools in Thompson to conduct presentations for Grade 5 and 6 classes.
- Students will also design Liquor Mart paper which touch on the M-SUAAW theme. The bags will then be returned to stores to be handed out to customers over the holiday season.
- Staff will do a presentation with hall monitors about substances and sharing AFM contact information.
- Conducting an obstacle course with the goggles during an extended lunch hour while also sharing information about alcohol, binge drinking and substances.
AFM Library Resources – M-SUAAW 2021
The AFM Library is pleased to feature a selection of resources which highlight how through working together we can bring about the positive changes we wish to see in our lives.
Please click here for more information.
To take a look back at M-SUAAW 2020, please click here.