Blog Archives - Second Story Women's Centre

Second Story Women's Centre

International Safe Abortion Day

9/28/2022

September 28 is International Safe Abortion Day and it finds us this year in uncertain times.

Second Story Women's Centre is a pro-choice organization. Today on International Safe Abortion Day, we commit to being visible. We believe that safe abortion is essential to achieving gender equality and health. Removing unnecessary policy barriers to safe abortion protects people's lives, health, and human rights by allowing people to access timely, life-saving care. Abortion is essential, normal and common health care.

For more information about ISAB, visit september28.org.

Truth and Reconciliation - #RememberHonourAct

9/28/2022

Friday September 30 is Truth and Reconciliation Day. It is a federal statutory holiday that was declared in 2021 in order to honour the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. It is also intended to be a day for Canadians to learn about and better understand the painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools, as well as participate in the reconciliation process.

Second Story Women's Centre will be closed to reflect on and observe the day, and we wanted to share some resources to help folks with their learning and reflection as well. #RememberHonourAct challenges us to remember our history, honour those who have been lost to and harmed by residential schools, and commit to action towards reconciliation.

For non-Indigenous people, a good place to start is to read or re-read the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. How many CTAs can you put into action, start working towards or otherwise support in your personal life, and the wider communities that you are a part of?

Events

Truth and Reconciliation Day & Treaty Day Mawio’mi - September 30 & October 1, Liverpool NS. Speakers, Survivors and Elders sharing lived experiences. Mikmaw dancing, drumming and singing. Everyone is welcome. All events are free. For full details, visit the Facebook event page.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - September 30, Bridgewater NS. Beginning at 11 a.m. there will be a ceremony of remembrance at Pijinuiskaq Park on King Street in Downtown Bridgewater. The event has been organized by Acadia First Nation and members of the local 143 Construction Engineering Flight, with the support of the Town of Bridgewater. More information is available here, on this Facebook post. The Town of Bridgewater is also planning to livestream the ceremony through the Town's Facebook page.
Orange Shirt Day / Truth & Reconciliation Day - September 30, former site of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. Activities planned from 12 - 6 pm, including smudging ceremony, drumming, community feast meal.

Online Events, Panels, Discussions

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation has planned an entire week of live programming on its Youtube channel which will be available to watch after the sessions have concluded for anyone who may have missed the live event. Check out the full public schedule here.
Indigenous Perspectives on the Pope's Apology - Live online panel hosted by the Gord Downey & Chanie Wenjack Fund. "The papal visit in July 2022 resulted in mixed emotions for many Indigenous Peoples throughout the country. Join us on September 30th at 1:00 pm ET to hear directly from those who were involved in and affected by the Pope’s visit in Treaty Six Territory. Learn more about what the apology means to those impacted by residential schools, its effects on reconciliation, and how this will shape Indigenous communities and intergenerational relationships across Turtle Island." Friday, September 30 at 2 pm AST (1pm EST). Learn more and register at this link.

For Kids

The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada has a number of resources geared towards children, including Spirit Bear! In fact, their short film Spirit Bear and Children Make History has been made available to watch online, free of charge until October 1, 2022.
Every Child Matters colouring pages - Created by Hawlii Pichette, a Mushkego Cree artist and illustrator from Peetabeck Treaty 9 territory.

Other Links to Support Truth and Reconciliation Beyond September 30

Shubenacadie Indian Residential School Survivor profiles from the Mi'kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
Why do we wear orange shirts on September 30? Learn the origins of Orange Shirt Day, which preceded National Truth and Reconciliation day.
A residential school suggested reading list from NSCC
Indigenous Ally Toolkit / Decolonial Toolbox from the Montreal Indigenous Community Network
Follow the Native Woman's Association of Canada on your social media accounts and/or sign up for their newsletter to follow this organization's work.

Finally, a reminder that the Indian Residential School Survivor Crisis Line operates 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419. The NS Mi'kmaq Crisis and Referral Line is available at 1-855- 379-2099. The Hope for Wellness Help Line provides experienced and culturally competent counsellors to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Phone and chat counselling is available in English and French. On request, phone counselling is also available in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Their number is 1-855-242-3310. Online chat is also available at hopeforwellness.ca.

Welcome to Second Story, Gretel!

9/27/2022

Did you know that Second Story is a teaching Centre? SSWC has hosted three student counsellors in the last two years to provide counselling support to our clients during the practicum portion of their training.

We would like to welcome Gretel, our newest student counsellor, to SSWC! Gretel is accepting new clients. Learn more about Gretel at secondstory.ca/team and reach out to work with Gretel at info@secondstory.ca or 902-640-3044!

Equity and Anti-Racism Legislation

9/23/2022

Nova Scotians are invited to give feedback on proposed definitions for types of discrimination and racism that will be addressed in the Province’s equity and anti-racism strategy. Legislation passed in April commits the province to developing an equity and anti-racism strategy by July 2023.
Seven types of discrimination and racism were identified for definition and inclusion in the strategy:
- Ableism
- Anti-Asian racism
- Anti-Black racism
- Anti-Indigenous racism
- Anti-Semitism
- Gender and sexuality-based discrimination
- Islamophobia

Nova Scotians can give input by attending virtual engagement sessions being held between September 19—November 12.
Please RSVP for sessions by emailing or calling OEAEngagement@novascotia.ca or 1-844-424-4897. You will be asked to provide your first and last name. Upon registration, a Zoom link will be provided to you.

Session Dates and Times
Gender and Sexuality Based Discrimination
September 21st – 6:00pm-7:00pm
September 22nd -6:00pm-7:00pm
September 24th – 1:00pm-2:00pm
September 25th – 1:00pm-2:00pm

Ableism
September 26th – 2:00pm-3:00pm
September 28th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
October 1st – 1:00pm-2:00pm
October 2nd – 3rd 6:00pm-7:00pm

anti-semitism
October 6th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
October 7th - 2:00pm-3:00pm
October 8th – 1:00pm-2:00pm
October 12th – 6:00pm-7:00pm

Anti Black Racism
October 13th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
October 15th – 1:00pm-2:00pm
October 17th -6:00pm-7:00pm
October 18th 3:00pm-4:00pm

Anti-Asian Racism
October 19th – 2:00pm-3:00pm
October 20th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
October 22nd – 1:00pm-2:00pm
October 24th – 6:00pm-7:00pm

Anti-Indigenous Racism
November 7th – 2:00pm-3:00pm
November 9th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
November 10th -2:00pm-3:00pm
November 12th – 1:00pm-2:00pm

Islamophobia
November 14th – 1:00pm-2:00pm
November 16th – 6:00pm-7:00pm
November 17th -6:00pm-7:00pm
November 19th – 1:00pm-2:00pm

Sisters in Spirit

9/22/2022

Please join us for an event in memory of Canada's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, in conjunction with the Mi’kmaq Heritage and Sacred Sites Association.

October 13 at 6 pm, near the old French Cemetery in back of the Lunenburg Fire Hall. Dress for the weather.

Fall Programming

9/19/2022

Sketch Walk
Join artist Emma FitzGerald for a relaxing two hour drawing workshop with some watercolour components. We will work on observation skills, slowing down and finding topics of interest while outside, building on skills introduced in her Spring workshop at the Centre, however, no previous experience is necessary. Email info@secondstory.ca or call 902-640-3044 to register!
When: Tuesday September 27, 10:00 am -noon
Where: Second Story Women's Centre, 18 Dufferin Street, Lunenburg

Photography Wellness Group
Join us for the Photography Wellness Group that will focus on using photography as a mindfulness practice. We will look at how photography can help manage anxiety and depression, and help you process emotions and feelings through pictures. Just bring your camera or phone! For more info or to register, info@secondstory.ca or 902-640-3044. No cost.
When: Tuesdays, October 18 - November 1,10:30 am to noon
Where: Second Story Women's Centre, 18 Dufferin St, Lunenburg

Centre Closures in September

9/16/2022

Please be advised that Second Story Women's Centre will be closed on Monday, September 19, opening again on Tuesday, September 20.

If you need immediate assistance during this time, please call 911 or the 24/7 NS Mental Health Crisis Line at 1-888-429-8167. You can also access a list of other after-hours and emergency support phone numbers at secondstory.ca/resources.

Second Story will also be closed on Friday, September 30 for staff to observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Sexual Health Services on the South Shore

9/15/2022

We were so excited to learn from our friends at South Shore Sexual Health that sexual health services are available to folks in our area who are without a family doctor or nurse practitioner!

You can access essential services such as birth control prescriptions, Pap testing, STI testing, and more. Appointments are available in Liverpool and Bridgewater. Call 1-902-527-1800 ext. 6 to learn more and make an appointment!

Understanding the Extreme Intoxication Defence

9/13/2022

Earlier this year, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that a defence of 'extreme intoxication' could be used by defendants in criminal cases that were previously not allowed, such as sexual assault and domestic violence.

Because there have been many questions and much concern about this change, particularly for women, we wanted to share a new resource from the Western University Centre for Research and Education on Violence Against Women and Children that does a really good job of explaining these changes and what they mean going forward.

Click the link above to read the brief, or download the short PDF here.

World Suicide Prevention Day

9/10/2022

Warning Signs
Mood
If a person talks about:

Killing themselves
Feeling hopeless
Having no reason to live
Being a burden to others
Feeling trapped
Unbearable pain

Behavior
Behaviors that may signal risk, especially if related to a painful event, loss or change:

Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Looking for a way to end their lives, such as searching online for methods
Withdrawing from activities
Isolating from family and friends
Sleeping too much or too little
Visiting or calling people to say goodbye
Giving away prized possessions
Aggression
Fatigue

Mood
People who are considering suicide often display one or more of the following moods:

Depression
Anxiety
Loss of interest
Irritability
Humiliation/Shame
Agitation/Anger
Relief/Sudden Improvement

CONTENT/TRIGGER WARNING: This post deals with suicide.

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. We can all do our part to prevent suicide in our communities. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives.

What to do if you suspect someone is considering suicide

1. ASK: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” It’s not an easy question but studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts.

2. KEEP THEM SAFE: Reducing a suicidal person’s access to highly lethal items or places is an important part of suicide prevention. While this is not always easy, asking if the at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can make a difference.

3. BE THERE: Listen carefully and learn what the individual is thinking and feeling. Research suggests acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal thoughts.

4. HELP THEM CONNECT: Save the Canada Suicide Prevention Service 24 Hour Crisis Line number (1-833-456-4566) or the NS Mental Health & Addictions 24 hour Crisis Line (1-888-429-8167) in your phone so they’re there if you need them. You can also help make a connection with a trusted individual like a family member, friend, spiritual advisor, or mental health professional.

5. STAY CONNECTED: Staying in touch after a crisis or after being discharged from care can make a difference. Studies have shown the number of suicide deaths goes down when someone follows up with the at-risk person.

Want to learn more?

ASIST - Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training
By the end of this month, Second Story staff will all have undergone ASIST training. It is available to anyone to take. This training is regularly offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association of NS and others (click here to find a session happening near you).

Mental Health First Aid is also a great program that covers suicide intervention, as well as how to respond and assist someone experiencing a range of mental health emergencies.

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Location

PO Box 821, 18 Dufferin Street
Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, B0J 2C0

Second Story Women's Centre recognizes that we are on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw People. We honour the treaties that guide the relationships of our people.

HOURS *

MONDAY, TUESDAY & THURSDAY
10am - 4pm
WEDNESDAY
11am - 4pm
FRIDAY
Staff working remotely 10am - 1pm
* The Centre is closed and staff work from home when school is cancelled due to weather.
* Appointments may be available outside of regular office hours.

Contact Us

902-640-3044
Info@SecondStory.ca

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