Growing Wellness Networks in NB

Building capacity for wellness through partnership and shared engagement

Jessica Sargent – HEPAC Co-ChairDiane Savoie – HEPAC Wellness Coordinator

What is HEPAC?

• A network of organizations and individuals working together to promote healthy active lifestyles for the people of New Brunswick.

• Steering committee of 7 non-government organizations and 5 government departments

•Working to build capacity among New Brunswick communities to improve the level of wellness in their communities.

What are wellness networks?

• Characteristics:• Formal or informal

networks

• Usually geographical in nature

• May be membership based (e.g. a provincial association)

What are wellness networks?

• Qualities• Common issue of

concern around wellness

• Common motivating factors

• Shared desire to do something

• Shared commitment to action

How to support wellness networks?

• Sensitivities• Readiness

• Needs-based

Purpose

To engage and support wellness networks, communities and individuals in their efforts to positively impact the healthy eating habits and physical activity levels of all New Brunswickers, including vulnerable populations.

Demonstration Sites (2009-

2010)Fredericton RegionMiramichi RegionSoutheast RegionCharloChaleurWest Saint JohnMillvilleGrand Bay WestfieldTobique

New networks (2010-2011)

Acadian PeninsulaAcadie SouthSaint JohnDeer IslandWestern Valley RegionBoiestown-DoaktownGrand FallsSaint-Quentin

How is HEPAC supporting wellness networks?

What does the support look like?

• Wellness Coordinators

• Sharing opportunities

• Help with marketing & communication

• Help with research & evaluation

• Facilitated access to grants

What does the support look like?

• Community wellness profiles

• Website

• Webinars

• Annual Forum

• Access to specialists in physical activity and healthy eating

Community Wellness Profiles

• Wellness indicators specific to the region (by postal code):

• Demographics

• Top five chronic diseases

• Physical activity levels

• Tobacco use

• Mental Fitness

• Healthy Eating (now includes level of household food insecurity)

What does the support look like?

• Evidence based resources:• Physical activity

promotion

• Healthy eating promotion

• Community mobilization model

Wellness networks and food security?

• Existing links with communities

• Access to resources such as data, partnerships, marketing and communication, evaluation, etc.

• Potential partner for community based approaches to address food insecurity:

• Community gardens• Teaching kitchens• Cooking clubs• Buying clubs