Preparing for the aftermath in Nova Scotia: how we can help

Preparing for the aftermath in Nova Scotia: how we can help

by | Jun 2, 2023 | Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Support

Preparing for the aftermath in Nova Scotia: how we can help

In times like this, it’s easy to feel powerless, wishing that we could do more. We are incredibly grateful to our first responders who have been working tirelessly over the past week to contain wildfires across the province.Being a small province, we feel the impact strongly when family, friends, or people in our community are facing undue hardship.For those who have been trained in first responder roles but are unable to work due to injury, the draw to active service can be particularly powerful.It’s important to remember that there are many lines to fighting a fire. There are those on the front, and there are multiple levels of invaluable and necessary supports who stand behind them.What each of us does makes a difference.

  • Family members of those who are on the front line are making sacrifices and staying supportive while those they love move toward danger.
  • Community members are opening their homes, readying beds and preparing meals for those who need them.
  • Businesses are contributing through food donations and free services
  • Many people are reaching out through text and using social media proactively to check on those they care about, offering support and letting them know they’re not alone
  • Farmers and friends are taking in livestock and pets, ensuring their safety. We heard of a local farmer who took in 200 horses that needed to be evacuated.
  • For the most part, people are using common sense, keeping out of wooded areas and following evaluation orders and safety restrictions as required.

Perhaps one of the most powerful things we can do, is to ensure that we are taking the time to have an open ear and heart for those who have been affected, understanding the varying emotions they will experience through this process.  As always, we stand behind those who serve their communities. We recognize that there are very real injuries that arise from such selfless service. As an organization, our mandate is preparing for the aftermath of such significant events. If you’d like to support first responders in accessing the mental health care that they need and deserve, please follow this link to donate.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

A community that rocks!

A community that rocks!

by | May 26, 2023 | Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Support

A community that rocks!

Each month, members of our community gather for a group program, designed to support ongoing health. This is an opportunity to check in on a regular basis with how we are doing, offer support when needed, and celebrate each other’s growth. Something has struck me in recent months. As members work to find new avenues of creative self-expression, even with no artistic backgrounds, beautiful things emerge, not just with the art, but also in the relationships we have with one another. In this month’s Maintaining Health, among other things, we discovered the hidden joy of rock wrapping. It never really matters what activity we are doing, I always seem to leave these sessions feeling connected, relaxed, happy and refreshed.This program is available for anyone who has successfully completed any one of our full Landing Strong programs. Mark the summer dates on your calendar and let us know if you to come: June 15th, July 13th, August 17th.Our Friday Healthy Living program also spends the afternoons at Makers Studio. It’s an upbeat program designed to look at what’s really important in our lives and how to bring more of that in. Give us a call.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

A good news story to brighten your day

A good news story to brighten your day

by | May 19, 2023 | Courage, Friday's Inspiration, Gratitude, Leadership, Media, Support

A good news story to brighten your day

Every year, MADD Canada recognizes police officers who are going above and beyond to keep our roads safe. 

This year marked the launch of MADD Canada’s Constable Heidi Stevenson’s Watch Award Ceremony, held at the RCMP headquarters in Dartmouth. This new awards program was introduced to recognize officers who remove the most impaired drivers from the roads. The Top Performer for 2022 was Constable Scott Aldridge, RCMP. The 2022 Gold Awards were presented to officers who removed 24 or more impaired drivers. We’re proud to acknowledge Constable Kristopher Hansen from the Halifax Regional Police as one of the 5 Gold Award recipients. This is the second time Kris has been recognized by MADD. In 2019, he received an award for being the Top Performer in the Province for the year 2018.

This award ceremony serves as a lovely acknowledgement of the significant impact Heidi Stevenson had in the province, as well as recognizing those who walk in her footsteps as part of her legacy. Heidi was Kris’ instructor for Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Impaired Detection, and Drug Recognition Expert. Kris in turn taught the Impaired Driving Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing courses to 5 of the 7 Bronze Award recipients. 

Landing Strong applauds the effort of all the recipients of this most prestigious award. 

This level of commitment, tenacity, and courage helps make our province one of the best places to live. 

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

by | May 12, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, joy, Plan, Support

Beautiful sunshine for beautiful people

Today was a glorious day where we celebrated a deserving group of people, all of whom are receiving recognition for their contribution of service to community. Not everyone is up to attending a public event. That’s okay. Please know that we see and recognize you (you may even be receiving something special when we next see you).

I was thinking about the depth of our Landing Strong community, and the total number of years of service of our members. Some are newer in their careers, many have served over 30 years. We even have a few members who have served our country for over 40 years.

I thought it might be fun to do a little math.

185 people have gone through our programs since we opened in 2018. Let’s say the average person has served their community for 20 years. That translates into 3,700 total years of service.

This is the stuff on which nations are built.

I’m proud to know you, and to be connected to such an impressive group of individuals.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

A cause for celebration

A cause for celebration

by | May 5, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

A cause for celebration

In this busy-paced life we lead, I am reminded of the importance of reflection: taking the time necessary to gather our thoughts, celebrate accomplishments and plan for the future. Today is such a day at Landing Strong. Led by Board Members Tara Burley, Adrienne Oldham and the team from Fire Inside Leadership, our Landing Strong Team took the morning to discuss our shared vision for the organization, remembering to be kind to ourselves as we collectively strive to reach ambitious goals for the future. I want to take this moment to thank all of the staff, Board Members and consultants at Landing Strong for the hard work they do, guided by their hearts and passions to help others navigate their way towards health and wellness.

I also look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our Landing Strong Community members next week during our Celebration of Unsung Heroes Event. Not a graduation, but a celebration of continued work and contribution to community.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong

Taking time to celebrate

Taking time to celebrate

by | Apr 28, 2023 | Community, Friday's Inspiration, Recovery, Support

Taking time to celebrate

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Minister of National Defense Anita Anand as well as reconnecting with Landing Strong’s friend MP Kody Blois. After inspecting the Cadet Color Party, Minister Anand toured King’s Edgehill School including the historic A. Gordon Cooper Library where we plan to hold our Recognition Ceremony on May 12. Minister Anand shared her gratitude for the service of our Landing Strong Members, expressing deep appreciation for the hard work that goes into recovery following injury. Last year’s “Celebration of Unsung Heroes” served as a graduation ceremony for those who completed our Foundation Programs or Workforce Reintegration Programs. This year, we are shifting the focus from graduation to that of continued effort and growth made by all members who have participated in at least three Foundation programs or attended our Maintaining Health Series.You will have received your invitation by email. Please let us know if it did not reach you. This is a great opportunity to connect with familiar faces from the Landing Strong community and spend some time together. It’s also a chance to introduce a partner or someone important to Landing Strong. We had a great turnout last year and have been working hard to ensure this year’s event is just as memorable. The school choir is preparing a special treat for us. If you’re not sure how recently you were in group, but are interested in coming, just give us a shout so we can make sure there is a seat for you (as well as anyone important you might like to bring). Whether you’re attending for yourself, or to show support for your peers, we hope that you will join us for this special event. What can I expect?

  • This celebration will be very similar to last year, so you can expect to see the Landing Strong Staff and Board of Directors, enjoy some yummy treats, pick up some free Landing Strong swag, and cheer on your friends as the Landing Strong team shares a few nice words about the personal growth and contribution to community that our members have made this past year. Feel free to dress up a bit or just keep it casual, whatever you are most comfortable wearing is absolutely fine. 

Is there Parking?

  • This event is being held at the A. Gordon Cooper Library, King’s-Edgehill School. There will be signs directing you where to go and lots of free parking. You can park on front hill in front of the library. We encourage everyone to arrive a couple minutes early to allow yourself time to use the restroom, grab some light refreshments and find your seat before our 2pm start. Please let us know if you can make it, either by phone (902 472 2972) or email (jwhalen@landingstrong.com). 

We look forward to seeing you for this special event.

Warm thoughts,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong