Community Health Connect is the Calgary West Central Primary Care (CWC PCN) Network's newsletter dedicated to providing members of our community with the latest healthcare information.
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Community partner spotlight: Calgary Silver Linings Foundation
Connection and support for you this holiday season
Finding health care over the holidays
Community partner spotlight: Calgary Silver Linings Foundation
Eating disorders are among the deadliest mental health concerns, but recovery is possible.
The Calgary Silver Linings Foundation has recently introduced new programs and updated an existing service to better support people impacted by eating disorders. These additions make it easier for individuals and families to find the support that fits their needs.
New and updated programs:
Recovery navigation: This one-on-one service helps individuals create a personalized roadmap for eating disorder recovery with guidance, goal setting, and help finding appropriate supports.
Live-in treatment: This program provides a safe, home-like environment for people who need more intensive support with a dedicated team for personalized, around-the-clock care to help individuals move toward lasting recovery.
Groups and workshops: These short workshops and multi-week groups offer practical tools and supportive spaces to reduce isolation, build coping strategies, and provide insight at any stage of recovery.
Ongoing peer support program:
This program matches individuals with mentors who have personally navigated their own recovery journey.
Through one-on-one support, mentees can connect with someone who understands what they are experiencing.
Eligibility: Anyone affected by eating disorders, including support groups for caregivers.
If you or someone you care about is seeking support, visit their website to explore programs and resources or to book a free recovery navigation appointment for one-on-one guidance.
Connection and support for you this holiday season
The holiday season can bring joy, celebration, and time with loved ones.
It can also feel lonely or overwhelming for some, especially if routines change or support systems feel out of reach. If you are finding this time of year difficult, you are not alone.
We spoke with Heather Hooge, Clinical Practice Lead - Social Worker with our PCN’s Mental Health Program and Senior Services team, who shared her perspective on staying grounded and connected during the holidays.
About Heather: Heather provides mentorship and guidance within her team while delivering comprehensive care to patients. Her practice includes psychosocial assessments, crisis management, resource counselling, and advocacy for patient needs. She has been a Registered Social Worker for 16 years and part of our PCN for the past three years. Through her clinical work, she regularly supports individuals who feel isolated or overwhelmed during this season.
Heather’s tips for staying connected and taking care of yourself
To help make the holidays a little brighter, Heather recommends several strategies:
Get involved: Join events at your local community centre
Reach out: Make cards forseniors, wish neighbours well, or offer to help someone put up lights or shovel their driveway.
Find a charity: Volunteer or donate to a charity you care about (check out volunteerconnector.org to explore local opportunities)
Find community: Join a group like a book club or choir
Share meals: Attend or volunteer at community holiday dinners (call 211 for available options)
Create traditions: Make a special meal or enjoy a meaningful walk
Show kindness: Practice self-compassion and healthy coping strategies
Access Mental Health provides non-urgent information, consultation, and referrals for those dealing with addiction and/or mental health concerns.
9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is a helpline you can call or text for immediate support, including suicide prevention and crisis intervention. Trained crisis responders can help you navigate overwhelming emotions and find ways to ensure your safety.
This season is a meaningful time to check in on one another and ensure no one feels isolated. Whether it is reaching out to a neighbour, joining a community activity, or accessing mental health support, small steps can make a big difference.
The holidays can make getting the care you need feel stressful, as many clinics reduce hours or close completely. If you need support, there are still options.
Our PCN’s clinic, the Primary Care Centre, offers an Access Appointment Service every day of the year for people:
Whose doctor is a member of our PCN
Who live in our area and don’t have a family doctor
If your regular doctor’s office is closed or you don’t have a doctor, you can call Health Link at 811 for guidance and a referral for an appointment, if appropriate.
The Primary Care Centre is open daily: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on weekends and holidays. (Upcoming holiday dates include Christmas Day on Thursday, Dec. 25, Boxing Day on Friday, Dec. 26, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, Jan. 1.)
Thank you to everyone who works through the holidays, including our Primary Care Centre team. We hope you have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season.
