North Rocky View Community Links is offering a virtual space for older adult women later this month to build connections and share their experiences with one another.
The Women’s Wisdom Circle workshop will be held via Zoom on June 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event aims to encourage emotional wellness, build self-esteem, and provide resources and connection-building opportunities for women over the age of 50.
According to Eileen Whitehouse, a support services counselor, the three-hour workshop is a perfect fit for women who are looking for a safe and supportive environment to discuss life and plan their futures.
“Women are great resources within themselves, but sometimes it’s nice to connect with our facilitators, and [build] those connections,” she said. “What are they looking for? What are they missing? At this time, I know a lot of the [clubs in Airdrie] are not running.
“[It’s about] knowing your community better too, [as] sometimes people have just moved in and aren’t aware of certain things.”
She added the workshop will focus on women’s emotional wellness and stress management, which is increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic. The workshop will delve into mindfulness techniques, mental health strategies and ensuring that each woman is aware of and meeting her basic needs.
“We look at [basic needs] for the women to help them understand where they are and because we also look at stages of development,” she said. “[We’re] willing that not only the women but also the wonderful people in their lives as well [benefit].”
The workshop will also look toward the future, according to Whitehouse, and will provide opportunities to discuss additional resources and ways to build connections over the next year.
“And that’s the wonderful part about the group is women sharing,” she said. “And so someone talks about a resource they’ve found or has worked and then someone else in the group hears that.
“It’s just great because it’s nice for that connection and some of the women do connect after the group, which is also what we’re looking for.”
Whitehouse said the workshop will go into depth about what self-care is and looks like. She added this will be an important section of the workshop, as in this time, “many people have been separated from their families and loved ones.”
According to Whitehouse, the workshop is usually held in-person each year, which offers a chance for some face-to-face support and community. But this year, the workshop will be hosted in a virtual format to provide an opportunity for all women to feel safe amid ongoing public health restrictions.
The registration deadline for the workshop is June 18. Whitehouse said the cost per person is $25 and those interested can register by calling 403-945-3900 or visiting bit.ly/3glRJ6N
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
