Ridge Meadows Community Action Table

AT-A-GLANCE
Formed in:  2016
Communities served:  

Youth through engagement/opportunities for conversation

ABOUT THE GRANTEE

The Ridge Meadows (RM) CAT was established in response to increased overdoses in the community. The CAT received funding from the OERC to continue this work in 2016. The CAT members have collaborated in developing a community-based response to the opioid overdose crisis, by identifying challenges and addressing gaps as they arise. The RM CAT is a collaboration of Peers with lived and living experience, MSTH, SD42, outreach teams, housing/substance use service providers, the Health Authority, community members and agencies creating opportunities to support action towards reducing stigma, compassion, building and inclusion in projects to reduce overdose deaths within Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows.

The CAT is a coalition co-chaired by a Community Service provider and Peer. A leadership team determined by expression of interest from the larger committee guides the table. It is comprised currently of individuals from: the Host financial agency, Peer Network, Alouette Addictions, Fraser Health, RainCity and the CAT coordinator. Decisions regarding funding, projects and CAT activities are determined on a consensus-based model during regular CAT meetings. The committees report to the entire coalition monthly during CAT meetings and in the CAT newsletter. The Leadership committee and project/activity committees are open to all members
 
• Reels Project – 9 reels project were viewed by over 6900 people
• Guy Felicella – over 500 students from 5 schools in attendance
• Strengthening Resilience – 180 tickets sold – Continued community engagement with resources and video

Overview of Overdose Response Work
• Inclusion and engagement of Peers in projects
• Supporting peer network connections
• Capacity building support for local peer organizations

Lessons Learned
Quote: “This year presented a number of challenges that limited opportunities to connect in the community. Our goal of creating a Community Event to focus on Resilience building and the Zine artwork project faced particular obstacles that were difficult to overcome. The Peer Network spoke up regarding challenges faced in the community regarding food security and access to supplies. Listening and creating actions to address these needs for the community by supporting the peer network has created opportunities to engage with our community in a very positive way. This meant looking for alternative ways to meet the needs such as curbside meal and harm reduction pick up, increased peer team participation and social media engagement. The opportunity to engage with the community reinforced importance of building new contacts and learning new skills for all involved with our media Resilience event."

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