Working Together

To serve individuals, groups and community

AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan

For over 27 years, AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan has been supporting people

infected and affected by HIV/AIDS.

We are a community based, non-profit organization.

With our partners we strive to raise awareness about issues that people living

with HIV/AIDS deal with daily.

On Site Programs & Services Needle Exchange Program & Drop In Centre

Addictions Counsellor (Tuesday PM)

Housing Support (Wednesday AM)

Public Health Nurse (Thursday PM)

Anyone At Risk Support Group (Thursday PM)

Food Bank, Housing, Treatment Referrals

Off Site Programs & Services Circle of Courage

Education & Outreach

Client Care for HIV+ Individuals

Community Needle Pick Ups

Peer Support for HIV+ individuals

Advocacy

If someone feels they may have been exposed to blood or bodily fluids

accidentally, IMMEDIATELY go to the

hospital and tell the nurse or

doctor what happened.

Being diagnosed HIV+ can be traumatising

for individuals

Involvement Moose Jaw HIV Strategy Regina HIV Stakeholders Saskatchewan HIV Strategy North Central Inter-Agency Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Canadian AIDS Society Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange Regina and Area Drug Strategy HIV Provincial Leadership Team Camp fYerfly Saskatchewan Prevention Institute

The Importance of Collaboration The coming together of diverse stakeholders who may not

otherwise meet The pooling of information-based resources The sharing of ideas and information The diversification of talents and capabilities of individuals

between agencies The limiting of overlap in services and the coordination of

existing services Gaining access to skill sets of a person or group of people

that may only be required for a certain project A unique chance to gain a better understanding of other

organizations in the community

No agency, organization or

individual can do it all!

The importance of partnerships and referrals

No agency or individual is a ‘one-stop shop’ Utilize expertise and knowledge of others Serve the best interest of the individual or group Underlying issues may surface Supportive networks not just for clients, but for

agencies and workers Get individuals hooked up with service quickly and

effectively

Breaking down the walls

Partnership and Referral Challenges Accessibility Transportation Hours of operation Limited staffing Staff turnover Funding sources Service delivery focus Loosing focus on the priority or the

individual/community

Partnerships

What are partnerships? A connection between an organization or

individual that is external Unwritten agreement Networks developed amongst Groups or individuals working together on

various life situations for the best interest of the individuals served

Support, directly or indirectly provided Sharing of resources, data and promotional

material

Importance of Partnerships Ensure the best interest of the individual is being

met Develop a large support system for you and the

individuals you serve Utilize the skills and expertise of others Identify issues within the system Be supported during events Share resources and information Work to eliminate gaps in service

How do you develop partnerships? Starts with you as individual Learn about organizations, agencies and individuals

near the area you serve Get involved such as volunteering, being board

member, practicum placement Utilize social media resources Attend community events Request agency tours Subscribe to agency newsletters Attend inter-agency meetings

Partnerships are not just within city, provincial or

national boundaries. They can be world wide!

Referrals A process carried out to external organizations

and individuals Seeking support and service from other

organizations Developed network by individuals working at

the organization or the agency The purpose of a referral is to make sure the

individual is referred to the appropriate resource

Before Making Referrals understand the intake process hours of operation staff roles if the programs/services have capacity/limits paperwork involved are they accepting new clients? what basics does the organization offer? waitlists necessary documents to receive support

Often people assume that if they or the organization is unable to provide service, providing a referral is not best for the individual

Referrals are used to ensure that individuals are receiving support and service in a certain topic area

Before making a referral, talk with the individual about why the referral is taking place

Remind the individual that it does not mean you are disconnecting with them, but rather looking to ensure their needs are being met

Self Referral Very often, individuals will access programs or

services without a formal referral Self referrals are fantastic in empowering individuals Individuals may have very limited information about

programs/services It may take days, weeks or months for this process to

happen

When someone requests support/service, how do I identify the priority?

Priority is always safety of the individual If there are children involved in the situation, their

safety is also top priority Do not assume from talking to them you know the

priority – ask for clarification Is this an emergency situation? Dependent on the time of day, what is needed most

in this current moment?

Involving Individuals ALWAYS involve the individual(s) Do not make assumptions Return individual(s) power If individuals do not wish to engage in care or

service, you cannot force them One negative experience can deter individuals from

seeking or engaging in support and service Allow them time to speak Do not give advice

Social Determinants of Health income and social status social support networks education employment/working conditions social environments physical environments personal health practices and coping skills healthy child development gender culture

Legal ObligationsAnyone who has a reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected has a legal duty to report it.

Members of the public are simply obligated by the law to report suspected abuse or neglect.

You can report information to: any Social Services office; a community crisis centre or unit; a police officer; or a First Nations Child and Family Service Agency.

Self-Harm • If an individual expresses thoughts of suicide or self harm this must

be reported to authorities• It is not up to you to decide if the thoughts or plan of suicide is real

• If who have reason to believe that a client intends to harm him/herself are expected to exercise professional judgement regarding their need to take action consistent with their take action to prevent client self-harm without the informed consent of the client

• In deciding whether to break confidentiality be guided by the imminence of self-harm, the presence of a mental health condition and prevailing professional standards and practices

There are so many services, how will I ever remember them all?

You do not have to memorize every detail of the agency or organization

If you are working in a specific area, start with services similar to your work

Remember one key fact of an organization such as: population served; hours of operation; staff roles; services offered

Drive around the city and look at signs and offices

Curious about programs and services available in Regina?

http://www.sk.211.ca/

211 Saskatchewan is an initiative of the United Way Saskatoon and Area and the United Way Regina.

Programs and services from all over Saskatchewan are listed in this database.

Important Numbers Fire/Ambulance/Police 911Mobile Crisis Services 306-757-0127Regina Police Service 306-777-6500Regina General Hospital 306-766-4444Regina Pasqua Hospital 306-766-2222Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868Child Abuse Line 306-787-3760Crisis/Suicide Line 306-525-5333Seniors Abuse & Neglect 306-757-0127Regina Sexual Assault Centre 306-352-0434Healthline: 811

Example 40 year old man Recently moved from Saskatoon to Regina Currently receiving EI Recent house fire has resulted in homelessness Looking to re-enter the workforce Diagnosed bi-polar

Agency Options for ReferralsHousing • Salvation Army Waterston

House • Carmichael Outreach• Souls Harbour Rescue Mission

Mental Health • RQHR • Regina Community Clinic • Regina General Hospital • Canadian Mental Health

Association • Family Service Regina

Employment • Saskjobs office • Regina Trade & Skills Centre • Transition to Trades • Service Canada • ACERT • Regina Work Prep Centre

Example Female Age 16 Currently 3 months pregnant Without housing Has not been enrolled in education programs for 3

years Would like to remain in Regina Without employment Walking is main method of transportation

Agency Options for ReferralsPregnancy Support • RQHR (Four Directions, Al Ritchie

Health Action Centre & Women’s Health Centre)

• Catholic Family Services• KidsFirst • Family Service Regina • Circle Project • YWCA • Regina Community Clinic

Education Options• The Shirley Schneider Support

Centre• Scott Collegiate

Financial Support• Ministry of Social Services

Transportation • Discounted bus pass

Housing Support • Rainbow Youth Centre • Carmicheal Outreach • Aboriginal Family Services• Salvation Army Grace Haven• Souls Harbour Rescue Mission• My Aunts Place (YWCA)• Regina Housing Authority • Namerind Housing • Silver Sage Housing • Gabriel Dumont Housing • Street Culture Kidz

Sexual Health Community Partners • AIDS Programs South

Saskatchewan• All Nations Hope AIDS Network• Sexual Health Clinic • Street Project Van • Street Workers Advocacy Project • Four Directions Community

Health Centre • Infectious Disease Clinic• Planned Parenthood Regina • UR Pride • Options Pregnancy • Women’s Sexual Health Centre

Needle Exchange Programs or Services • AIDS Programs South

Saskatchewan• Carmichael Outreach • Sexual Health Clinic• Street Project Van • Yorkton Needle Exchange Program • Needle Drop Off Bin

Domestic Violence Shelters • Regina Transition House • Sofia House • Wichihik Iskwewak Safe

House (WISH) • Isabel Johnson Shelter

Resources • Provincial Association of

Transition Houses • Family Service Regina • YWCA Children Exposed to

Violence Program