Cobourg Police officers getting special training to better help troubled veterans

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Homeless veteran

Veterans who are unsheltered and coming into contact with Cobourg police officers could get some unexpected help after the launch of a new program recently. The Military Veteran Wellness Program announced on Aug. 20 will train frontline officers to identify those who are unsheltered or facing a mental health crisis. Officers will have the necessary awareness to better recognize those veterans in trouble. Then, it gives the officers the skills to build rapport with the person and a formal path to helping the veteran access essential social services delivered through existing agencies. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Cobourg Police, Community, Homelessness, Northumberland County, Social Justice

County residents encouraged to support food banks and reduce food waste

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Fare Share Food Bank

Northumberland County council wants residents to make a special effort to help those who cannot afford food during September. It wants people to participate in various ways over the 30 days to support local food banks and food security programs and reduce food waste. Council approved the initiative at its meeting earlier this month when it proclaimed Hunger Action Month. The suggestion came from Jennifer Glover, the Ontario Works manager for the county, at the Social Services Committee in July. She told committee members the project was supported in the past, involving several events that groups and individuals can participate in over the month. Continue Reading →

Filed under: News, Community, Food Bank, Food Insecurity, Northumberland County, Politics, Social Justice

Northumberland Federation of Agriculture reps give insight into expanded wellness program

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Dairy farmer

The show:

The full interview with bonus material:

The harvest is in full swing. It is the time of year when we enjoy the bounty farmers provide annually. But at what cost? Three-quarters of farmers in Canada suffer from moderate to high stress. One in four contemplate suicide, according to a study done in 2021 by Guelph University. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Agriculture, mental health, Northumberland County, Northumberland Federation of Agriculture, Politics

Farmer’s mental health a priority for Northumberland Federation of Agriculture

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farmer fatigue

The show:

Amid the pandemic in 2021, a group of farmers realized the toll it was taking on mental health. Besides the usual pressures of Mother Nature and fluctuating commodity prices, farmers faced increased isolation and a host of other challenges. Paul Burnham, Bruce Buttars, and the late Sid Atkinson came on this show to talk about the situation. As part of the conversation, it turned to mental health. Out of this concern, the local federation initiated support for farmers. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Consider This Northumberland, Agriculture, Community, mental health, Northumberland County, Northumberland Federation of Agriculture

Alderville chief reflects on Anishinaabe of Upper Great Lakes’ recent settlement and shares two popular Alderville events

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The Anishinaabe of the upper Great Lakes won an important settlement recently. Alderville is part of the Anishinaabe Nation. A treaty signed in 1850 was not honoured. The breach involved freezing annual treaty payments at $4 per person for 150 years. As a result, a settlement of $126 billion is to be paid within six months. Continue Reading →

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Filed under: Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Chief Taynar Simpson, Community, Conversations Towards Reconciliation, Northumberland County, Pow Wow, Treaty