32

It’s a trying time. As we do our best to cope with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, remember that stress, and feelings of confusion, disappointment and worry are expected during a crisis (for adults and kids!). To help, we’ve put together some tips for parents on how to cope with the mental health impacts of COVID-19.

Recognizing the increased need for mental health support during the pandemic, Art Not Shame successfully applied to the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund administered by the Canadian Red Cross and launched “The Mural Project: Art in Hard Times” in the summer of 2020.

“How have you been taking care of yourselves?” Lisa Evanoff asks a group of students huddled around a Zoom call in the mostly Indigenous community of Inuvik, Northwest Territories. It’s a simple question, but one that not everybody is equipped to answer.

NAMI serves as an umbrella organization for the various Nigerian social and cultural groups in Manitoba. It encourages business connections, hosts Nigerian and Canadian holidays, and promotes intercultural collaborations.

Colder temperatures. Less light. Rain, snow. It can sometimes be difficult to stay cheery during the winter in a country like ours! Some Canadians enjoy the season because it gives them a good excuse - if not forces them - to do something that we tend to neglect: to take time out for ourselves, and ourselves alone.

As COVID-19 cases soar in many countries, the dreaded ‘second wave’ seems to be upon us. Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across the globe have never stopped working to provide support during this ongoing crisis and remain on the frontlines of the pandemic response. As needs and information change, here are some examples of how the Red Cross is adapting our work to meet these new realities.

This year was challenging for so many of us as the pandemic changed the way all of us lived. Usually we look back at the year by naming the top blogs but, this year, we thought it was much more important to take a look at those who stepped up in a time of need to help others in 2020. These volunteers gave of themselves when their daily lives were changed as well.

WARNING: This story includes mention of a death by suicide.

Ayden Walter is a registered nurse. She’s a newcomer to Regina and was looking to make connections in her community when she discovered the Friendly Phone program on the Canadian Red Cross website.