The provincial lockdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 can leave anyone feeling isolated and alone. For parents of children and youth, it can be incredibly challenging. Detached from family, friends and activities they once enjoyed, many parents are craving connection.

The Hub for Parents & Caregivers is a virtual space offered the first and third Tuesday of each month, promoting wellness for parents and caregivers in Oxford and Elgin counties. Co-developed by Wellkin and Oxford County Library, The Hub is a space for learning, community, encouragement and connections. A place where parents can learn about local resources and connect with others.

Staff from Wellkin and Oxford County Library will support each session. The first half-hour will highlight a community resource. The second half-hour is reserved for 'coffee time,' where the group can connect and get to know each other. Parents and caregivers can come and go from each session based on their needs and comfort.

An advisory committee of parents and caregivers from across Elgin and Oxford has been instrumental in developing The Hub. The group regularly meets (virtually) to continue planning for The Hub's future and to continually improve this resource.

The Hub will host its inaugural session on January 19, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. Interested participants can register in advance at www.parentcaregiverhub.ca/events.

If you belong to a community group or organization for families or offer services focused on family wellness and want to participate in a future session, please contact thehub@wellkin.ca.

Social media and online content

Oxford County Library Wellkin
Facebook: Oxford County Library Facebook: parentcaregiverhub
Twitter: _ocl Twitter: _wellkin
Instagram: oxfordcountylibrary Instagram: welkin.social
www.oxfordcounty.ca/newsroom wellkin.ca/news/

About Oxford County Library

Oxford County Library is a County of Oxford service that offers free lending of books, DVDs and other materials; access to online catalogues and databases; genealogy support; children’s programming; job search resources and information about government services; and computer access. Branches are located in Brownsville, Burgessville, Embro, Harrington, Ingersoll, Innerkip, Mount Elgin, Norwich, Otterville, Plattsville, Princeton, Tavistock, Thamesford and Tillsonburg. The Library is a charitable organization that accepts online donations through Canada Helps on its website.

About Wellkin

Wellkin (formerly OECYC) delivers family mental health care with a focus on children and youth living in Oxford and Elgin counties. Our programs and services support the needs of each individual while the agency maintains a well-rounded approach that include screening, assessment, treatment, and education. The supports and services have no costs attached and a health card isn’t required to access Wellkin. We aim to engage and support families/caregivers and peers in delivering care to kids while being responsive to their unique life and family circumstances. We wish that everyone accessing our services will achieve stability through active participation in treatment plans designed to address safe, healthy, and manageable outcomes.

About Oxford County

Located in the heart of southwestern Ontario at the crossroads of Highways 401 and 403, Oxford County has a population of approximately 121,000 people across eight area municipalities that are “growing stronger together.” As a partnership-oriented, two-tier municipal government, Oxford County is emerging as a leader in sustainable growth through the Future Oxford Community Sustainability Plan and County Council’s commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy, becoming a zero waste community and working towards zero poverty. Situated in one of Ontario’s richest areas for farmland, agriculture is a key industry that is driving innovation in sustainable industries and diversifying the local economy. Oxford County offers a thriving local arts, culture and culinary community, as well as conservation parks, natural areas and more than 100 kilometres of scenic trails. The Oxford County Administration Building is located in Woodstock, Ontario. Visit www.oxfordcounty.ca or follow our social media sites at www.oxfordcounty.ca/social. Oxford County’s Strategic Plan is at oxfordcounty.ca/strategicplan.

Contact

Donna Kemp | Strategic Communication & Engagement
519.539.9800, ext. 3158 | dkemp@oxfordcounty.ca