Workshop Intro:

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Join Hey Neighbour Collective (HNC) and Building Resilient Neighbourhoods Society (BRN) to learn about promising approaches for building social connectedness and resilience in a co-op housing context.

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Description:

Well before COVID, loneliness and social isolation were on the rise, both local and globally. Chronic loneliness is well documented to be as bad for your physical health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. One of the world’s foremost researchers on the topic said in 2020 that “being socially connected in meaningful ways is actually key to human health and survival.”

Knowing your neighbours and having strong social connections to lean on has profound positive impacts at any time. This is even more true when facing chronic stressors and emergencies, as both COVID and recent climate-related events have illustrated. Socially connected communities composed of neighbours that are able and willing to offer each other support are more resilient and prepared (and more fun!)

The co-op housing movement has always recognized the importance not only of secure tenure, affordable housing, but of neighbourly connections. But strong communities need regular nurturing and we’ve all just been through two years of ‘social distancing.’ What now?

This participatory workshop will:
• Highlight research on the importance of social connectedness in the context of multi-unit housing
• Provide inspirational ideas for connecting with your neighbours again
• Suggest frameworks for engaging more neighbours in inclusive community building efforts
• Facilitate discussion amongst participants, creating take-home materials to support you on your journeys.

Presenters