WHAT IS SCHOOLSPLUS?

The focus of SchoolsPlus is to support students and families by connecting them to services that meet their needs. We also work with school administration to identify programming needed for students and families.


We have many resources and supports for our students and families. Some of the resources are listed below:


Covid-19 Info:

Questions about Covid-19 –

- https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

- https://when-to-call-about-covid19.novascotia.ca

- For updates on social media, follow: Government of Nova Scotia Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/nsgov/

- If you feel unwell, go to 811.novascotia.ca and use the self-assessment questionnaire to find out if you need to call 811.

- Message from Dr. Strang and How to speak to children about COVID-19 - Q&A for kids: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXusFwpUbxE&feature=youtu.be

Counselling Services (non-mental health or crisis):

Family Service Hotline (for current real life impact of COVID stress):

Sydney- 902-539-6868

Glace Bay- (902) 849-4772


- Kids Help Phone –

1-800-668-6868

Text CONNECT to 686868

Online Chat – Visit kidshelpphone.ca and click Chat Button

Lots of great resources on webpage – kidshelpphone.c

Eating Disorders:


Eating Disorders Nova Scotia

Online peer support for youth: https://eatingdisordersns.ca/?mc_cid=660b00b695&mc_eid=677367c1e0



Free Internet and Devices

Internet:

Free internet and devices for those in need of internet but unable to afford it. Contact United Way Cape Breton by telephone at (902) 562-5226 (leave a message and someone will return the call) **note: folks are not able to cancel an existing internet service to quality, this is a temporary measure due to Covid-19.

Libby, by OverDrive

  • Libby is the new app to enjoy ebooks and audiobooks from OverDrive.

  • We recommend Libby for anyone using a Smart Phone or Tablet

  • Available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for smartphones and tablets.

  • Easy to get started for first-time users and a streamlined experience for current OverDrive app users.

  • Need help? Libby App Guide

  • Getting Started with Overdrive eBooks and eAudiobooks

  • PressReader – Unlimited access to thousands of
    magazines and newspapers including local papers, international papers and special interest magazines!
    PressReader log-in instruction


NS Public Libraries: Online books and resources are available to all library card accounts. Overdrive, and Libby are the apps that allow books access. The following are links from the CBRL:


  • TumbleBooks
    Introducing TumbleBooks! Copy and paste the links below into you browser for access to picture books , teen books, and math work!
    ****Use the username: nstumbles password: trial****


Housing/Homeless:

As of March 13th, Cape Breton Community Housing Association has re-opened the old shelter located at 32 Margaret Street, Sydney, exclusively for women experiencing homelessness. Both wings at 106 Townsend Street (new homeless shelter, the green building by Fired Creations) are now available for men experiencing homelessness. This is expected to help with physical distancing for now as it provides more space.

Hygiene Sites:

As of April 29th:

  • the site at 152 Bentinck, directly beside the Ally Center is open from 9 - 12 noon for showers, bathroom use, cup of tea or coffee and a snack for the road. Also folks get a bag of personal hygiene products to take with them. And we have some new underwear and socks (can always take donations of new socks and underwear.. sizes medium and large ).

  • The second Sydney site will hopefully be open at the end of the week. It is located at the Undercurrent just across from Dr. Lukes on the corner of Prince and Bentinck st.

  • By early next week, the Sydney Mines site at Community Cares will be open from 10 am to 1 pm The Glace Bay site as well should be open by early next week located at the Undercurrent Youth club will be open from 9 - 12 noon.

  • Any questions please email Diane Penny

diane.penny@bellaliant.com


Income:


Canada Emergency Response Benefit: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

Employment Insurance: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html


Full summary of Financial Benefits and Programs: https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/coronavirusbenefits/


Income Assistance:


- To apply for Income Assistance, call toll-free number at 1-877-424-1177 or find your local office of Community Services and make an appointment. Regular business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm

- The extended hours for the phone line to speak with a worker about income assistance eligibility are: Monday - Friday from 4:30pm to 7pm, Saturday 8:30am to 4:30pm, and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Call toll-free 1-833-722-1417


- Regarding submitting a Monthly Income Statement, for those who have not sent their Statement in to date – can complete an Income Statement with a Caseworker via phone

- Those clients who do not have income each month such as Wages, will be changed to Periodic for a three month period – this means their payment will issue automatically without us receiving an Income Statement or completing one with them via phone.

- For those clients who do have income that varies, their Income Statement will be completed by phone each month.

Mental Health/Addictions:


- 12 Step Programs:

https://www.12step.org/social/online-meetings/


- Mental Health and Addictions has launched a new online tool for clients. Therapy Assistance OnLine

By watching videos and engaging in interactive components, people gain the knowledge, self-awareness, and skills to achieve goals. Some of the skills TAO focuses on are:

  • stress management,

  • mindfulness,

  • problem solving, and

  • strategies to avoid dwelling on your concerns and develop more helpful thinking patterns.

-For more information, or to sign up for TAO please visit: taoconnect.org/what_is_tao/ns

- CaperBase Outreach: currently providing services for early and brief intervention via telephone - 902-539-7233 - available Monday to Friday 8:30-4:30

-Caperbase: Staying Healthy at Home http://www.caperbase.com/staying-healthy-at-home.html

Anyone in need or anyone who wants to talk can access the service at www.wellnesstogether.ca or at 1-866-585-0445.

-Some online articles related to coping with anxiety about COVID-19: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-psychology-weight-loss/202003/staying-healthy-in-covid-19-world

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-psychology-weight-loss/202003/social-distancing-sucks-we-should-do-it-anyway

- COVID-19: Mental health and well-being: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/mental-health/

- Crisis – Call 911, Emergency, Mental Health Crisis line (1-888-429-8167)

- ICAN (Conquer Anxiety and Nervousness) – Anxiety Program (18 plus years of age)

To self-refer please go to: https://login.strongestfamilies.com/folder/1963/

http://www.nshealth.ca/service-details/ICAN%20(Conquer%20Anxiety%20and%20Nervousness)%20–%20Anxiety%20Program%20(18%20plus%20years%20of%20age)

- Nova Scotia Health Authority – MindWell U – The 30 Day Mindfulness Challenge is an online, evidence-based curriculum shown by university researchers to lower stress, increase resilience and improve well-being, performance and optimism. https://app.mindwellu.com/novascotia (or Google Mindwell U Nova Scotia). This may be a very helpful resource for people coping with increased stress or worry.


- Tools and resources to help manage anxiety: Anxietycanada.com


- CMHA - NS - Wellness Resource Hub - https://caringtogether-cmhans.ca

- Follow CMHA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmhansdivision/

- CMHA NS CAST Program Community-Based Suicide Prevention Resource Hub: https://novascotia.cmha.ca/cast_resource_hub/


- MindShift CBT – Anxiety Canada app


- Free self-care manual using cognitive and behavioral methods to help with depression: www.comh.ca/antidepressant-skills/adult -


- For help with depression: http://depressionhurts.ca/en/information/resources.aspx -


- To help with insomnia: www.mysleepwell.ca


- https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself


- For client’s struggling with substance use and gambling: https://www.smartrecovery.org/


- For information regarding addiction and substance use: https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/treatment


- Link to over 69 different resources for clients seeking help with substance use:

https://store.samhsa.gov/treatment-prevention-recovery/self-help


- Self-compassion guided meditations and exercises:https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/


- Free downloadable mindfulness meditations: www.chrisgermer.com/meditations/