People First Media program archive
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Elder abuse more common than you think

March 31st, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Elder abuse more common than you think)

U.S. disclosure and a shocking Ontario abuse case bring new attention to a disturbingly common problem

Recent high-profile cases of elder abuse have brought public attention to a problem that advocates say is disturbingly common—and under-reported.

Mickey Rooney, a 90-year-old actor, testified earlier this month before a committee of the U.S. Senate that he had been a victim of abuse at the hands of his own family. Rooney has accused his stepson of intimidating and bullying him, blocking access to his mail, and depriving him of medications and food. (more…)

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Legal aid an essential public service

March 31st, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Legal aid an essential public service)

Report confirms that B.C. isn’t providing the most basic legal aid needs and calls for increased funding

In June 2010, after years of government cutbacks to legal aid services in British Columbia and concerns about those most impacted, a Public Commission on Legal Aid was established as a joint project of several legal organizations, including the Law Society of British Columbia. Its purpose was to engage British Columbians in a discussion about legal aid and to produce a report of its findings, making recommendations to improve legal aid in the province. (more…)

On keeping dads in their kids’ lives

March 24th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on On keeping dads in their kids’ lives)

Support programs and peer networking help dads to become better fathers and stay in their kids’ lives

At the age of 24, Brandon Hay discovered he was about to become a dad for the first time. He’d been raised by a single mother without the presence of a consistent father figure and was filled with anxiety about his own ability to be a good father. Brandon knew that he wanted to be great father but he wasn’t quite sure how.

Brandon Hay went on to establish the Black Daddies Club in Toronto, an ongoing support system for Black fathers to share their challenges and or experiences. He has also organized parenting workshops, some in barbershops, a popular gathering place for black men. (more…)

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Moonkissed series tackles FASD

March 24th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Moonkissed series tackles FASD)

Evalena Schwartz is a quirky, endearing character who brings a unique perspective on life, love, and art

Evalena is a teenager who excels at art, dislikes math, wants to fall in love, has a mom and dad, a baby brother and a best friend, and lives with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)…just like a lot of kids.

Annemarie Richmond is an author, an FASD facilitator, and the originator of what will become a trilogy following the experiences and adventures of Evalena. Annemarie’s goal in writing the Moonkissed trilogy is to provide a unique brand of entertainment and to promote the inclusion of youth who live with FASD. (more…)

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Gambling addiction is a health issue

March 17th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Gambling addiction is a health issue)

Dr. Shao-Hua Lu on increased gambling exposure and how it could cause a spike in gambling addictions

Gambling problems share many similarities with other addictive disorders. However, there are no visible signs or physical changes that will indicate a gambling problem. Instead, there are common behavioural, emotional, financial and health signs. Problem gambling is not just about losing money. Gambling problems can affect a person’s entire life. [Source: CAMH]

Dr. Shao-Hua Lu, a psychiatrist specializing in addictions, recently told The Straight.ca that the expansion of casinos such as the one proposed for B.C. Place increases the risk of children becoming gamblers later on in life.  A study called Decoding British Columbian Youth and Gambling [opens to PDF] has suggested that there is a link between a parent’s gambling activity and their child’s attitude toward—and participation in—gambling. (more…)

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Investigating BD and creativity

March 17th, 2011 | Posted by pfmarchive in uncategorized - (Comments Off on Investigating BD and creativity)

Bipolar disorder is often characterized by periods of highly creative thoughts and behaviours

Bipolar disorder (which was once called “manic depression”) is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of depression and abnormally elevated mood. Although bipolar disorder has been associated with disability and poor quality of life, it is also, for some people, associated with positive aspects of life, such as increased creativity. Over half a million Canadians have BD. (more…)

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