COVID-19: NAFC Resource List

March 30, 2020

COVID-19: NAFC Resource List

Updated: April 7, 2020 (Google Doc. updated daily) 

Since the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic, the National Association of Friendship Centres (NAFC) has been doing our best to navigate the response and support our network of over 107-member Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations across the country. We are paying close attention to the daily updates provided from public health and are abiding by all of their recommendations.

With the safety of our community members and Movement in mind; our priority is to support Friendship Centres and Provincial/Territorial Associations in whatever they need and in whatever decisions they make. Please note that this information should not be taken as advice.  

We have been working hard behind the scenes to develop a resource list which you may find beneficial as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. If you have any questions, or require additional support, please contact us:

• For Friendship Centre specific information: jwformsma@nafc.ca 
• For resources that should be added to this resource: gmushyirahamwe@nafc.ca 
• For communications requests: communications@nafc.ca

General resources for Friendship Centers

During this time, we advise Friendship Centres to:

1. Contact their funders to confirm flexibility on use of funds, reporting, and completing deliverables.
2. Track your expenses that are a response to the pandemic.
3. Follow their provincial and local public health authorities for the most updated and relevant information for your community.

Public Health Canada has dedicated a webpage towards Community-based measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Canada. This provides a more in-depth explanation on COVID-19 and includes conversation on social distancing at a community-level, community-based measures and COVID-19, and how we should move forward with this outbreak.

Here are a few resources that can assist with how to proceed amidst the COVID-19 outbreak at a local Friendship Centre level.

• Community Foundation of Canada - Dealing with COVID-19 as a Community Foundation
• Ontario Non-profit Network: Non-profit on the frontline of COVID-19
• Resources to help non-profits adapt and respond to COVID-19
• Communicating Through the Coronavirus Crisis
• Managing through and building resilience during the outbreak
• Sponsorship During Times of Crisis: Cancelled Events, Postponing and Refunds
• Hosting, Postponing, or Cancelling Mass Gatherings
• What Non-profit Board Members Should be Doing Right Now to Address the COVID-19 Situation
• Pandemic Law Canada
• COVID-19 Response Framework for People Experiencing Homelessness
• COVID-19 Preparation for Homeless Populations

Canada’s Response to COVID-19

A list of resources that outlines the immediate actions that the Government is taking to help and support Canadians facing hardship as a result of this outbreak: 

• Government of Canada Takes Action on COVID-19
• Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
• Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
• News Releases
• News releases from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
• Structural Profile of Public Health in Canada

Health-Related Resources

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

• The Government of Canada created a document outlining what is coronavirus, the symptoms and treatment, how to be prepared, prevention and risk, and Canada's response to this virus.
• There is also an updated list on the areas in Canada with COVID-19 cases.
• There are is also a number of printable resources and downloads that can be easily shared with community members.
• Be sure to check out the following infographics:
• About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
• Know the Difference: Self-Monitoring, Self-Isolation, and Isolation for COVID-19
• Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Vulnerable Population and COVID-19   
• Be Prepared (COVID-19)
• How to Care for a Person with COVID-19 at Home: Advice for Caregivers
• Reduce the Spread of COVID-19: Wash Your Hands
• Cleaning and Disinfecting for Public Settings
• There is also information on the different forms of Hand Hygiene.
• If you are seeking for further information, there is a COVID-19 Virtual Assistant that can help narrow down your search and direct you to the appropriate page to better answer your questions. 

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous Communities

• Indigenous Services Canada has provided a number of information and resources pertaining to COVID-19 and Indigenous communities, this also consists of a video from Indigenous Services Canada and their updates on this outbreak.
• Public service announcements regarding COVID-19 have also been provided in various Indigenous languages.

 First Nations Health Authority - Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) has shared a list of resources, including the Important Steps for Communities.

COVID-19 Flowchart

• Here is a flowchart to assist when attempting to get further guidance on getting checked over the phone, in person, and what to do if you are showing symptoms.

Daily Scan of Selected Public Health Organizations

• This is an active document that consists of international updates and resources on COVID-19 that was compiled by Public Health Ontario.

COVID-19 Information for People Living with HIV

• The Urban Indian Health Institute has a downloaded resource with people living with HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 and Diabetes

• Diabetes Voice has provided information to better assist individuals that are diabetic during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Substance Abuse

COVID-19 Safer Drug Use Harm Reduction Tips

• Provides information on ensuring a safe and clean environment for drug use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Online Meeting Directory

• The Online Intergroup Alcoholics Anonymous group offers a directory of AA Canada meetings in various mediums such as Zoom Meeting, one tap mobile, and one can dial by their location.
• There are resources available for folks’ part of the LBGTQ+ community, folks that are deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired, loners/internationalists, and atheist/agonistic.

Domestic Violence

Find Help Across Canada

• Ending Violence Association of Canada has provided a directory of resources based on provinces for individuals that are experiencing domestic violence.

Battered Women's Support Services

• The Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) will continue providing emotional support to women experiencing gender-based domestic violence.

Shelter Safe

• Shelter Safe will still be providing support to women and children that are fleeing from violence. Their crisis lines will also still be open to provide information on creating safety planning.

Youth Support

Crisis Services Canada

• Crisis Services Canada (CSC) has provided a list of local resources and support for individuals that may have suicidal thoughts, and has COVID-19 Resources.

Referral Database

• LGBT Youth Line has provided an online directory of support and resources that can respond to the needs of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.

Good2Talk

• Good2Talk provides support for post-secondary students in Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Service Continuation During COVID-19

• Hands The Family Help Network has a list of resources and tools that can help youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Kids Help Now

• Kids Help Now will continue providing support and assistance to youth. (They have also provided additional resources based on one’s location.)

Resources for Supporting Children’s Emotional Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic

• Child Trends has compiled a list of resources and recommendations on how to better support a child’s emotional well-being. 

Mental Health Related Resources

Managing Anxiety and Stress

• The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shared tips on how to cope with stress during the outbreak of the Coronavirus. There is information to help reduce stress for yourself and those around you, assistance for parents and children, and folks that have been released from quarantine. They have a webpage dedicated to Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event and ways in which we can take care of emotional health. To ensure the safety of individuals that mental health issues, there is information on reducing stigma.

Canadian Hearing Services’ Hearing Care & CONNECT Counsellors available virtually March 31

• The Canadian Hearing Services has compiled a list of counsellors that can be connected virtually.

Stress Management: Relaxing Your Mind and Body

• The Alberta Health Services has provided breathing exercises and activities that can help manage stress.

COVID-19 and Mental Health

• The Canadian Mental Health Association has put together some resources that can help with your mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak. This webpage also provides credible sources that can further assist with topics surrounding mental health.
• The CMHA has also include information regarding stigma and discrimination.

Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic

• The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has provided an array of resources and information on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, answers to FAQs, and methods to better assess your stress and anxiety levels, as well as tools to better deal with isolation and self-quarantine. 
  • Challenging Worries and Anxious Thoughts
  • Dealing with Problems in a Structured Way
  • Talking to Children about COVID-19 and its Impact

Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation During an Infectious Disease Outbreak

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has provided a tip sheet on social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. This tip sheet explores the feeling and thoughts that you might have while and after social distancing, quarantine, and isolation; as well as, providing information to help navigate those experience.

Mental Health and COVID-19 - Information and Resources

• Mental Health America (MHA) has shared information and resources for managing one’s anxiety, tools that can help stay connected (especially for individuals living with mental illness), and more information to help support youth members.

What to do if you're anxious or worried about coronavirus (COVID-19)

• Anxiety Canada has shared suggestion on how to best cope and manage the anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Talking to Your Anxious Child About COVID-19

• The Children’s Mental Health Ontario has shared information on how to assist a child dealing with anxiety during this pandemic.

COVID-19: Supporting a discussion with children and youth

• The Ontario Centre of Excellence for Child & Youth Mental Health has created a list of resources on how to better support youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also included printable resources and activities to better explain the current happenings.

Mental health resources during COVID19/Coronavirus

• This active google document provides free and affordable mental health resources; as well as, a list of crisis hotlines, online therapy websites, and tools to ease one’s anxiety during these times.

Indigenous Specific Resources

Although there hasn’t been any information regarding the use of traditional medicine and COVID-19, we believe it is important to include Indigenous resources in this resources list and may be of value to you!

COVID Resources for Indigenous Peoples

• Indigenous Climate Action has provided a number of amazing resources that are Indigenous focused to help stay informed and provide guidance during this outbreak.
• These resources touch on:
• Social Distancing
• Mental Health Support
• Traditional Medicines and Holistic Practices
• Entertainment for Teens and Adults
• Learning
• Maintaining Community Connection
• Making a Clean Space
• Community Care

Decolonizing Community Care in Response to COVID-19

• The NDN Collective has shared information on traditional practices that can help manage stress and reinforce community care during COVID-19.

Resources to Assist First Nations in Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic

• The Olthuis Kleer Townshend LLP. (OKT) has created a blog with general assistance to First Nations regarding pandemic planning, funding and potential legal issues.

Highlights from A COVID-19 Fireside Chart with Indigenous Health Professionals

• The Yellowhead Institute complied a document to summarize the conversations surrounding Indigenous communities and COVID-19.

Indigenous Health During COVID-19

•  TVO has shared a video identifying the challenges that are specific to Indigenous communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Clean & Disinfect

CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

• The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has a helpful and updates resources on COVID-19. Provides an array of information on how to clean and disinfect, how to clean your environment if someone is sick, and information on environmental cleaning and disinfection recommendations.

First Nations Health Authority: COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Resources for First Nations Community Health Care Providers

• The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) demonstrates best practices when ensuring a clean environment, washing your hands, and protecting yourself.

List of Resources and Information Based on Provinces