Community Development
As the Network Partnership Initiative (NPI) lead for our region, the Eva Marsden Centre serves as a vital bridge connecting English-speaking seniors to essential health and social services. Beyond this initiative, we are actively dedicated to advancing public policy, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and sharing innovative knowledge on social determinants of health to ensure our aging population can live with dignity and support.
Our Role as an NPI
Empowering Communities Through Collaboration
The Network Partnership Initiative (NPI) is a province-wide program designed to improve access to health and social services for Quebec's English-speaking minority communities. Developed by the Community Health and Social Services Network (CHSSN), this framework enables the Eva Marsden Centre to collaborate with public health authorities and community partners to address systemic gaps in health and social services.
Networking
We actively build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, public institutions, and stakeholders to create a cohesive support ecosystem. By facilitating continuous information exchange, we break down organizational silos and promote effective service delivery for local English-speaking older adults.
Representation
Our team actively participates in key regional advisory committees and decision-making tables to voice the unique needs and distinct challenges of the English-speaking community. Through consistent advocacy and institutional representation, we ensure that public health policies and local service planning directly protect and support our aging population.
Knowledge
We produce and share vital demographic statistics, mapping projects alongside research and educational institutions, and collaborate on documentation on the needs of seniors and community partners. Our team translates this data into impactful guest lectures, as well as presentations at conferences at the local, provincial, national, and international levels, to foster productive dialogue with healthcare professionals.
Partnerships
We cultivate strategic alliances with academic institutions, healthcare professionals, and grassroots groups to design innovative pilot projects. These collaborative efforts allow us to co-create sustainable, intergenerational solutions that enhance overall community well-being.
Outreach
Our intentional outreach efforts focus on locating and supporting highly isolated, vulnerable English-speaking older adults within the region. By building trust directly at the grassroots level, we successfully connect these individuals to vital community networks and essential public care.
Social Justice and Policy Work
We are fiercely committed to defending users’ rights and ensuring the collective voice of English-speaking older adults is heard by policymakers. By leading oversight bodies such as the Cavendish Users’ Committee and engaging with public health authorities, we fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable care.
Research and Knowledge Sharing
Our team collaborates with leading academic institutions to conduct research that maps the evolving demographics and needs of our aging population. We translate these complex findings into actionable toolkits and public knowledge to elevate standard practices in senior care.
REPRESENTATION
SOCIAL PRESCRIPTION
Redefining Healthcare Through ConnectioN
Social Prescription bridges the gap between clinical medicine and community care by allowing healthcare professionals to prescribe social and recreational activities to combat isolation. Through this holistic model, we connect vulnerable individuals to meaningful community programs that measurably improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Social programming
Fostering Inclusive Community Hubs
We design and facilitate dynamic psychosocial and intergenerational programs that bring older adults together in safe, welcoming environments. These diverse activities are tailored to stimulate cognitive health, encourage physical mobility, and build lasting friendships.
Social Housing Community Support
We are funded by the Montreal Municipal Housing Office (OMHM) to provide social activities and increase resident involvement for three social housing buildings (HLM’s) in NDG, including Habitations Monkland, Terrebonne, and Girouard.
Our animator meets with residents to better understand their needs and to provide conflict resolution when required. A range of activities take place weekly or as part of the cycle of holidays and celebrations.
CONNECT WITH US
Miranda Potts passionately spearheads our regional NPI strategy for outreach and representation. Paola Leal and Jeremy Varvaris lead the NPI knowledge development and partnerships. If you are a community partner looking to collaborate or have questions about our regional initiatives, please reach out to us directly.