Help Prevent Injuries in Wellington County

Volunteer with Safe Communities Wellington County

Safe Communities Wellington County is looking for individuals who are passionate about preventing injuries and keeping our communities safe.

Experience and professional skills are valuable — but what matters most to us is your passion for injury prevention and your desire to make a positive impact across Wellington County.

We welcome volunteers from all seven municipalities:

• Puslinch

• Erin

• Guelph-Eramosa

• Minto

• Mapleton

• Wellington North

• Centre Wellington

Whether you want to focus on your own municipality or contribute county-wide, there is a place for you at the table.

Areas Where We Need Your Help

Volunteers can choose to support one or more of the following injury prevention priorities:

Falls Prevention

Helping reduce falls — the leading cause of injury among older adults — through education, awareness, and community-based initiatives.

Mental Health

Supporting injury prevention efforts connected to mental health, well-being, and crisis prevention.

Motor Vehicle Collision Prevention

Focusing on impaired and distracted driving, two of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities on Wellington County roads.

Drug Poisoning Prevention

Addressing the opioid crisis while also promoting safe storage practices — keeping medications and harmful substances high and locked to prevent children from accidental ingestion.

Agricultural Machinery & Tools

Promoting the proper use of farm machinery and tools to reduce injuries in agricultural and rural settings.

What’s the Time Commitment?

Volunteering with Safe Communities Wellington County is designed to be manageable and meaningful.

• Approximately 2 hours per month

• Opportunities to participate in meetings, action groups, or short-term projects

• Flexible involvement based on your interests and availability

Join Us – September 16, 2026

New and interested volunteers are warmly invited to attend our upcoming meeting:

Date: September 16, 2026
Location: Wellington County Museum and Archives

This meeting is a great opportunity to:

• Learn more about our work

• Meet current volunteers and partners

• Explore how your interests align with our injury prevention priorities

Get Involved

If you care about safety, prevention, and building healthier communities across Wellington County, we would love to hear from you. Fill out the following form to inform us of your interest: https://forms.gle/nGmzpwDCaTrPGV6j6

Your passion can help prevent injuries and save lives.
Everyone has something valuable to contribute.

Together, we can make Wellington County a safer place to live, work, and play.

⚠️ Important Notice: E-Scooters Not Permitted in Wellington County

Electric kick-style scooters (e-scooters) are becoming increasingly common in some areas of Ontario—but they are not permitted for use in Wellington County.

As per local regulations, e-scooters are prohibited on:

• County and lower-tier municipal roads

• Sidewalks

• Bike paths

• Trails

• Parks

Although other municipalities in Ontario may allow e-scooter use, Wellington County has chosen to restrict them due to their significant safety risks, especially to children and youth.

🚑 What the Data Tells Us

According to the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) at SickKids Hospital, e-scooters are responsible for a high number of serious injuries. Emergency Department data shows:

• 🛴 85% of serious injuries from battery-powered mobility devices are related to e-scooters.

• 👦 Nearly half of all e-scooter injuries involved children aged 10–13.

• ♂️ 81% of injured riders were male.

• 🧠 36% of injuries were head injuries—and helmet use did not always prevent them.

• ⛑️ 56% of injured riders were not wearing a helmet.

• 🚑 31% of injuries involved multiple parts of the body, making them especially severe.

These findings highlight the serious risk e-scooters pose, especially when operated in public spaces without proper oversight or infrastructure.

✅ Help Keep Our Community Safe

For your safety—and the safety of others—please refrain from riding e-scooters in any public area within Wellington County. These regulations are in place to prevent avoidable injuries and protect vulnerable road users, including children, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Thank you for doing your part to keep Wellington County safe.

#WellingtonCounty #EScooterSafety #CommunityNotice #PublicSafety #BylawAwareness

Canadian Injury Prevention Day

Monday, July 6, 2026

Lighting the Way to Safer Communities

Canadian Injury Prevention Day (formerly National Injury Prevention Day) is a national awareness campaign dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives through education, collaboration, and advocacy.

Recognized by Health Canada as an official national Health Promotion Day, Canadian Injury Prevention Day brings together organizations, communities, and individuals across the country to take action—because injuries are predictable, preventable, and everyone has a role to play.

In 2026, the day will be observed on Monday, July 6 (moved from July 5 to ensure broader participation).

Safe Communities Wellington County: Local Action, National Impact

Safe Communities Wellington County is proud to support Parachute, Canada’s national injury prevention organization, while leading local efforts that reflect the unique needs of our community.

As an independent, community-driven organization, we work collaboratively with local partners to:

• Promote injury prevention education across Wellington County
• Support programs that reduce injuries at home, on the road, and at play
• Raise awareness through community campaigns and events
• Empower residents with practical tools to stay safe

Our shared goal is simple but powerful:
A community where everyone can live safely and fully—free from preventable injuries.

Join Us: Light Up Green

We invite residents, organizations, businesses, and municipalities across Wellington County to take part in Canadian Injury Prevention Day by “lighting up green” on July 6, 2026.

Lighting up green is a visible show of support for injury prevention awareness and a reminder that small actions can save lives.

You can participate by:

• Illuminating buildings, landmarks, or homes in green
• Wearing green
• Sharing safety messages on social media
• Talking with family, friends, and colleagues about injury prevention

Why Injury Prevention Matters

Injury is a leading cause of death and disability in Canada—and it is often preventable.

• Injury is the #1 cause of death for Canadians ages 1–44
• Every day, 48 Canadians die and 634 are hospitalized due to injuries
• Preventable injury is the leading cause of death among children and youth
• 75% of injury-related deaths are unintentional, including falls, motor vehicle collisions, and poisonings
• Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, hospitalizations, and disabilities
• Injuries cost the Canadian economy $29.4 billion annually

These numbers highlight the urgent need for continued awareness, education, and action.

Preventing Injuries Starts With You

Most injuries are predictable and preventable. By taking simple steps, we can significantly reduce risk in everyday life.

Focus areas include:

• On the road: safe driving, cycling, and pedestrian awareness
• At home: fall prevention, safe storage of medications and chemicals
• At play: use of protective equipment and safe recreation practices

Safe Communities Wellington County is committed to providing the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to help residents stay safe.

Moving Forward Together

While progress has been made in injury prevention across Canada, there is still more work to do. By working together—locally and nationally—we can build safer environments and prevent needless injuries.

On July 6, join us in taking a stand.

Light up green. Spread the message. Save lives.

Safe Communities Wellington County Supports Safe Kids Week 2026: #SafeSpeedsForKids

Parachute Safe Kids Week ran June 1–7, 2026, an annual national campaign that raises awareness about predictable and preventable injuries in children. This year’s theme, #SafeSpeedsForKids, highlights how safer speeds on our roads can save young lives.

At Safe Communities Wellington County, we are proud to support Safe Kids Week and to work with our partners to make road safety a shared responsibility across urban and rural communities.  Many families and community partners joined Safe Communities Wellington County at Stait Park in Fergus for a Safety Storytime on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at 9 am.  We were also thrilled to join Palmerston Fire Services for a Safety Storytime at The Palmerston Child Care and Learning Centre. 

Children Are Vulnerable Road Users

Motor vehicle incidents remain a leading cause of serious injury and death for children in Canada. Each year, an average of 6,700 children are injured and 46 lose their lives on Canadian roads.

Children walk and cycle every day—to school, to parks, and to visit friends. These activities are essential for their physical and mental health, but they also place children at risk when roads are designed for speed instead of safety.

In Wellington County and across Ontario:

• Most child pedestrian and bicyclist injuries happen between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., during after‑school hours
• June sees the highest number of child cycling injuries, when kids are outside more often
• While most injuries occur in urban areas, rural crashes are more likely to be fatal due to higher speeds, fewer sidewalks, and longer travel times to trauma care

Why Speed Matters for Child Safety

Speed plays a critical role in whether a collision happens—and how severe the outcome is.

• Children are twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle on roads with speed limits above 50 km/h
• For every 1.6 km/h reduction in average speed, collision rates drop by 5%
• A pedestrian hit at 50 km/h is nearly six times more likely to be killed than at 30 km/h
• Children face even higher risks because of their size, visibility, and developing judgment

Lower speeds mean drivers have more time to react and stop, and any collision that does occur is far less likely to be deadly.

Creating #SafeSpeedsForKids in Our Communities

Making roads safer for children requires a combined approach that includes policy, design, and enforcement.

1. Reduce Speed Limits
   In areas where people live, walk, bike, and play, speed limits of 30 km/h significantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death. At this speed, drivers can more easily stop and avoid collisions altogether.
2. Design Roads That Slow Drivers
   Street design is one of the most effective tools we have. Proven traffic‑calming measures include:

• Speed humps and raised crosswalks
• Narrowed lanes and curb extensions
• Roundabouts that naturally slow vehicles

Speed humps alone can reduce crashes involving child pedestrians by up to 43%.

3. Enforce Safer Speeds
   Automated speed enforcement, including community safety cameras, helps reduce dangerous speeding—especially among the fastest drivers. In school zones, these tools have reduced speeding by up to 45%.

Everyone Has a Role to Play

Drivers can:

• Slow down, especially in neighbourhoods and school zones
• Stay alert and distraction‑free
• Give cyclists space and check for bikes before opening car doors
• Drive sober, every trip

Parents and caregivers can:

• Walk and ride with younger children and talk about road safety
• Teach safe street‑crossing skills and practice often
• Make sure bikes fit properly and are in good working order
• Use the right car seat or booster seat on every ride
• Avoid e‑scooters for children under 16 though no municipality has permitted the use of E-Scooters in Wellington County.

Take Action: Snap for Change

During Safe Kids Week, Parachute’s Snap for Change initiative invites residents to speak up about road safety concerns in their neighbourhoods.

Do you know a place that feels unsafe for kids to walk, bike, or scooter?
Take a photo, suggest a safety improvement, and share your voice. Participants can receive a $100 gift card, and more importantly, help create lasting change.

Together, we can slow traffic, redesign streets, and protect what matters most—our children.

Thank you for joining us at our Safety Story Times during Safe Kids Week, and a special thank you to our first responders for participating and taking the time out of their days to make Safe Kids Week a priority!  #SafeSpeedsForKids in Wellington County.

Safe Communities Wellington County Supports Students Against Impaired Driving (SAID) Day – May 14, 2026

Every year, lives are needlessly lost on our roadways due to alcohol‑, drug‑, distracted‑, and speed‑impaired driving. These are avoidable tragedies that leave lasting scars on families, schools, and communities throughout Guelph and Wellington County.

Safe Communities Wellington County is proud to support Students Against Impaired Driving (SAID) Day, a province‑wide initiative that empowers young people to take a stand against impaired driving and to lead by example.

Why SAID Day Matters

Impaired driving is the leading criminal cause of death and injury in Canada. Despite increased awareness, people continue to make decisions that put themselves—and others—at risk. SAID Day exists to change that by encouraging students, educators, families, businesses, and community organizations to proclaim, promote, and participate in preventing impaired and distracted driving.

On SAID Day, we remember those whose lives were lost and honour them by making one clear commitment: Never drive impaired—and never ride with an impaired driver.

SAID Week 2026

This year, Safe Communities Wellington County hosted information tables during lunch hour at the following schools:

• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Secondary School
• Bishop MacDonell Catholic Secondary School
• John F. Ross Collegiate Vocational Institute
• Erin District High School
• Wellington Heights Secondary School

Students stopped by, asked questions, picked up resources, and learned how to get involved by starting their own SAID Club.  Safe Communities was also able to discuss making a plan before going to prom with many of the students.

👉 If we didn’t come to your school in Guelph or Wellington County, we encourage you to start the conversation with your principal about recognizing SAID Day and participating in future years. 

What Is Impaired Driving?

Impaired driving includes driving while affected by:

• Alcohol
• Drugs (legal or illegal)
• Distraction (including phones and in‑vehicle technology)
• Excessive speed

Any one of these reduces reaction time, judgment, and the ability to respond safely on the road.

Our Mission

SAID Day encourages schools, businesses, and community organizations to take a visible stand against impaired and distracted driving by sending a clear, positive message:

🛑 Never drive impaired.
🛑 Never ride with an impaired driver.

How Schools Can Get Involved

Schools can participate in SAID Day in many meaningful ways, including:

• Proclaiming SAID Day on school social media 
• Making a school‑wide announcement over the PA system
• Creating an impaired driving awareness display
• Hosting events such as:
  • Impaired driving trivia
  • Mocktail events
  • Pledge campaigns
  • Chain of Life activities
• Encouraging students to create TikTok or video messages
• Involving parents through social media advocacy

🎉 SAID Day School Prizes

• Best Overall: $200
• 2nd Best Overall: $150
• 3rd Best Overall: $50

How Businesses and Community Organizations Can Help

Businesses can:

• Proclaim SAID Day support on social media
• Share “Drive Safe This Weekend” reminders with employees
• Promote safe driving messages relevant to their industry
• Support OSAID through donations or partnerships

Community organizations can:

• Share SAID Day messaging with members
• Encourage participation at workplaces and schools
• Host awareness or fundraising events
• Lead by example by committing to being a designated driver

Take Action on SAID Day

• Plan ahead before parties or events
• Designate a sober driver or arrange a safe ride home
• Intervene if someone you know is about to drive impaired
• Report suspected impaired driving by calling 911

Remember: The keys to safety are in your hands.

Summer on the Farm: Staying Safe During the Busiest Season

 Learn how to focus on promoting young people’s strengths!

Safe Communities Wellington County has been partnering with Lions Clubs of Canada and Lions Quest Canada to bring an amazing workshop to Wellington County. Already, we have brought together organizations and over 100 people across Wellington County to learn the 40 Problem Solving Skills Young People Need to Succeed.

These workshops help  promote self reliance, independence, and ultimately, success in life for the young people in your life.

Workshop Highlights & Agenda:

• Understand the “Ripple Effect” and identify where you can do your part
• Commit to making a difference
• Learn how your simple, everyday actions can have an impact
• Shift from focusing on young people’s problems to promoting their strengths

If you are interested in a group workshop, contact safecwc@gmail.com

Prevention Strategies

There are steps we can all take to promote mental well-being  

Building resilience: Learning healthy coping skills to manage stress and difficult emotions. This could include mindfulness practices, exercise, creative expression, or relaxation techniques.

• Strong social connections: Having supportive relationships with friends, family, and mentors can be a powerful buffer against emotional distress.
• Early intervention: Seeking help for mental health challenges is crucial.
• Open communication: Creating a safe space to talk openly about mental health and self-harm is essential.

Resources Available

If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm, or know someone who is, please know help is available:

• Crisis support: Reach out to a crisis hotline for immediate support. Here are some resources:
  • Crisis Support Wellington: 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247)
  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 (Text CONNECT to 686868)
  • 988 – Suicide Crisis Hotline
• Mental health resources:
  • Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington
  • Homewood Health Centre

Remember, you are not alone. By working together, we can create a safe and supportive environment where everyone in Wellington County feels empowered to seek help when needed.

We are committed to providing ongoing resources and information on mental health and injury prevention.

What is Wellington County Doing?

Through a partnership with Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and Wellington County Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), CMHA clinicians are working alongside Police Officers to assist in real-time with, calls involving those in crisis. The Program is called IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team). 2017 saw a record number of requests for service. In total, 586 calls were received with 431 individuals being served through the program. Clinicians attended a total of 289 live calls with police with 207 individuals not requiring a trip to an Emergency Department. Individuals were instead connected with services and supports that could better serve their needs. This is an extraordinary 73% diversion rate which permits the reinvestment of health, paramedic, and police services to address other important tasks.

GOOD NEWS FROM IMPACT

A camp serving people with disabilities called to say a camper was having behaviours that could pose risk or harm to other campers, staff and themselves. This camper also had significant medical issues that could be complicated by emergency service intervention. The officer responding asked IMPACT to assist in coordinating a response. IMPACT called the campers parents, who advised that the individual could not be returned home and the individual did not have a home address to return to due to his very complex needs. IMPACT learned that the camper had recently been in a hospital unit for medical needs. The hospital was called and IMPACT was advised that the camper could indeed return to their facility. Police and IMPACT together coordinated with EMS to transport the individual to the hospital already familiar with them. IMPACT attended the camp and the camper was calmly taken by ambulance back to the hospital where their needs could be met and risk could be managed. Police stood-by in case of violence, and all was accomplished in a very safe, supportive way, with the individual agreeing to each step of the plan.

Community Safety and Well-Being Plan: A Collaborative Approach for a Safer Wellington County

The Community Safety and Well-Being (CSWB) Plan is more than a document—it’s a shared commitment to building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Wellington County.

This plan reflects the unique character and needs of our community and is developed through the collective efforts of local partners including:

• Municipal governments

• Police and paramedics

• Education and healthcare sectors

• Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH)

• Social services

• Community-based human services agencies

Together, we are working toward a common goal: a community where all residents feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.

What Is a CSWB Plan?

Under the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, all Ontario municipalities are required to develop and adopt a CSWB Plan. These plans are designed to shift from reacting to crime and social issues to proactively addressing the root causes—helping prevent issues before they occur.

Key Aspects of the CSWB Plan

Proactive Approach

Instead of responding only after issues arise, the CSWB Plan focuses on prevention—addressing challenges like mental health, addiction, housing, and youth development before they escalate.

Collaboration

True change happens through partnerships. This plan brings together municipal leaders, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, social services, and community members to create integrated solutions.

Needs-Based Focus

Every community is different. The CSWB Plan uses data and community input to identify local risk factors and direct resources where they are needed most.

Sustainable Communities

Safety goes hand-in-hand with belonging and opportunity. The CSWB Plan aims to build a Wellington County where residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities feel valued and included.

Why It Matters

By aligning resources and focusing on prevention, Wellington County is not just reacting to challenges—we are building resilience, empowering communities, and enhancing quality of life for everyone.

To read the new Community Safety & Well-Being Plan, Click Here.

Poison Prevention Week is an annual campaign to raise public awareness of poisoning injuries in Canada, encouraging community involvement as part of the solution. 

In 2026, Safe Communities Wellington County joined Parachute Canada to encourage people in Canada to #RethinkPoisons and use over-the-counter medications and natural health products safely. The goal of the campaign was to empower people in Canada to talk to their doctor or pharmacist about medications and natural health products, read labels carefully and use products safely. 

Each year, more than 5,000 people in Canada lose their lives due to poisoning and annual unintentional poisoning deaths have surpassed transport-related deaths in Canada. 

Safe Communities Day 2025: Injury Prevention in Wellington County

Grade 5 students joined Safe Communities Wellington County for Safe Communities Day 2025 discovering how to protect themselves and become safety ambassadors for their school and their community

Wellington County is dedicated to promoting safety and well-being throughout our community. Safe Communities Day is an annual event that brings together local safety organizations to raise awareness about injury prevention and provide valuable resources to grade 5 students throughout Wellington County.

Key Injury Prevention Topics

This year, we focussed on several critical injury prevention areas:

• Helmet and Bike Safety: Cycling is a popular activity in Wellington County. Learn about the importance of wearing helmets and proper bike maintenance.
• Mental Wellness: Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being. Discover strategies for managing stress, coping with challenges, and seeking support when needed.
• Dam Safety: Understand the risks associated with dams and how to stay safe around water bodies.
• Water Safety: Learn about water safety tips, including swimming, boating, and fishing.
• Falls Prevention: Falls are a common cause of injuries, especially among older adults and children. Discover practical steps to reduce your risk of falls.
• Other Injury Prevention Categories: We also cover a range of other injury prevention topics, such as Emergency Preparedness and Cyber Safety.

Thank you to Upper Grand District School Board and Wellington Catholic District School Board for participating in Safe Communities Day.  Over 750 from across Wellington County and Guelph were online during this 2 day event.  We are looking forward to having another amazing Safe Communities Day next year!

Falls are the No. 1 reason for injury-related death, hospitalization and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. Falls among older adults cost $5.6 billion in 2018 – nearly 20 per cent of the total cost of injury in Canada.

According to Parachute Canada, the following are the most effective steps you can take to prevent a fall, as assessed by the Public Health Agency of Canada and Finding Balance, a program for older adults and caregivers created by the Injury Prevention Centre at the University of Alberta.

• Exercise: challenge your balance and build strength.
• Get enough sleep.
• Take your time: don’t rush when walking or getting up.
• Balance your body through good nutrition and hydration.
• Get your sight and hearing checked regularly.
• Manage your medications and review them regularly with your pharmacist or doctor as some may make you prone to dizziness and falling.
• Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
• Consider using a cane or other mobility device if needed.
• Maintain proper use of eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Wellington County Safe Communities Falls Action Group is working to raise awareness on steps you can take to reduce your risk of a fall. When watching television, avoiding a fall seems easy, with the advice of “just don’t fall”. Regardless of how educated you are about falls prevention, how good your balance is or how strong your muscles are, you can still experience a fall. When a senior, who is in good physical condition, falls, the impact of that fall is often reduced, and they are able to remain independent. Falls are the #1 cause of injuries to seniors. The fear of falling is real and can make seniors less confident and result in a reduction in their physical activity levels. As a result, their gait and balance deteriorate. This puts them at an increased risk of falling; which is exactly what they were trying to avoid in the first place. It is important to keep moving and to exercise.

Being self sufficient and staying in your home for longer is also a goal older adults have, so ensuring their homes and common spaces outside their homes need to be safe.   

• Making sure that walks are shovelled and salted (Ask for help if you need to)
• Make sure your boots are appropriate for the weather.
• Use sock aids and other assistive devices within your home to help with every day mobility
• Remove unnecessary clutter and rugs
• Install handrails, toilet seat lifts, etc., and speak with your physician about cost savings when purchasing items.

Ernie Read. A 90-year-old resident of Mount Forest, participates in the Boosting Balance Program offered by the Mount Forest Family Health Team. He has been attending the weekly group since 2018 and feels that it has had a positive impact on his mobility and balance. Ernie had a fall three months ago, luckily, he was able to get up independently and was not injured. He attributes this positive outcome to exercising regularly – he attends Boosting Balance weekly and also enjoys walking outside with his walking poles. Ernie would also like to encourage those who are exercising alone to always wear a whistle as it is an inexpensive way to attract attention if help is needed.

Seniors in Wellington County are lucky to have access to the VON SMART exercise program. This exercise program is FREE. Kelly Gee, VON SMART Exercise Coordinator, and member of the Safe Communities Wellington County Falls Action Group, says “Exercise is the universal prescription to pretty much everything! Frailty is not inevitable, in fact, it is reversible. It is never too late to start exercising.”

Sue Hodgson, a participant of the VON SMART exercise program shares her fall story. While out with a friend at a restaurant, a hot beverage was overturned. In an effort to get out of the way, Sue quickly moved away from the table forgetting the step to their booth, and fell. This fall could have resulted in a life changing injury, but Sue who has been attending the SMART exercise program 2-3 times per week was able to walk away with her independence intact. Sue’s fitness level contributed to her resilience to injury and she was right back exercising the very next day. Exercise increases bone density, reducing the risk of a fracture.

Join us on February 23, 2024 at The Centre Wellington Sportsplex for the Victoria Park Seniors Centre’s Active Living Show.  Be sure to stop by the booth to grab some goodies and learn how you can stay safe at home and in your community!

This series promotes education and awareness about Opioids and Mental Health.

Kitchen Table Talk – Opioids 101

During this Kitchen Table Talk, attendees have the opportunity to learn about opioid and naloxone truths from frontline workers and people with lived experience. This Table Talk is in cooperation with Wellington Guelph Drug Strategy.

Naloxone Training & kits will be provided.
If you are interested in bringing this Kitchen Table Talk Series to your community within Wellington County, please contact info@safewellington.ca.

Kitchen Table Talk – Mental Health

Partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association and The Suicide Awareness Council of Guelph Wellington, Safe Communities Wellington County’s Intentional Self Harm Group has created a Kitchen Table Talk on Mental Health. Real People – Their Stories – Creating Conversation Around Mental Health and Well Being through Guided Discussions. Our Spring Kitchen Table Talk focused on Death by Suicide and Sucide Attempt Survivors and the impact & journey’s people have taken afterward.

A Spring Kitchen Table Talk is being planned for the Spring in Wellington North.

Safe Communities Wellington County is hard at work in the first place. It is important to keep moving and to exercise.

Ernie Read. A 90-year-old resident of Mount Forest, participates in the Boosting Balance Program offered by the Mount Forest Family Health Team. He has been attending the weekly group since 2018 and feels that it has had a positive impact on his mobility and balance. Ernie had a fall three months ago, luckily, he was able to get up independently and was not injured. He attributes this positive outcome to exercising regularly – he attends Boosting Balance weekly and also enjoys walking outside with his walking poles. Ernie would also like to encourage those who are exercising alone to always wear a whistle as it is an inexpensive way to attract attention if help is needed.

Seniors in Wellington County are lucky to have access to the VON SMART exercise program. This exercise program is FREE. Kelly Gee, VON SMART Exercise Coordinator, and member of the Safe Communities Wellington County Falls Action Group, says “Exercise is the universal prescription to pretty much everything! Frailty is not inevitable, in fact, it is reversible. It is never too late to start exercising.”

Sue Hodgson, a participant of the VON SMART exercise program shares her fall story. While out with a friend at a restaurant, a hot beverage was overturned. In an effort to get out of the way, Sue quickly moved away from the table forgetting the step to their booth, and fell. This fall could have resulted in a life changing injury, but Sue who has been attending the SMART exercise program 2-3 times per week was able to walk away with her independence intact. Sue’s fitness level contributed to her resilience to injury and she was right back exercising the very next day. Exercise increases bone density, reducing the risk of a fracture.

For up to the minute updates