Play is essential for child development. It promotes mental well-being through brain development, stress relief, physical activity, and time outdoors. Local governments can create and maintain spaces and provide opportunities for all kinds of play – and not just in typical designated play places and programs. This is the link for Protective Factor: Play. You…
When children are given opportunities to participate, they feel a sense of belonging and agency; and, that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They also gain skills that allow for more meaningful contributions to society. Local governments can create welcoming and inclusive environments that include children and youth in planning, decision-making, and governance,…
The introduction section in the guide gives a brief overview of how local governments influence the mental well-being of children and youth within their scope and existing mechanisms, how local governments benefit from this, the critical role of quality adults in young people’s lives and the importance of reducing disparities. Given that all local…
This Action Guide supports British Columbia’s local governments in their efforts to build healthier communities for all. It shares promising practices and examples of how local governments can create conditions that support healthy and thriving communities.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, social and economic impacts continue to emerge for communities here in British Columbia. One of the areas of concern identified for our province has been food security in its many forms (see sidebar for clarification). In response, PlanH has developed a series of Rapid Action Resources to provide local governments with…
A list of resources applicable to the Nov. 8, 2023 Healthy Public Policy webinar hosted by Connie Allsopp.
This guide is for local governments across the province working to implement and champion equity across social, economic, environmental and cultural domains. Equity is the fair distribution of opportunities, power and resources to meet the needs to all people, regardless of age, ability, gender, income, education level, culture or background. This means providing support based on an…
The Public Health Agency of Canada has prepared the Age-Friendly Communities Evaluation Guide to provide communities with practical information on how to use indicators to measure progress and evaluate their age-friendly initiatives. Age-friendly communities are those communities that are taking steps to help their older residents remain healthy, active and independent, and to continue to make important…
Canada’s senior population is growing. This makes it more important than ever to support the health and well-being of older Canadians. This way, seniors can lead healthy and active lives and stay involved in their communities. Making communities “age-friendly” is believed to be one of the best ways to do this.