FASD Virtual Caregiver Retreat (Ontario)

The Health Nexus Family and Caregiver support group project is pleased to offer a Caregiver Retreat that is open to all caregivers and family members from Ontario who love and support spirited, high energy, complicated, and intense children, youth, and adults. This will include, but is not limited to, the special needs of those experiencing ADHD, ASD, complex mental health issues and FASD.

Session 1: Nutrition and Mental Health

February 22nd 6:30-8:00 pm

Presenter: Andrea Fennell, Registered Dietitian

In this session, you will empower yourself to take charge of your health and to feel your absolute best through personalized nutrition.You will learn nutrition tips on how to:

• Manage stress by supporting the body’s nutrient needs

• Improve digestive health and why it’s essential to mental health

• Optimize sleep and hormone health

• Choose and prepare easy nutritious snacks - Food Demo

Session 2: Mindfulness with Marvin the Marmot

February 24th 6:30-8:00 pm

Presenter: Sherry-Lynne Kirschner, Mindfulness Educator

Children can come and learn valuable mindfulness skills with Marvin the Mindful Marmot who along with his mindful mates, teach kids how to regulate their emotions and calm down. A range of fun and engaging strategies will be presented where the children will:

• Meet Marvin the Mindful Marmot and all of his friends

• Do some mindful movement

• Practice different breaths like the Marmot breath, the elevator breath, and the volcano breath

• Learn different ways to relax and calm your body and mind down

Session 3: Mindfulness, Acceptance and Gentle Yoga

March 1st 6:30-8:00 pm

Presenters: Marielle Tye, MSW, RSW, Carol Feddema Spivak, MSW, RSW

A hands-on self-compassion focused session for caregivers on how meditation and gentle yoga can help you notice how your mind works, so you can get back to doing the things that matter most to you. It is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and blended with accessible mindful movement. The session will cover:

• Self-Compassion - An activity to learn to be kinder to ourselves

• Value-based Decision Making & Acceptance - Explore how mindfulness and compassion can support you in living a meaningful life, even when the tough stuff is there

• Gentle Yoga & Guided Imagery Meditation

Breathe, rest & reset!

Session 4: Family Wellness – Keeping Everyone Safe

March 8th 6:30-8:00 pm - English

March 9th 6:30-8:00 pm - French

Presenter: Pascal Gagné

In this session we will be exploring a variety of ways to help us all live our best life, to find community helpers if needed, with a special focus on ways to mitigate risk and keep all family members as safe as they can be.

For general inquiry please contact info@healthnexus.ca