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January 2026 – Newsletter
Importance of Social Connections and Health
Strong evidence continues to show that social connection is a critical driver of health and wellness outcomes.
Research consistently links meaningful social relationships to lower rates of depression and anxiety, improved heart health, stronger immune function, and increased life expectancy. Studies indicate that people with strong social ties have a significantly lower risk of premature death compared to those who experience social isolation.
Conversely, social isolation and loneliness are now recognized as major public health risks. Their impact on health has been shown to be comparable to well established risk factors such as smoking and physical inactivity. Isolation also increases the likelihood of hospitalizations, cognitive decline, and reduced quality of life.
From a systems perspective, investing in social connection supports prevention, reduces long term health care demand, and strengthens community resilience. Connection is not a soft outcome. It is a measurable determinant of health with clear individual and societal returns.
“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
— World Health Organization
Important Days in the Disability Community
- Glaucoma Awareness Month
- **January 1: **New Year Day
- **January 4: **World Braille Day
Home Sharing Provider Awards 2026
Tentatively scheduled for Friday, December 11, 2026, HSP Awards will bring the community together to recognize excellence, leadership, and meaningful impact while celebrating this year’s award recipients.
The nomination form link will be available on the website shortly.
Organizations interested in sponsorship or support are encouraged to contact us directly.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to you? Over the coming months, self-advocacy groups, CLBC Community Councils and other community partners will host feedback sessions across B.C. Dates and registration details will be updated regularly below.
Check often to find a session near you!
Late Life Planning & Transition to Seniors Virtual Event put on by the HSSSBC
- Feb 25.2026 @ 10:00 -11:30 AM
- Link: Late Life Planning & Transition to Seniors – HSSSBC
Star Raft Project
For the past ten years, the nonprofit Star Raft Project has helped families, friends, caregivers, and community members create enduring circles of support, safety, security, and opportunity around people who live with disabilities. Inspired by the pioneering work of David Wetherow, the Star Raft offers a practical, positive approach that expands and strengthens natural relationships and creates support networks that have the potential to last a lifetime. This includes the concept of ‘soft landing circles’ for people whose family members may pass on, whose caregiving arrangements may change, or who may be moving in the direction of living in homes or apartments of their own.
Office of the Public Guardian & Trustee
What should you do if you think an adult is experiencing abuse, neglect or self-neglect?
When adults are abused or neglected, it can be difficult to know if or when to step in and help. We assume that adults can take care of themselves, but we know this is not always true. Sometimes adults cannot seek the help they need because of a physical restraint, a physical handicap, an illness, disease, injury or other condition that affects their ability to seek help or to make decisions.
Open Future Learning Access Transition Update
As of December 1, 2025, access and registrations are offered by the Home Sharing Support Society BC (HSSSBC) at no cost to the home sharing community.
If you are a service provider and would like your home sharing providers to access the service you are encouraged to submit user information using HSSSBC’s OFL Registration Template. Each service provider will need to identify a key contact who will manage their users.
Home sharing providers can also request access directly through the HSSSBC website using the self-serve option.
If you are an existing OFL user and already had an email registered in the OFL system, please request to have it removed before requesting the HSSSBC set up your new account. Each user will receive a new password request link.
HSSSBC provides the administration & payment for users registered and is only free for users that are registered by the HSSSBC.
Need assistance? Email: executiveassistant@homesharingbc.ca
Download Registration Template
**Open Future Learning: Mindfulness, Self-Awareness and Self-Care **
This module will teach you that it’s possible to truly be present in the moment. You will learn to respond rather than react, to have more control of your emotions than they have of you, to access kindness and compassion, and treat others – even those you find difficult – with respect. How you take care of yourself affects not only your well-being, but also the well-being of others in your life, like the people you support and your coworkers. For this reason “Self-Care” – the primary focus of this module – is about so much more than self!
Watch Video: Open Future Learning: Mindfulness, Self-Awareness and Self-Care
Length: 1:53 minutes