Celebrating 30 Years of Community Support: CSSHSA at the 2024 CSSEA Conference

Community Social Services Employee Association (CSSEA) recently celebrated a milestone—its 30th Anniversary—held from October 9th to 11th. Our team was thrilled to meet members and listen to their insights on the important work they do in the sector. Here’s a look at the highlights from each day of the event:

Day 1: October 9th – Workplace Mental Health Toolkit Presentation

The conference kicked off with an informative session featuring our CEO, Tigran Bajgoric who introduced CSSHSA’s programs and services. He was joined by Jonny Morris, CMHA BC’s CEO, who discussed the valuable mental health services offered by CMHA to support individuals and organizations. Their presentations set the stage for the next session on workplace mental health.

Our very own Psychological Health & Safety Consultant, Suncha Satney, joined forces with Geoff Moffett, CMHA’s Workplace Mental Health Facilitator, to present the Workplace Mental Health Toolkit. Their presentation focused on vital topics such as:

• Reducing stigma around mental health in the workplace
• Recognizing signs of mental health challenges in colleagues
• Developing supportive communication skills
• Practicing self-care in high-stress situations

They also touched on the importance of creating a trauma-informed workplace, including strategies for supporting and debriefing employees who have experienced critical incidents. This session provided attendees with valuable tools to help foster a mentally healthy workplace environment. You can download their presentation here.

Day 2: October 10th – Community Social Services Awards of Excellence

On the second day of the conference, our team had the privilege of connecting with organizational leaders to discuss health and safety concerns. A recurring theme emerged: the mental health of workers. It was clear that many organizations are grappling with mental health challenges and how to best support their staff in an increasingly demanding environment.
We also had the opportunity to meet leaders from remote communities, where limited resources—such as labour shortages and access to healthcare—present additional challenges. These conversations gave our team a deeper understanding of the struggles organizations face in promoting health and safety across BC.

Later that day, we were honored to witness the Awards of Excellence ceremony, where remarkable individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the sector. The stories of Darshan Nickolchuk, Aaron Rivard, Maureen Hunter, and Vicki Kipps were truly inspiring. Their work serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a healthy environment for individuals passionate about serving communities. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated professionals in promoting a healthy and safe space for all.

Day 3: October 11th – Coffee Break Sponsored by CSSHSA

On the final day of the conference, CSSHSA sponsored a Coffee Break for attendees. We provided smoothies and granola bars which were a big hit! During the break, our team had the chance to chat with attendees about who we are, what we do, and how we support the health and safety of organizations in the sector. It was great to connect with so many people who share our commitment to improving workplace well-being. We appreciate everyone who stopped by to share their thoughts and insights with us!
Looking Ahead: Continuing Our Commitment to Health and Safety
The CSSEA Conference was just the beginning of our ongoing journey. We are excited to continue participating in future conferences, engage more meaningfully with our members, and provide valuable health and safety support to a sector that is so dedicated to caring for others.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to visit our booth and engage in meaningful conversations. We look forward to working together to make a positive impact in your communities!