As we head into the summer season, the team at the Kamloops Self Advocate Newsletter wants to focus on something very important — natural supports and community connections. Summer is a wonderful time to get out into the community, meet people, make friends, and enjoy activities without always needing to rely on paid support workers.
Kamloops is an amazing community because there are many opportunities for people to build natural supports. Programs can help reduce isolation and help people build natural friendships and meaningful community connections, but so can community events and activities.
Natural supports can include friends, neighbours, classmates, teammates, church members, coworkers, online friends in safe communities, or people you meet through hobbies and events. These relationships are important because they are based on shared interests, kindness, and genuine friendship. While support workers play an important role in helping many people, natural supports can help people become more independent and connected in everyday life.
Summer in Kamloops offers many great ways to build friendships and connections. There are community events, outdoor concerts, swimming
pools, car shows, festivals, and activities happening all season long.
Whether it is attending Music in the Park, visiting Riverside Park, going to Ribfest, or simply spending time with friends, summer is a great opportunity to create memories and build confidence in the community.
July 1st is also Canada Day, which is another wonderful opportunity to bring people together through music, fireworks, community events, picnics,
and outdoor activities. It is a great time to celebrate friendship, inclusion, and community spirit with family, friends, neighbours, and other people in the community
