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Benefactors double mental health campaign donations

United Way Southern Vancouver Island raises awareness, funds for programs

Donors can double the financial impact of their donation in the United Way Southern Vancouver Island’s springtime mental health campaign.

Between an anonymous donor and Knappett Projects, donations up to $17,000 will be matched to help fund those programs, the local United Way said in a news release.

“We cannot afford to dismiss mental health challenges as figments of imagination or personal weaknesses,” executive director Erika Stenson said. “These struggles are real, complex, and deserving of empathy and support, like any other medical condition, so let’s create a society where seeking help for mental health is not only accepted but encouraged.”

Even the campaign title, “It’s All in Your Head,” aims to foster open conversations and promote access to life-changing resources and practical programs.

Mental health issues affect millions of individuals, families and communities and spring campaign supports a region-wide network of agencies that provide immediate relief — and work on long-term, sustainable solutions — for people dealing with mental health and addictions challenges.

The local United Way currently supports 31 mental health and addictions programs run by local agencies — from Sooke to Oak Bay to Salt Spring Island — including the Greater Victoria Social Gathering Place.

“We foster a community built on the transformative power of social connection and shared experiences, providing a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges,” Gathering Place executive director Natalie Senik said.

“Through our low barrier events, we witness individuals reclaiming their sense of belonging, finding solace in mutual understanding, building supportive peer relationships and engaging in meaningful activities that promote healing and growth. Working with great organizations like United Way, we are empowered to expand our reach and deepen our impact, strengthening the vision that no one should face mental health challenges alone.”

The campaign ends April 12; donations are doubled to the end of March.
Learn more at uwsvi.ca/itsallinyourhead.

Donors can double the financial impact of their donation in the United Way Southern Vancouver Island springtime mental health awareness campaign. (Pixabay)

We cannot afford to dismiss mental health challenges as figments of imagination or personal weaknesses.
— Erola Stenson

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How to spot an internet troll on Victoria’s social media

Thomas Eley
News Staff

Russian troll activity on Victoria’s social media is not impossible but is unlikely, according to a Langford-based internet safety specialist.

Online trolls can come from anywhere, and there is no significant difference between a domestic one and one who might be from Russia.

“I would assume the local scene is probably just very passionate folks in the community,” White Hatter CEO Brandon Laur said. “They’re trying to spark panic, spark concern, and disinformation. So it doesn’t matter if it’s a foreign or domestic troll. It’s a problem.”

The evidence suggests that hyper-focusing on Russian trolls is not unwarranted, as there has been troll-like interference in the past. However, it is a much larger issue than just one country doing it.

“I think there is a psychological component of focusing on foreign influence, but there’s just as much domestically as foreign,” said Laur

It can be challenging to determine if you are engaging with a troll or just a passionate person, but there are a few signs that you can look for, such as profiles with links to family histories and photos.

“I think those accounts are more or less worth uplifting, listening to, and responding to, but those accounts that are just posting memes. They’re not the first accounts I would want to respond to.”

Trolls’ motivations can vary. Laur said some might be trying to annoy you and make fun of you for their entertainment, or they may be out to sway public opinion.

“We have passions on either side that can get very heated. You can engage with the community, who might take a mob mentality.”

Tracking a person or a troll is difficult for the general public as they need the necessary tools. However, examining the account history and other information they have posted may be helpful, Laur said.

“If you know where to look, there are clues that can help you confirm or deny to a greater degree whether someone is who they say they are.”

He said trolls who are forum moderators can be banned from platforms like Reddit and Facebook.

Establishing clear rules and community guidelines can help mitigate the damage caused by these trolls.

When it comes to bad behaviour on the internet, such as trolling, it is essential to separate their conduct into three distinct categories.

“Are they mean and rude? Are they just causing drama? Or are they breaking the law?”

If someone is breaking the law, there are Criminal Code offences that can be pursued through law enforcement. If somebody is causing drama, it is important to refer to your community guidelines.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used to fight social media trolls. However, Laur said there is a constant struggle between those trying to combat misinformation and those trying to spread it.

“It’s a tug of war right now because we have tools that are being used to combat trolling and misinformation. At the same time, those who engage in troll-like behaviour also use AI,” said Laur.

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Notice of Public Hearing

The City of Langford has received an application to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 300 by means of the proposed Bylaw noted below. All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw will be afforded an opportunity to be heard by presenting written submissions prior to 3 pm on the day of the Public Hearing or by making oral submissions at the Public Hearing. Please be advised that no submission may be received by Council after the close of the Public Hearing and any submissions made to Council, whether orally or in writing, will form part of the public record.

Meeting Date and Time
2 April 2024, 7:00 pm

Meeting Place
City Hall Council Chambers, Third Floor,
877 Goldstream Avenue

Bylaw No.
2082

Location
All lands within the Municipal Boundaries of the City of Langford

Purpose
To amend the City of Langford Zoning Bylaw No. 300 by amending the text relating to regulations for accessible parking, amending lot dimensions for a two-family dwelling use, reorganizing group daycare regulations, amending ground floor permitted uses on corner lots within the CCP Zone, amending regulations about unlicensed and recreational vehicles, and adding Accessory Dormitories as a permitted use in Parcel C of the CD2 Zone.

PLEASE NOTE: This meeting will be held electronically and in person at the above address. Information about how to connect to this meeting is indicated in the table below.

Teleconference # 1-855-703-8985 (Canada Toll Free) OR 1-778-907-2071 (long distance charges may apply)
Meeting ID #897 0956 7061 – Zoom.us or Zoom app on your mobile device

Council will not not answer questions about the proposal or proposed bylaw except to provide clarification. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for Council to hear the views and opinions of those members of the public who wish to make comments. Please have all your questions answered in advance of the Public Hearing by contacting the Planning Department as noted below.

The Agenda, including material that Council may consider in relation to the bylaw, will be posted to the City’s website: https://www.langford.ca/city-hall/agendas-and-minutes/ no later than the Friday before the public hearing. Correspondence may be submitted by emailing planning@langford.ca or by writing to Langford City Hall, 2nd Floor, 877 Goldstream Avenue, Langford, BC, V9B 2X8.

You may also contact the Planning Department at (250) 478.7882.

Marie Watmough
Corporate Officer

www.cityoflangford.ca