JULIE LAWLOR
WEST SHORE – As I was preparing to write this month’s article, I looked back at what I wrote for September 2021. Then I talked about what mental health supports are available against a backdrop of many people feeling exhausted or burnt out.
Fast forward a year, and all of this still applies. Since the spring the pandemic and associated restrictions have eased, but business owners and managers still have a lot on their plates. Additional and increased costs, a labour shortage coupled with a housing shortage, and uncertain supply chains has made it challenging in ways we would not have foreseen in 2019.
September and October are traditionally busy after the slower pace of summer. Kids go back to school, people return from holidays, and there is a sense of “gearing up” that happens every year. It is our busiest quarter at the WestShore Chamber as we plan for the Best of the WestShore Awards, carry out our regular networking events and answer increased queries from members of the public, members and potential members. 2022 will be busier than ever given that this is a municipal election year. Like many other chambers, the WestShore Chamber will be providing all candidates forums so that voters have the opportunity to hear from candidates.
If you are wondering what the common thread is to everything I’ve written above, it is as I’ve said in the title: let’s choose kindness in our interactions with each other. People are suffering from stress and fatigue. Businesses cannot always provide the level of service they would wish. Autumn is busy. And emotions run high during elections.
You can find a whole bunch of helpful information and resources at healthlinkbc.ca. And if you’d prefer to speak to someone, you can call 8-1-1 “any time of the day, any day of the year” to get help finding a service or resource. Please also check out wellnesstogether.ca which is offered free to everyone.
We are always happy to help, and you can find out more about us at westshore.bc.ca, or give us a call on (250) 478-1130.
Julie Lawlor is Executive Director at the WestShore Chamber of Commerce.
