BY KIRK STARRATT

Kings County Register

A diverse group of people is coming together to help address critical issues that affect us all.

The idea of a Social Wellness Project in Kings County was first introduced by board chairman David Ross, who talked to Kings County councillors in 2005. He says the project will be the first of its kind in Canada, and seeing the initiative take off makes him extremely happy.

Members of the Black, Aboriginal and other ethnic communities will work together to create what board members describe as a new paradigm of co-operation and understanding. The goal is to make Kings County a leader in productivity, while drastically reducing crime and suffering - both of which incur a tremendous cost, both in dollars and quality of life.

“It sounds complex but it's very simple,” Ross says. “We'll end up with an unbelievable skills set.”

He says the beautiful thing about the project is it will harness the skills and abilities already possessed by individuals of diverse backgrounds across the county. He is looking forward to the community consultation process and, once funding for the project comes through, the board members will get the ball rolling.

Board members are working with the Kings Community Economic Development Agency (Kings CED) on a strategic plan, and a number of day-long strategy sessions have been held. The project involves a two-year timeline and lots of grass-roots research. Workshops will be held to develop short and long-term plans, and a discussion paper will be produced. Meetings will take place in communities across the county.

An action plan and the framework to implement it will be developed on the issues identified by community members. The board will report back to the municipal units involved or hold stakeholder meetings to bring the public up-to-date on progress.

The board states in a recent news release building self-esteem in youth and providing them with essential skills gives the “leaders of tomorrow” the support they need to become confident, community-minded citizens. This will go a long way in addressing problems of youth crime and feelings of hopelessness.

Senior citizens, often forgotten or neglected, will be included in all aspects of the project, as well as having their needs - including better housing and health care - addressed. The board members believe the wisdom and knowledge of participating seniors will be a powerful force.

Ross says there has been interest expressed from New Brunswick, PEI, Newfoundland and other municipalities within Nova Scotia. Other communities are considering similar initiatives.