- April 14, 2022
- News
We’re excited to welcome everyone back to both Wellspring Calgary centres on Monday, May 2! We’re approaching our return of in-person programming with great care. Our health and safety measures are evidence-informed and aligned with Cancer Care Alberta, as well as the Wellspring network.
Throughout the pandemic, things have continually changed. What has not changed is that we serve a highly vulnerable population and are therefore a high-risk setting. As our centres have been temporarily closed for two years, we are using an abundance of caution as we take the next step forward.
Health measures
We’ll have several protocols in place for the foreseeable future to keep our in-person activities as safe as possible:
- As always, we ask that you do not visit centres in-person if you have any communicable symptoms
- Masks required indoors
- Smaller group sizes
- Physical distancing, as possible
- Encouraging diligent handwashing, sanitizing
- Opening windows and outdoor programs, as possible
- Contact notification
Vaccination
At Wellspring we know vaccinations are important in reducing the impact and severity of COVID-19, and we require all those who serve our members – staff, volunteers and program leaders – to be fully vaccinated.
When we open our doors in May, our members will not need to show proof of vaccination to enter our centres, just like they don’t to access health care. These practices will be monitored regularly and adjusted as new evidence is available and as we learn about the impact of these measures in practice.
Program options
The pandemic, though extremely hard on everyone, has taught us a few lessons along the way. At Wellspring we’ve learned that online programming meets the needs of many, who’ve enjoyed the chance to connect with others from the comfort of their own homes or wherever they may be. Being online has also allowed us to expand our program reach to more people living with cancer throughout southern Alberta. You can be assured that online programs are here to stay.
In May, we’ll begin offering some of our programs in-person once again. Members can register for in-person programs through GameTime starting April 23, 2022. Programs will continue to be available for registration each month and members will be notified through the weekly Program Possibilities email when new programs have been added.
Due to limited spaces, we ask members to please commit to attending in-person if they register. If their plans change, or they are experiencing any communicable symptoms, we ask that they let us know so we can offer their spot to someone on the waitlist. If it makes them more comfortable, we welcome members to bring their own supplies, like a yoga mat.
Finally, we hope you’ll drop by Carma House or Randy O’Dell House for a visit at any time. We are also working on co-creating in-person programs across southern Alberta. We will continue to keep you updated. In the meantime, we always love to hear from you. Reach us at info@wellspringcalgary.ca or give us a call 587-747-0260.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Natalie Noble, CEO
