The results of a survey conducted by the People United for the Lower South End found the same people are using green spaces and never venture anywhere else.
Whatever may be heard tonight ,Let us walk away with action on our minds and compassion in our hearts. https://t.co/5vvYyrrjjn
— Mary LeSage (@PULSE1INC) February 23, 2017
Sara Stashick of the Orchard Group tells CHSJ News for non-profits it’s hard to get the word out about the recreation facilities that exist in the community.
She adds when people are new to something they don’t feel comfortable using it for the first time by themselves.
She thinks a buddy system can be helpful adding sometimes the programming is too structured and it can prevent people from being able to access it.
Stashick also wonders if people have the right equipment to make healthy meals at home and she thinks looking at a combo coffee shop/market that offers space for cooking classes may be a good fit for the South end.
Randy Hatfield of the Human Development Council also attended the presentation by Dakota Lutes on the P.U.L.S.E. survey results.
He tells CHSJ News there is no simple solution or silver bullet for these issues like food security calling it complicated with many layers.
Hatfield noted how Lutes noted that mental health is connected to every aspect of life in the South Central Peninsula.
34 people were surveyed and the results found 18 per cent want some form of grocery store and a coffee shop.
The need to change how we think about food in terms of learning how to cook healthy food at home is not a South end issue but a Saint John issue.
