Spinning a northern web: Women using information and communication technology to network for health and wellness.

Health needs of older women in nothern British Columbia.

“…The results of this research lend support to the ideas of McLennan, Hemingway and Bellefeuille (2006) The social work profession may be well positioned as a leader in recognizing and calling attention to the complexities of women's lives, especially older northern women in living in marginalized situations. That lead position may be used to influence decision makers at service delivery and policy levels, specifically related to improving ways to provide effective, holistic health and wellness services which are truly accessible to older women in northern BC.…”

“…Findings from an Australian study similar to this highlight the influence of socially constructed gendered rural identity on health and wellbeing, suggesting there is a tension between a sense of belonging to a close knit rural community and the experience of social and geographical isolation (Harvey, 2007). This theme is supported by McLennan (2005) who found that women (of all ages) in northern BC believe that "relationships with other women and with family and community along with connections to community services and programs are a fundamental determinant of their health" (p. 98).…”

Transition houses: Safety, security, and compassion.

“…This means not only drawing on strengths, abilities and attributes to overcome or address issues and oppression, but also to recognize, affirm and cultivate strengths in order to create a new context within which change may occur (McLennan, 2004). I believe that much of social work draws from a problem focused paradigm, and often, people and systems can really benefit from knowing where their strengths lie.…”