Open Minds, Open Hearts
Open Minds, Open Hearts (OMOH) was a two-year project that raised awareness and reduced the stigma of dementia by fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging among post-secondary students, people living with dementia (PLWD) and their care partners through intergenerational programming.
Why programs like this are needed
Session activities were led by students from participating post-secondary institutions, which focused on the arts, exploring nature, celebrating different cultures and languages, and promoting physical, social, and mental well-being.
2279 senior and caregiver and 1,565 student interactions were supported through 402 in-person and virtual sessions across Canada.
See the impact of this program
OMOH was funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Dementia Strategic Fund: Awareness Raising Initiatives grant and is a collaboration between three colleges across Canada: the College of New Caledonia in British Columbia, École nationale de cirque (National Circus School) in Québec, and Conestoga College in Ontario.
The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Public Health Agency of Canada.