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EASTERN SHORE MUSQUODOBOIT COMMUNITY HEALTH BOARD
Welcome to the “Who Are the People in Your Neighbourhood Project”!
At the Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Community Health Board, we believe that strong connections with our neighbours are vital—not just in emergencies, but for our overall well-being. Let’s bring back the spirit of community, supporting each other through good times and tough ones. After all, we could all use a little more connection!
What Is a Neighbourhood?
A neighbourhood is typically a group of 6-20 homes closest to you, forming a community where people live, share, and interact. It’s more than just a geographical area—it’s a network of relationships that develops through shared experiences, mutual support, and collective responsibility. In a neighbourhood, people look out for one another, collaborate on common goals, and foster a sense of belonging. Whether it’s helping a neighbour in need, organizing events, or simply enjoying a friendly chat, a neighbourhood is where community truly comes to life.
What’s Inside Your Neighbourhood Kit?
We’ve put together this kit to help you kickstart your community-building journey! Inside, you’ll find:
Getting Started Guide
Ideas for Bringing Neighbours Together
Hosting an Event
Welcoming New Neighbours
Postcards
Neighbourhood Event Invitation
Name Tags
“Tea for Two” Door Hangers
You can view/download each of the above resources by clicking on them.
Where to find a kit?
Musquodoboit Harbour Public Library, Sheet Harbour Public Library, Musquodoboit Valley Public Library office, Eastern Shore Family Resource, Musquodoboit Valley Family Resource, the Old School Community Gathering Place, Lea Place, Well-Being Hub, and Artsy Fartsy
Watch for more places coming soon!
How to Get Started
Taking the first step to connect with your neighbours can feel challenging, but the PDF document below provides simple, actionable tips to help you get started. Whether you find a buddy to brainstorm with or start small by defining your neighbourhood, you’ll discover ways to create meaningful connections. From making maps of your neighbours and deciding how to make first contact, to following up with thoughtful gestures like welcome baskets or tea invitations, these steps are designed to ease the process. Remember, building relationships takes time—so go at your own pace, be creative, and most importantly, have fun!
If you have your own idea for a neighbourhood gathering but need supplies, contact us to apply for a $50 gift card to a local store to help make it happen.
Ideas to Bring Your Neighbourhood Together
Introducing our guide, “Ideas to Bring Your Neighbourhood Together,” designed to help you create a more connected and vibrant community. From simple gestures like a smile or a wave to organizing neighbourhood potlucks and creative events, this guide offers practical steps for building strong connections with your neighbours. Whether you’re starting a walking group, hosting game nights, or creating a social media hub for your street, these ideas will foster a sense of belonging. Together, we can create welcoming neighbourhoods where everyone feels valued and supported!
Join Our Workshops
We’re excited to offer hands-on workshops designed to help you deepen your understanding of community building and learn practical ways to strengthen neighbourhood connections. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your efforts further, our workshops will provide valuable tools and ideas.
Upcoming Workshops:
- January: Musquodoboit Harbour – Join us in-person or online for this interactive session to explore strategies for creating a more connected community.
- March: Sheet Harbour – Dive into community-building techniques tailored to rural settings and meet like-minded individuals working to strengthen neighbourhood ties.
May: Middle Musquodoboit – Learn how to engage your neighbours and organize activities that foster a sense of belonging, while enjoying the scenic surroundings of this beautiful community.
Share Your Neighbourhood Story
We want to hear how you’re making connections in your community! Whether it’s a small gathering, a creative event, or a simple act of kindness, your story can inspire others. Send us a photo of your neighbourhood activity along with a brief description of what you did to bring people together.
By sharing, you’ll have the chance to win one of three $150 pizza parties for your neighbourhood! We’ll be giving away prizes in December 2024, March 2025, and June 2025, so there are multiple opportunities to win. It’s a fun way to celebrate your efforts and enjoy some delicious food with your neighbours!
Start sharing your story today and help spread the spirit of community!
Share Your Story and Enter the Contest
More Resources
Join The ESMCHB
When you volunteer as a Community Health Board (CHB) member, you do more than just talk about what makes a community healthy. Every conversation you have, partnership you make and initiative you support brings us closer to creating safe, healthy and supportive communities. CHBs work with community partners and organizations, local municipalities, Nova Scotia Health and many others to improve health & wellness.
Volunteers with the Eastern Shore Musquodoboit Community Health Board meet on the third Tuesday of the month in the Eastern Shore and Musquodoboit Valley area with zoom in options for those evenings you just can’t make it to a meeting in person.
To learn more visit
https://www.communityhealthboards.ns.ca/get-involved
and reach out to the Coordinator, Denise VanWychen at
902-891-0372 or
denise.vanwychen@nshealth.ca