Durham College, in partnership with The Regional Municipality of Durham, Social Services Department, brought together participants from the academic and non-academic sectors on November 14 when it hosted The Impact of Social Services: A Lifespan Perspective.

The forum, which focused on the measurement of outcomes associated with the delivery of social services in Durham Region, took place at the Lakeridge Health Education and Research Network Centre and saw attendees brainstorm together to set new research agendas, develop research questions and identify shared areas of focus related to social services.

Comprised of several breakout sessions and a panel discussion, it featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Gabor Maté, a Canadian physician, public speaker and best-selling author, titled The Need For Our Services: A Bio-Psycho-Social Context.

In addition, remarks were provided by Don Lovisa, president, Durham College; Dr. Hugh Drouin, commissioner, Social Services Department, The Regional Municipality of Durham; and Randy Uyenaka, professor, School of Health & Community Services, Durham College.

Funding for the event was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), through a $25,060 Public Outreach Grant (POG) awarded to Uyenaka to conduct a research project in collaboration with the region. The grant marked the college’s first-ever SSHRC funding and was awarded through its Connection Program, which realizes the potential of social sciences and humanities research for intellectual, cultural, social and economic influence, benefit and impact.  

“Durham College is excited to host this event in conjunction with the region, which is providing a unique way for us to work together and with our community partners to better serve residents of Durham Region” said Debbie McKee Demczyk, director, Durham College Office of Research Services and Innovation. “We are extremely proud and grateful to have received this funding from the SSHRC, which has made today’s event possible.”

In total, $6.3 million has been awarded to 95 POG projects, under the SSHRC Connection Program, with the grants designed to encourage researchers to find effective ways to disseminate, transfer, exchange and synthesize research results to wider audiences such as policy-makers; organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors; students at all levels; and the general public.