COPE Engage launches data collection
On July 30th, the COPE Engage research team conducted its first focus group session at Harmony (Brightside Community Homes) with older adults living in affordable rental housing in Metro Vancouver. To build rapport and introduce the project, a Meet & Greet was held on July 16th, offering potential participants an opportunity to learn about the research and voluntarily sign up for the focus group.
This work is being conducted in collaboration with our valued community partners: Brightside Homes, New Chelsea Housing Society, Whole Way House, and Silver Harbour Seniors Centre, who have been instrumental in supporting participant recruitment and providing space for the sessions.
The focus group discussions explored participants' concerns and risk perceptions about heat events, public awareness around this issue and resource they know about or access (through community service sector housing management and health authority as well as family and friends during heat events). Participants were highly engaged throughout the session and shared valuable insights into their lived experiences during heat events. Their contributions provided rich qualitative data on both the challenges they face and the strategies they use to cope during such occurrences.
