Unemployment is
a major life event. Losing a job can lead to feelings of loss of identity and
sense of purpose, unappreciation, anger, fear, uncertainty, and worry.
Experiences of low self-esteem and loss of identity can have an impact on
physical and mental health and lead to broader consequences of social isolation
and loss of social networks and support. Furthermore, the impact of
unemployment can be long-lasting and affect not only the unemployed individual
but their family and the wider community as well. As unemployment becomes more
long-term, it can negatively influence living standards in retirement,
prospects for the next generation, and ability to save for other goals.
Resources for
the unemployed can be difficult to access or navigate. As well, often those
unemployed require greater support than simply job loss support. The University
of Victoria created a comprehensive resource for employment services for the
Victoria region. With support from Research Impact Canada and The Conference
Board of Canada through the Future Skills Centre, the University of Victoria
provided its region with a list of local social service resources, including
services that address: mental health support, legal services, advocacy, food
services, shelters, substance use services, pet care, storage, employment
support, and housing services. The goal was to provide a thorough guide for
people working in social services and clients.
Take a look at
the directory of social service resources here
(Accelerating skills within the community).