Early successes at six-month mark, as Calgary agencies unite to support individuals with complex needs
Launched in early 2024, Action Table Calgary (ATC) is a collaborative project designed to help Calgarians facing multiple risk factors who urgently need help. This innovative partnership between United Way of Calgary and Area, The City of Calgary and the Calgary Police Service brings together agencies from across the region to triage complex cases and co-ordinate community supports.
Just six months into the project, ATC has closed 30 cases with new cases presented weekly. Initially, ATC involved 30 agencies per week, a number that has now grown to almost 50. ATC has delivered eight information sessions and trained 160 people on the process. These community partners are the core success of ATC as they refer clients, provide professional direction, and accept referrals from ATC, showcasing the increasing community commitment to this cause.
Cases are anonymized to protect privacy and referred to ATC by the Calgary Police Service and trained community partners. These cases often involve complex, dynamic situations where the physical and psychological safety of an individual, family or community are at risk. They often require a diverse array of service providers to co-ordinate comprehensive supports.
The table meets virtually to consult on referrals and decide whether the case meets the threshold for acutely elevated risk (AER). Meeting the AER threshold indicates imminent risk of serious harm to an individual, family or the broader community and requires an immediate, co-ordinated response. This swift action helps prevent escalation, mitigate crisis and increase resiliency.
Since the start of the year, 35 out of 44 case submissions have met the AER criteria. Even cases that do not meet the threshold receive support from agencies at the table, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
One such case that came to ATC’s attention was an adult whose only support was to call emergency medical services multiple times a day due to extreme isolation, substance use disorder, lack of food and unsafe housing compounded by grief and PTSD. Through ATC, they were connected to addiction and mental health support, food support, counselling, income support and were set up with a cellphone and affordable data plan. As a result, they have stopped calling the emergency line and now receive ongoing support through phone counselling and home visits from community partners.
On average, ATC cases receive intervention within four days of presentation, with most cases being closed within an average of 15 days. This response time is a testament to the collaborative effort and dedication of all those involved.
As a pilot project, ATC aims to grow strong partnerships and effective processes. The pilot is scheduled to end in December 2024, when it will be evaluated to determine its success and future direction.
“At the halfway point of this pilot, we are encouraged to see the excellent work being done by the agency partners around the table,” says Susan Brooke, VP of Community Impact and Partnerships with United Way of Calgary and Area. “The model is working, as we’re seeing complex crisis response move from the police into the hands of community organizations, allowing them to more efficiently co-ordinate resources.”
Learn more about Action Table Calgary and this innovative crisis support model here. United, we can make a difference in our community. Share this blog, support our cause and spread the word about the vital work being done for those in need.
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