Social Inclusion
Why do we invest in social inclusion?
Social isolation has serious physical, mental, and emotional consequences. People who are socially isolated are at higher risk of experiencing health problems, mental health challenges, and poverty. By investing in removing barriers to social inclusion and creating more opportunities for people to participate meaningfully in their community, form new social relationships, and establish inclusive communities to live, play, and work, we are creating communities where everyone belongs.
The Stats
• 1 in 5 Calgarians say they don’t feel a sense of belonging
• More than 80% of racialized Calgarians feel out of place because of their religion, ethnicity, skin colour, culture, language, accent gender or sexual identification
• Only 50% of Canadians under the age of 35 feel a sense of belonging in their neighbourhood
• 50% of Indigenous adults surveyed in Calgary report feeling fearful and challenged when accessing school systems
Impact Stories
Meet a few of the people whose lives have been improved thanks to support from people like you.
Ash
Ash is a grade 12 student who lives independently. After leaving home more than a year ago, she took on many adult responsibilities well before many other teenagers.
Kathy
Kathy has volunteered at the community centre near her house for years. Read how serving in her community has become her second home.
Brenda
Brenda moved to Calgary in April of 2013 to look after her elderly parents. As their sole caregiver, her life consisted of doctor appointments and hospital visits.
Impact in Action
Community Hubs
A city-wide initiative that provides access to vital supports and services, and turns strangers into friends.
Healthy Aging Alberta
Learn how this rich network is helping to make Alberta one of the best places in the world to grow older!