chestermere and area
community coalition
In September 2020, a coalition representing the health, education, recreation, faith, social services, voluntary, business and government sectors came together in response to the tragic suicide of a local youth. After several structured conversations, regarding youth aggression and safety, a partnership was formed with the intention of making a difference in the way our adult community responds to these concerning matters.
It was determined that for the community to know how best to serve youth, we must ask youth how safe they currently feel in the community - from a physical, emotional, social, and mental health perspective. In the spring of 2021, the Chestermere and Area Community Coalition was fortunate to have been awarded a Canadian Mental Health Association – Rural Mental Health Project grant to undertake a survey of both youth and those who care for youth.
Throughout fall 2021/winter 2022, over 1600 youth and 350 adults completed the Youth (Safer Communities) Survey. Based on the data collected and further conversations with stakeholders, recommendations and research priorities were determined. This has led the Coalition to Phase 2 of the project: Steps Toward Resilience. During this phase we will be conducting a series of focus groups to gather more information. For this phase of the project we have received funding through the Canadian Mental Health Association - Rural Mental Health Program Community Grant.
current projects
Phase Two: Phase 2: Steps Toward Resilience Project
Click here for the survey report:
The Chestermere and Area Community Coalition would like to thank those of you who contributed to the Youth (Safer Communities) Survey. The knowledge and experiences shared with us were extremely valuable and have helped to develop a foundational picture of youth safety in Chestermere, Langdon, and SE Rocky View. The data from this survey has been analyzed, synthesized, and presented in a report. This report contains learnings from both the adult and youth surveys. It will be presented to stakeholders and decision-makers throughout the remainder of this year.
After the youth survey was analyzed, a sample of 40 adult and youth community members, along with the Chestermere and Area Community Coalition, identified that more information was needed and holding focus groups was a necessary step to learning more about youth safety and how to improve it. The purpose of holding Focus Groups is to gather more information on youth safety and to gain increased clarification on the survey results (i.e., co-analysis) directly from community members in a way that collects deep, insightful, and accurate perspectives.
Over the next 6 months, we will be hosting Focus Groups with adults and youth in Chestermere, Langdon and SE Rocky View. During the summer, we invite adults who care about youth to join us for one of three Focus Groups we are hosting at the Lifepath Centre for Community Leadership.
These Focus Groups will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday, July 27th from 6-8pm (postponed)
Sunday, August 7th from 3-5pm
Tuesday, August 16th from 6-8pm
Pizza will be provided for all 3 Focus Groups
*Please note that we need a minimum of 6 registered participants in order to host a Focus Group. If we do not reach the 6 person minimum by 5pm the day before the Focus Group, we will cancel the session and notify participants.
As this is a research project, all those who attend will be asked to review and sign and Informed Consent Form.
This will be reviewed at the beginning of the Focus Group. Participants can withdraw consent to participate at any time.
We ask that all those interested in participating in one of the Focus Groups to please register at the Eventbrite link below.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us.
Hanna Mughal, student researcher:
Synergy Youth and Community Development Society:
403-212-0242
Phase One: Youth Safer Communities Project Fall 2021/Winter 2022
The Chestermere and Area Community Coalition is currently consulting with youth and the adults who care for them, regarding their perceptions about youth physical, social, emotional, and mental safety in our community.
Two surveys are being administered (one for youth through local schools and the other for adults through the community) to help determine a course of action that will positively shift our community culture to one that is more youth friendly.
The English versions of the surveys are closed. If you would like access to the Adult Survey, please e-mail us using the link below or come into the office to pick up a paper copy.
All surveys close Monday, March 14th, 2022
Survey
Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey, we truly appreciate your contribution!
about the coalition
Mission – We work collaboratively to identify and respond to social infrastructure vulnerabilities in an effort to improve our community’s quality of life.
Vision – A Safe, Inclusive, Supportive and Socially Aware Community.
Mandate – The Chestermere and Area Community Coalition is a multi-sector group of community leaders committed to thorough consultation with community members to determine the need for change, development and/or enhancement. Further, we advocate with decision makers to inform planning for the process of positive community transformation.
Coalition Members
City of Chestermere County of Rocky View
Lake Ridge Community Church Chestermere Regional Community Association
Chestermere RCMP Chestermere Peace Officers Olympus Boxing Club Camp Chestermere Synergy Youth and Community Development Society Rocky View Schools
Calgary Catholic School Division
Calgary Rural Primary Care Network - Chestermere & Langdon
Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre