Project Participation Opportunity

Alberta Family Perceptions of Neighbourhood Natural Supports

Natural supports are mutual relationships that include close connections, such as family and friends, and broader connections, such as neighbours and coaches.

This project is collecting information on families’ experiences and views of

1. The connectedness of their home neighbourhood
2. Current opportunities available within their neighbourhood that can enable the creation of natural supports
3. Barriers and enablers to participation in these opportunities

Caregivers of families with children currently living in the same household are invited to participate in a survey available at https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C. This survey is in English and has 12 questions that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will be able to enter into a draw to win one of several gift cards offered.

Background

Natural supports can lessen the effects of stress and difficult experiences by providing opportunities for learning, as well as receiving encouragement and advice. To increase natural support opportunities within Albertan neighbourhoods, we need to know what is happening within neighbourhoods, and what families would like to see developed.

Benefits of Participating

The findings of this project will help inform the use of natural supports in neighbourhoods to enable the creation of more supportive environments for children, youth and families in Alberta.

Next Steps

If you would like to participate and you have children currently in your care, please visit the following link to complete this survey: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C. If you would like additional information or have any questions, please email Jessica‐Lynn Walsh at jlawalsh@ucalgary.ca, or you may also call if preferred at 403‐441‐8464.

This project is being conducted by a Master’s and Policy Fellowship student, Jessica‐Lynn Walsh, and an undergraduate student, Jordan Overwater, at the University of Calgary on behalf of Policy Fellows Nancy Reynolds and Suzanne Tough, PhD. The work is supported by the Max Bell Foundation and the Burns Memorial Fund. This project has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB19‐0295 and
REB19-0626).