This year has been steeped in learning about municipal politics and how City Council operates. One conversation at a time, peppered with many questions, I feel I am building a composite image in my mind. The gist of it is that social services need to be put on the City’s Term of Council priority list if we want to get increased funding to respond to the augmented needs of the population of 1 million +. Therefore, making sure that social infrastructure becomes a priority takes things like youth programs, crime prevention, food security, crisis intervention and mental health counselling into account and be recognized as necessary supports for the wellbeing of Ottawa citizens.
As a community resource centre, we offer free services and programs to the Lowertown community. As part of the Coalition of Community Health and Resources Centres, we are actively supporting this Social Infrastructure Campaign…and this is why.
Social services offer a good return on investment, saves money and prevent crime. When children, youth and families have opportunities to socialize, to learn new skills, to get help when they need it or when they are in crisis and meet their basic needs, it promotes a safer city for everyone. We need to make social services a priority in our city. It’s for the greater good.
An extensive body of research supports community-based crime prevention initiatives as an effective and cost-effective strategy to reduce crime. Ottawa’s social services play a critical role in crime prevention and support to victims. They work in priority neighbourhoods and with people at risk of or affected by crime, providing a broad range of important services:
- Running programs that keep youth out of trouble
- Providing counselling and other supports for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, hate crimes and other trauma
- Training residents on personal safety or community supports, e.g. Mental Health First Aid and harm reduction
- Coordinating supports following a post-intervention for critical incidents such as a shooting or a major flood
- Using community development such SafeGrowth and Safer and Vital Communities initiatives
- To develop local action plans with police and residents to address concerns
- Crime prevention through environmental design (safety audits, park improvements, improved lighting, etc.)
- Building community cohesion
If this speaks to you and you want to get involved, there is an online petition (http://www.coalitionottawa.ca/en/social-services-matter.aspx – there are also paper versions at the reception at 40 Cobourg Street) . You are also welcome, and encouraged, to write to your councillor, to the Mayor, speak to your family and neighbours and play a civically active role in democracy!