HERConnect is a pioneering initiative under Calgary’s Community Safety Investment Framework, a strategic collaboration between The City of Calgary, Calgary Police Services, and various community organizations. This initiative is designed to address critical gaps in mental health and addiction crisis and outreach services. HERConnect is a joint effort involving the Ladies in the Family Foundation (LIFF), Alberta Black Therapists Network (ABTN), and Health Research Partners (HRP). The primary focus of HERConnect is to improve crisis response and follow-up care for Black women and girls who have immigrated to Calgary in the past five years.
They aim to provide a culturally sensitive approach to managing mental health and addiction crises. By integrating services through a unified crisis response system, HERConnect ensures that Black women and girls receive coordinated and effective care. This holistic approach seeks to bring positive changes to the health and well-being of this demographic, addressing their unique needs and experiences in a way that respects their cultural backgrounds.
About the Collaboration
The collaboration between LIFF, HRP, and ABTN is rooted in a shared dedication to enhancing mental health outcomes for Black and racialized women and girls in Calgary and beyond. LIFF plays a leading role, leveraging its extensive network of culturally relevant programs and services for immigrant women and girls. ABTN contributes by working to increase access to mental health services and reduce stigma within Black communities, particularly for recent immigrants. HRP, a public health research organization, supports the initiative with its focus on understanding and advancing health needs through advocacy, community engagement, and data-driven insights. Together, this partnership combines expertise and resources to create a more effective and supportive crisis response system for Black women and girls in Calgary.
Why You Might Need HERConnect
Navigating mental health and addiction crises can be particularly challenging for Black women and girls who have recently immigrated to Calgary. These individuals may face unique barriers that exacerbate their difficulties, including cultural differences, language barriers, and a lack of familiarity with local health services. HERConnect addresses these challenges by offering specialized support tailored to their specific needs.
1. Culturally Sensitive Care: Recent immigrants may struggle to find mental health services that understand their cultural context and experiences. HERConnect provides culturally sensitive support that respects and addresses these unique needs, ensuring that care is both relevant and effective.
2. Integrated Support: The complexity of managing a crisis can be overwhelming, especially when navigating multiple systems. HERConnect offers a streamlined, unified crisis response system that coordinates care and provides comprehensive follow-up support, making it easier for individuals to receive the help they need without the added stress of managing fragmented services.
3. Language and Communication: For those who may face language barriers or have difficulty understanding the healthcare system, HERConnect facilitates access to services that can bridge these gaps. This ensures that language and communication issues do not hinder access to crucial mental health and addiction support.
4. Community and Stigma: Recent immigrants might encounter stigma or lack of trust in mental health services due to cultural factors or past experiences. HERConnect, through its partnership with organizations like ABTN, works to reduce stigma and build trust within the community, making it more comfortable for individuals to seek and receive help.
Overall, HERConnect provides a vital service for Black women and girls in Calgary and beyond, offering culturally tailored, integrated, and accessible support to enhance their mental health and overall well-being.
