COVID-19 Citizen and Community Support Task Force

The COVID-19 Citizen and Community Support Task Force was established by Bylaw 32-2020. (61.6 KB)

The CCS task force provided policy and legislative recommendations to Council on resident and community support in the context of the COVID-19 Pandemic and recovery, helping to ensure that Council's legislative framework and decisions support a coordinated response to resident and community needs during and after the Pandemic, contribute to well-being, safety and resilience, and support community rebuilding and recovery.

Updates

April 27, 2021

The community's mental health and safety remains a top priority for the CCS task force and Strathcona County. Isolation and connection remain major challenges for many residents, and the strain on mental health is felt both by the community and organizations that provide support services. The task forces recognized an increased need for supports and effective response to support community safety and well-being, both during and after the pandemic.

 While the task forces have wrapped up, their work and initiatives are ongoing:

• Increased awareness of available supports through Strathcona County services and programs
• Campaigns and messaging to destigmatize accessing mental health and social supports 
• Delivering training to County and local community organization staff in Traumatic Events Systems Training and Violence Threat Risk Assessment Training
• Community grants to support local activities that promote resilience, well-being, community connection, inclusion and well-being in ways that adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions
• Applying for grants including the Early Learning and Child Care Innovation Grant to respond to caregiver needs
• Developing a community-led youth strategy
• Providing food gift cards to support households facing food insecurity

Next steps

• Creating short videos aimed at reducing stigma and normalizing support seeking
• Community signs that provide awareness and information about social supports available through the County
• Developing and offering outdoor, indoor and virtual activities that foster inclusivity and accessibility for all ages, abilities, interests and incomes while adhering to COVID restrictions and guidelines
• Creating home recreation kits for individuals and families who experience barriers for physical activity and recreation
• Supporting and partnering with community organizations for cohesive, consistent approach
• Creating a mental health campaign that normalizes support seeking and destigmatizes mental health conversations
• Continuing implementation of protocols that focus on community safety and effective traumatic event response
• Continuing Traumatic Events System and Violence Threat Risk Assessment training
• Implementing the County's Diversity and Inclusion Policy to support safety, connectedness and inclusion
• Collaboratively developing options for a Community Safety and Well-being Strategy

Read the April 27, 2021 final report in full:  Task force final report - April 27, 2021 (518.1 KB)

Read the February 23, 2021 report in full:  Task force progress report - February 23, 2021 (162.8 KB)

Read the November 24, 2020 report in full:  Task force progress report - November 24, 2020 (157.7 KB)

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Members

Member terms commenced May 12, 2020 and continue throughout the term of the task force. 

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2021 Meetings

2020 Meetings

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Planning documents

COVID-19 Citizen and Community Support Task Force Powerpoint Presentation (1.4 MB)

Workplan COVID-19 Citizen and Community Support Task Force (2.1 MB)

Contact information

Phone: 780-464-8140
Email: boardsandcommittees@strathcona.ca