Building Strong Communities
A community is only as strong as the sum of its parts. Strong, supportive, and inclusive neighbourhoods are vital to a thriving community. In too many neighbourhoods across Oxford County, local residents are dealing with complex issues that prevent them from leading a good life. For people living on a low income, or those facing critical social issues like domestic violence, social exclusion, and mental health challenges, opportunities to build a good life aren’t equally available.
Regardless of age, race, ability, income or personal experience, people thrive when they are valued and feel a part of their community. United Way works with a network of community partners to help individuals gain tools and resources to effectively manage their mental health challenges, giving them a sense of belonging and hope for the future.
For people who have unique health and well-being needs, United Way Oxford provides access to a variety of services that help people live their best life in Oxford County.
UNITED in Health and Wellbeing:
- 20% of United Way Oxford’s funding allocation for 2023-24
- 40% of Canadians feel lonely some or all of the time, with the problem worse among those who live alone.
- 50% of the population will have a mental illness by the age of 40, but stigma often prevents people from accessing support.
- 403 youth, individuals, seniors and families accessed immediate mental health counselling from a United Way-funded program.
- 1714 hours of free, accessible and timely counselling was provided across Oxford County.
- 95 women-identifying individuals accessed 625 sessions, receiving trauma-informed counselling after experiencing sexual violence.
Your Support in Action
Children’s Aid Society of Oxford
The Alzheimer’s Society
Funding Strategies:
Ensure timely and appropriate interventions for those struggling with mental health and addictions issues.
Provide consistent relationships for those working through mental health and addictions issues.
Improve access to services through effective communication and awareness.
Create safe and inviting places for community members.
Program and Community Outcomes:
- Access to supports for mental wellbeing and addictions issues are available in a timely way.
- People report an improved sense of wellbeing.
- Community members who are receiving supports are able to live in stability and contribute in a positive way.
- People feel empowered to seek help and supports.