Change Can’t Wait! [Funding opportunity for pilot projects focused on Mental Health and Addictions]

Today, Mayor Naheed Nenshi, with a group of convened community leaders, released a video announcing 15 new pilot projects representing a total funding investment of $706,769 to help Calgarians navigate and access the systems of care available in our city.

Thousands of Calgarians are affected by issues related to mental health and addictions every day. People need help, and many are falling through the cracks or getting lost between various systems of support. This investment into the health and wellbeing of our community is more important now than ever. Possibly even lifesaving.“We launched the call for fast pilots under the Change Can’t Wait! banner because we need to take action now,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “We can’t let the fear of failure get in the way of our will to succeed. This will give us data and real-world examples to inform the great work already underway by our Community Action on Mental Health and Addictions Stewardship Group.”

“We weren’t certain that these projects would be able to move forward, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, so we asked those organizations that had submitted proposals if they would still be able to execute given these challenges,” said Karen Gosbee. “The majority said ‘yes’ because Change Can’t Wait! We have incredible systems of support and care available in our city, and we’re so excited to advance this work during a time when we need it most.”

Community organizations are participating in the funding of the fast pilot projects - adding a combined $275,000.00 to the funds earmarked by The City. These organizations, together with The City, form the Community Action on Mental Health and Addiction Community Investment Table. They are Calgary Health Trust, Calgary Foundation, Hunter Family Foundation, United Way of Calgary and Area and Viewpoint Foundation.

Dr. Chris Eagle is the co-chair of the Community Action on Mental Health and Addiction Stewardship Committee, a group of convened community leaders, and says the Community Investment Table was instrumental in the funding process.

“We were thrilled to have these organizations participate in Mayor Nenshi’s video announcement and share the final 15 projects with Calgary,” says Dr. Eagle. “After launching our first call for Change Can’t Wait! fast pilot ideas in January, a collaborative decision-making approach was used to select the final 15 from an overwhelming 220 idea submissions. I am excited to hear the results of these projects in just a few short months.”

Change Can’t Wait! is a funding opportunity meant to find new solutions to help Calgarians struggling with mental health and addictions challenges navigate and access the services already available. The 15 ideas that received funding will launch in May and are expected to report back on results in mid-September.

See attachment for descriptions of the 15 funded projects. Visit Calgary.ca/communityaction to learn more.