Calgarians accessing critical counselling services in less than a week

CUPS a proud partner of Community Connect YYC

Anything is possible when you work together, and this couldn’t be more true for Community Connect YYC. A collaborative of Calgary agencies committed to eliminating the barriers and lengthy wait times that make it challenging to access much-needed social services, Community Connect YYC offers a 24/7 direct online booking tool where clients can book in with one their partner agencies, including CUPS. Thanks to Calgary’s social sector rallying together, Community Connect YYC has been a critical resource for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Fast, barrier free counselling support for those who need it most

Over the past year, Community Connect YYC has provided a range of barrier free counselling and other social supports with the goal of improving mental health and well-being. The service connects clients with affordable supports either by phone or video, and the numbers speak volumes. From August 2020 - August 2021: 

  • There were 39,540 site visits to the Community Connect YYC website since its launch.

  • There were 7,047 appointments offered, 4,321 which were booked and 3,422 that were attended.

  • 32 per cent of bookings happened between 6 pm and 8 am

  • Clients accessed the support they needed in less than a week - on average there was six days between someone booking an appointment and attending a session

  • 92 per cent of clients reported that they were able to access the service they needed.

  • 88 per cent of clients reported they had a better idea of their next steps after the session.

  • 62 per cent of clients indicated it was easier to book online compared to by phone and in-person.

  • 89 per cent of clients said they would recommend Community Connect YYC to a friend.

 

It’s all about collaboration 

Finding the right support in times of need can be challenging, but Community Connect YYC is changing that by creating a “one-stop-shop” for community members who need affordable counselling or other social supports. With more partners joining, Community Connect YYC aspires to offer quick and easy online booking for as many services as possible, empowering community members to access the right support at the right time often within one week of booking. CUPS is one of an incredible list of other partners, including:

  • The Alex for rapid access addictions medicine

  • Canadian Mental Health Association (Calgary) for suicide bereavement counselling and family support for those supporting someone with a mental illness

  • Carya for general counselling in first languages

  • Catholic Family Service for rapid access counselling

  • Centre for Newcomers for services and initiatives that foster a welcoming environment for newcomers.

  • Centre for Sexuality for sexual health counselling 

  • CUPS for initial consultation for low-income family supports

  • Hospice Calgary for group support for living with cancer, family grief and teen grief; individual and family counselling for children’s grief and advanced illnesses

  • Sagesse Domestic Violence Prevention Society for intake and assessment for individual and group domestic violence supports

  • YW Calgary for intake services for child and family counselling supports; for individual, group and family counselling; and for Calgarians impacted by domestic violence

 

Access support now

Accessing Community Connect YYC’s services is easy. Visit communityconnectyyc.ca to:

  1. Choose and book a session: You provide brief information on this secure site, and then choose a counselling time, Monday to Friday, that works for you. 

  2. Receive confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation. At your appointment time, the counsellor will call you. 

  3. Access your counselling session by phone or video: One 45-90-minute counselling session may be enough to address your needs. Other support options can also be discussed during your session.

 

CUPS is proud to be a Community Connect YYC partner and work with Calgary’s social sector to build resilience and provide community members access to the support they need. 

 

Visit Community Connect YYC to access their services now.


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