Building Safer Communities
What is the Building Safer Communities Project?
The Community Safety and Wellbeing plan consultations showed that alternate crisis response models are needed in our community. One way to address this need is through the Building Safer Communities (BSC) project.
Building Safer Communities (BSC) aims to reduce legal system involvement among African, Caribbean and Black-identifying, First Nations, Inuit and Métis, and racialized youth. BSC supports community partners to improve safety and wellbeing through culturally appropriate mental health and addiction support and crisis response for Waterloo Region youth.
The overall goals are to:
Decrease police and other first responder presence at mental health and addiction crises and redirect to trusted community health and social service providers.
Create opportunities that prevent youth from entering the criminal justice system by prioritizing counselling, fostering skill development, and promoting recreational activities.
Provide youth with culturally anchored and practical community-based support (e.g., services that understand and acknowledge the cultural needs and preferences of the communities being served, which may include land-based or arts-based therapy).
To receive updates on this project, please enter your email address in the Stay Informed box on this page. If you have additional questions about this project or want to get involved, please contact buildingsafercommunities@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Youth Decision Making Team Application Launch – APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED
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Are you a racialized youth who is interested in using your voice to build a safer community?
Do you know what youth in your community want?
Do you want to play a vital role in making important decisions for your community?
Join the Youth Decision Making Team!
Building Safer Communities is a project that supports community organizations to deliver culturally appropriate mental health and addiction supports for African, Caribbean and Black identifying (ACBi), Indigenous, and racialized youth in Waterloo Region.
We are looking for youth from Waterloo Region to join the Building Safer Communities Youth Decision Making Team!
What is the Youth Decision Making Team?
A group of 15 ACBi, Indigenous, and racialized youth aged 16-29
A team that will decide which projects and activities are needed most and should get funding
What will the Youth Decision Making Team do?
Review applications from community groups
Decide which groups and projects/activities will get funding
Don’t worry if you have never done this before. There will be training and support along the way!
Why join the Youth Decision Making Team?
Receive $800 as compensation for your time
Contribute to building a safer community
Gain skills and experience for your resume
Learn from mentors
For more information and the application, please scan the QR code or visit https://surveys.regionofwaterloo.ca/BSC-YDM. Applications are due Friday, February 23, 2024. If you have questions or would like to talk to someone who can help you with the application, please email buildingsafercommunities@regionofwaterloo.ca
