Neighbourhood Supports Research Survey

Jordan Overwater, an undergraduate student conducting a research project on community health at the University of Calgary,would like to invite you to participate in a research project on behalf of the Connections First Policy Fellowship:

We have created an online survey to gather information on families’ views of natural supports opportunities in their neighbourhood, and the barriers or enablers to participate in these opportunities. Natural supports refer to mutual relationships and social connections with family, friends, neighbours, coaches, etc. These types of supports can lessen the effects of childhood stress by providing opportunities for learning, as well as receiving encouragement and advice. In order to increase these opportunities in Albertan neighbourhoods, we need to know how they are currently being used by families.

The findings of this project will help inform the use of natural supports in neighbourhoods to enable the creation of more supportive environments for children, youth, and families in Alberta.

The survey consists of 12 questions that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will be able to enter into a draw to win one of several offered $10 Indigo e-gift cards:

Survey Link: https://redcap.ualberta.ca/surveys/?s=FR8M43PL8C

This project is being conducted by a Master’s and Policy Fellowship student, Jessica-Lynn Walsh, and an undergraduate student, Jordan Overwater, at the University of Calgary on behalf of Policy Fellows Nancy Reynolds and Suzanne Tough, PhD. This work is supported by the Max Ball Foundation and the Burns Memorial Fund, and has been approved by the University of Calgary Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (REB19-0295 and REB19-0626).

If you would like additional information or have any questions, please feel free to email me at

jordan.overwater@ucalgary.ca or call at 403-441-8464.

In addition, our project website contains additional information about the Connections First project and its objectives: https://www.connectionsfirst.ca/