Relationships are one of the strongest predictors of children’s well-being throughout life. Studies have also found that a strong sense of belonging is associated with high self-rated mental health, even when controlling for geography and socio-economic status. Local governments can strengthen social connectedness and belonging for young people through initiatives that enable neighbourhood social cohesion,…
Safety includes both actual and perceived physical, psychological, and social safety experienced at home, school, and in community. Local governments can work towards creating public areas that are safe for children and youth while also implementing policies that respond to larger societal threats like racism, discrimination, poverty, inequality, and climate change. This is the link…
Play is essential for child development. It promotes mental well-being through brain development, stress relief, physical activity, and time outdoors. Local governments can create and maintain spaces and provide opportunities for all kinds of play – and not just in typical designated play places and programs. This is the link for Protective Factor: Play. You…
When children are given opportunities to participate, they feel a sense of belonging and agency; and, that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They also gain skills that allow for more meaningful contributions to society. Local governments can create welcoming and inclusive environments that include children and youth in planning, decision-making, and governance,…
The introduction section in the guide gives a brief overview of how local governments influence the mental well-being of children and youth within their scope and existing mechanisms, how local governments benefit from this, the critical role of quality adults in young people’s lives and the importance of reducing disparities. Given that all local…
A list of resources applicable to the Nov. 8, 2023 Healthy Public Policy webinar hosted by Connie Allsopp.
This guide is for local governments across the province working to implement and champion equity across social, economic, environmental and cultural domains. Equity is the fair distribution of opportunities, power and resources to meet the needs to all people, regardless of age, ability, gender, income, education level, culture or background. This means providing support based on an…
The Public Health Agency of Canada has prepared the Age-Friendly Communities Evaluation Guide to provide communities with practical information on how to use indicators to measure progress and evaluate their age-friendly initiatives. Age-friendly communities are those communities that are taking steps to help their older residents remain healthy, active and independent, and to continue to make important…
Population ageing and urbanization are two global trends that together comprise major forces shaping the 21st century. At the same time as cities are growing, their share of residents aged 60 years and more is increasing. Older people are a resource for their families, communities and economies in supportive and enabling living environments. WHO regards…