Social Diversion Team: A collaborative response
November 01, 2024
In the heart of Red Deer, 2023 was a year marked by resilience, compassion, and unwavering community spirit.
The Social Diversion Team, a dedicated group committed to addressing the diverse social challenges faced by residents, continues to make a meaningful impact in Red Deer. Throughout the year, the team responded to an impressive 890 calls for service, each one representing a unique story and a need for assistance.
A Spectrum of Support
The Social Diversion Team’s calls ranged widely, reflecting the multifaceted nature of community needs:
- Weather-Related Assistance: With Red Deer’s fluctuating climate, many found themselves cold or improperly dressed for sudden weather changes. The team provides clothing, blankets, and transport to safe shelter, ensuring no one was left vulnerable to the elements.
- Non-Emergency Distress: Life’s challenges don’t always fit into emergency categories, but they can be just as overwhelming. When someone experiences distress, the team offers a compassionate ear and practical support.
- Mental Health Crisis Intervention: Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being. The team works tirelessly to respond to crises, connect individuals with mental health professionals, and provide immediate support to those in need.
- Addictions Support: Addressing addiction requires patience, understanding, and specialized resources. The Social Diversion Team facilitates access to counseling, rehabilitation programs, and support groups, helping individuals take steps toward recovery.
- Transportation Needs: For those without reliable transportation, everyday tasks can become significant barriers. The Social Diversion Team coordinates rides to medical appointments, job interviews, and other essential destinations, promoting independence and access.
- Connection to Social Services: Navigating social services can be daunting. The team serves as a bridge, linking individuals to housing assistance, employment resources, financial aid, and other vital supports, ensuring comprehensive care.
Stories of Impact
Behind each call are individuals and families whose lives are touched by the team’s dedication. The team has supported a mom and her children leaving a domestic violence issue, connecting her to valuable community resources, and assisted a young woman experiencing suicidal ideation by connecting her to resources at the hospital. They’ve provided detox options for a women experiencing chronic alcoholism, and responded to a call for help when a man was being evicted from his residence. During a proactive patrol, the team came across a man whose arm was wounded. His trust in the team allowed them to connect him with the mental and physical health services he needed.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of the Social Diversion Team is a testament to the power of collaboration. Working alongside local law enforcement, healthcare providers, and various community organizations, the team ensures that support is holistic and tailored to each individual’s needs. This integrated approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also lays the foundation for sustained well-being.
How to Access Support
If you or someone you know needs assistance, the Social Diversion Team is ready to help. To request their services, call 403-406-2200 through the RCMP non-emergency line. Whether it’s a matter of staying warm, managing a mental health crisis, seeking addiction support, needing transportation, or connecting to social services, the team is just a phone call away.
Stay Informed
To learn more about Red Deer’s collaborative responses to social issues and to see how these efforts are making a difference in real-time, visit our Performance Dashboard. Here, you can explore detailed metrics on how this initiative is achieving outcomes in Council's Strategic Plan.