Please join us in Calgary on October 27, 2025, for a one-day summit focused on the vital role of natural supports—the relationships and informal networks that help individuals, families, and communities thrive and the critical role we all play in building naturally supportive communities. Please visit the registration page for full details. Get your tickets soon – space is limited!
The Power of Natural Supports – Building Resilience in Racialized Communities
In ActionDignity’s latest blog, they explore the different types of natural supports and why they are crucial for the well-being and empowerment of racialized individuals. Discover how these informal networks help navigate challenges, uphold cultural values, and build strong foundations for community care.
Rooted in Relationships Webinar
Please join us for this engaging presentation on the important role natural supports play in Ethnocultural Communities in Alberta.
Natural Supports Webinar
Please join us on March 19th for a webinar on the power of natural supports in strengthening social connection and wellbeing. In partnership with the Canadian Alliance on Social Connection and Health, the webinar will include a panel discussion on the importance of natural supports and the value of the Natural Supports Framework in helping practitioners learn the skills to foster natural supports networks. Please register here: What are Natural Supports? Webinar and Panel Discussion — Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health
New resource for supporting youth in their natural supports journey
Guidelines for Social Connection
Did you know social connection is the key to living a happier, healthier, and longer life? Check out the recently released public health guidelines for social connection!
Natural Supports Buzz Video
Our friends at Hull Services released this video talking about the importance of natural supports. Check it out!
Survey Alert!
We need your help to understand the natural supports work going on in Alberta. Please check out this short survey to learn about the natural supports work happening at an individual, group, and community level in different areas of the province, but also to better understand what types of resources/connections folks doing this work might be interested in. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Click here for the survey.
Have natural support work you want to share through this hub? We’d love to hear from you!
Have natural supports work you want to share through this hub? We’d love to hear from you!
Please email Larasha Farrington at larasha.farrington@burnsfund.com with:
The title of your work
The website text copy, as you would like it posted
Any attached images, documents, or videos that complement your work
The location on the website where it should be posted (i.e. Training, Training Resources tab)
Contact information or source information
All submissions will be reviewed for alignment with the intent of the Connections First hub prior to being added to the website and may be edited for length.
Social Snacking in the News
Jeff Gray, the Executive Director of Antyx Community Arts, on CTV News Calgary to share the social snacking campaign and toolkit. Click here to access the full toolkit and to see more social snacking Tik Tok’s like the one shared in the clip, visit our Tik Tok page @socialsnackers!