The Open Support Community Connections Program (CCP) continues to offer support and hope to clients experiencing social isolation or loneliness. Our team works tirelessly with vulnerable people in the community to support them to make meaningful connections with others and thrive in the long term.
The CCP is unique in how it provides support to such vulnerable people. Our “Community Connectors” can provide techniques on how to lessen the impacts of anxiety, which is a common barrier for many clients, particularly in social settings. They also offer valuable techniques on how to build self-esteem which can then potentially act as a foundation for joining a new community or interest group.
The program currently has 59 active clients. Most of whom are receiving direct face-to-face support from a Community Connector or assistance with social navigation from the Case Manager. Some engage with volunteers for telephone support. 
The following was sent by a young female client to her Community Connector in August 2024:
“Loneliness has made my world very small and dark. It guides my thoughts and decisions, polluting them with anxiety and ‘what if’s.’ I feel scared of people, but I need people. Leaving the house is hard, but the more I avoid it the harder it becomes. Although I am filled with love and know I am loved, loneliness persists heavily in my heart at the end of each day when I’m trying to fall asleep.
I have been taking difficult but important steps towards reconnecting with friends, involving myself in my community and practicing leaving the house to show myself it’s not so bad out there. I know that practice makes perfect, and I have hope.”
We will continue to work with this client until she has greater confidence and improved well-being to feel less lonely and more connected.