Collaborating Communities & Organizations
Together we can stop the devastation of suicide.
COLlaborators
$1.6M+
Deployed
(donations, fundraising & grants)
80%
Improvement to quality & coordination of care
25,000+
Volunteer Hours
Over the last seven years, Alberta has supported Thumbs Up in identifying and demonstrating a zero suicide model. We are committed to continuing this momentum and increasing the capacity of Alberta’s existing care networks and community resources.
The Community begins to inform our work
In 2018, TUF was the catalyst for, established, and funded the year-long Airdrie Mental Health Task Force (MHTF), with representation from 19 community key stakeholders. Key players included AHS, RCMP, Rocky View Schools, Children Services, Airdrie’s Mayor Peter Brown, and Dr. David Swann. The recommendations continue to inform Thumbs Up’s work.
The first phase of harmonized health
Throughout 2020 and 2021, 45 individuals and 70 family members participated in our Harmonized Health project which tested the effectiveness of a client-first community-based model to improve mental health outcome. Individual clients reported a more than 80% improvement in their quality of care and coordination of care. Families reported a 93% satisfaction with the Families Helping Families Program, and in almost all cases, a family’s developmental strengths improved.
The next phase
In 2023 to 2025, Thumbs Up receives funding for a two-year project to move forward one of the key recommendations from the initial Harmonized Health project: the development of a Community Care Team.
Creating meaningful change
Thumbs Up Foundation’s work is guided by these differentiators:
Authentic Voices
Effective systems start with people. System design must be guided by those who have been through the existing systems, can tell you what works, what doesn’t, and attest to the impact of new approaches.
Connected Care Strategies
Effective care doesn’t push you out the door or tell you to wait 6 months. Optimum emotional health is a life-long journey, with critical moments along the way. Each support system or resource should flow into the next and connection with these services should provide unhindered pathways to care.
Changing Outcomes For Albertans
Real change comes from innovative solutions for communities across Alberta. We have tested and implemented new ways to connect and coordinate community-based services.
And it’s working…
