Who are the People in Your Neighbourhood?

1. Who are the People in Your Neighbourhood? Friday, October 20, 2006 Presented by David Redmond

2. Research Project Undertaken by CPRA Needs Assessment for Recreation Practitioners, Non-Governmental Organizations and Target Group Participation

3. Background to the Research • During the consultations for Everybody gets to play, many recreation practitioners, volunteers and others said that some segments of the Canadian population face barriers to recreation beyond those associated with low income • Five groups were identified most frequently • Older adults • New immigrant families • Aboriginal people • Persons with a disability • Girls and young women

4. CPRA Response to Comments from the Field • Conduct a preliminary needs assessment to identify barriers to recreation and initiatives being undertaken to increase participation among members of the target populations • Consult with recreation practitioners, non-governmental organizations, and CPRA’s provincial and territorial partners about engaging these five target populations and what can be done to overcome barriers

5. Objectives of the Needs Assessment Conduct preliminary, cross-Canada consultations about: • Current initiatives to engage these population segments • Challenges for recreation practitioners and NGOs to overcome barriers • Resources available • Successes, lessons learned • What would help recreation practitioners and NGOs to do a better job of engaging members of these target groups and increase participation

6. Methodology Consultations: Winter 2005/06 • 15 recreation practitioners in 14 municipalities • 11 representatives of 9 not-for-profit organizations working with specific target groups • 14 representatives of CPRA’s P/T partners Case Studies: Fall 2006 • St. John’s - Older adults • Hamilton - New immigrant families • Regina - Aboriginal people • Ottawa - Persons with a disability • Miramichi - Girls and young women

7. Findings - Part 1 Understanding Needs Levels of Awareness and Knowledge of the Needs of Target Populations Perceptions and Experiences with Barriers

8. Levels of Awareness and Knowledge Knowledge • Most municipal recreation practitioners believe they have a good knowledge of the recreation needs and interests of the five populations • Perception that municipal recreation staff know more about needs of older adults and girls and young women and less about other groups Accessing information • However, most also think they lack the means and mechanisms to use available information to identify and implement practical solutions Sources of information • Most important sources of information for municipal recreation practitioners are organizations in the community with whom they interact

9. Common Barriers to Recreation Respondents identified five recreation barriers that are common to most or all of the five target populations • A lack of information – considered to be a barrier for all groups: “Information is a huge barrier” • Resources – Community and service organizations have financial and human resource constraints • Training of leaders – There is a shortage of trained leaders • Lack of volunteers – Some community groups “can’t do it anymore … the trend is for the city to take over” • Liability – There is too much of an emphasis on risk management: “The pendulum has swung too far. It has become more difficult to undertake volunteer-led initiatives.”

10. Older Adults - Awareness and Knowledge • Most municipal recreation practitioners rate their knowledge of the needs of older adults as good • They are highly aware of changing demographics and increases in the numbers of older adults • Uncertainty about specific impacts of next wave of older adults and whether municipalities will be able to deal with the changes • Expectation that baby-boomers will want more programs and more varied services as seniors

11. Older Adults - Barriers • Isolation - Greatest need is for older seniors, particular those who are isolated or who have trouble getting out • Uncertainty about what to do – Many senior are not sure what to do and have to learn what activities are offered and where • Transportation – identified as a major barrier to participation of older adults in recreation activities • Need for volunteers – A greater reliance on volunteers makes programs for older adults vulnerable to volunteer shortages • Safety – Many older seniors have “a fear of hurting themselves” and want non-threatening, comfortable activities

12. New Immigrant Families – Awareness and Knowledge • Low awareness of municipal recreation practitioners of new immigrant populations and their recreation needs • Consensus that there is a great need to improve recreation opportunities for new immigrants • Settlement organizations think that recreation practitioners don’t know about the needs of new immigrants: “They don’t understand” • Immigrant volunteers can be very helpful and contribute to success • Some immigrant communities are maturing and there is more communications with recreation and other service providers

13. New Immigrant Families – Barriers • Language and culture – Language barriers and a lack of programs for different cultural groups • Costs – can be the biggest barrier for new immigrants • Lack of activities for youth – Young people are the focus of most municipalities; soccer for young adults is an important gap • Lack of access to facilities • Awareness of parents – Parents usually do not know about recreation opportunities; recreation is a low priority for many

14. Aboriginal People – Awareness and Knowledge • Levels of awareness and knowledge of the recreation needs and interests of Aboriginal people vary widely • Consensus that knowledge comes from the Aboriginal community • Importance of involving Aboriginal leaders in the development and delivery of recreation programs • Some comment that good information already exists (e.g., Saskatchewan in Motion) • It is important to integrate this type of information into programming rather than starting from scratch

15. Aboriginal People – Barriers • Social problems – circumstances of parents and families can have a negative impact on participation of children • Poverty in urban areas – poverty is more of a problem in urban areas than on reserve for recreation • Lack of Aboriginal recreation providers – shortages of programmers, coaches, supervisors; particularly women • Short-term focus – focus of programs for Aboriginal people often is too narrow and the timing is too short; relationships and programs can take years to establish: “You have to be in it for the long term.”

16. People with a Disability – Awareness and Knowledge • Most recreation practitioners have little knowledge of the needs of people with a disability • Information and knowledge tend to come through practical experience working with persons with a disability and community service organizations • Consensus that there is both a need and demand for training about recreation for people with a disability

17. People with a Disability – Barriers • Knowledge of what to do is a problem • Addressing this problem “requires a lot of work” • “People say it’s important, but no one does anything” • Concern about shortcomings in recreation opportunities for children and adolescents with disabilities • Supports available for home and school, but not for recreation • “There is still a huge need for children with physical disabilities” • Lack of facilities identified as a problem by those more familiar for recreation for people with a disability • Other specific challenges were identified • Coordinating with partners • Developing arts programs

18. Girls and Young Women – Awareness and Knowledge • Most respondents are confident they are aware of the needs of girls and young women • Awareness and knowledge has been increasing for many years and is at a good level now • Some caution expressed: “We’re doing OK” • Municipal recreation practitioners think there is increased sensitivity to the needs of girls and young women when offering programs to ensure they have opportunities to participate • Service organizations agree that awareness of needs is high, but that taking action is not a priority • “Organizations know what they should be doing but aren’t doing it.”

19. Girls and Young Women – Barriers • Lack of programming for tweens aged 10 to 13 • The critical drop-out period for young girls remains adolescence • Some respondents said that the drop-out age for girls keeps getting younger • Lack of recreation opportunities continues into young adulthood – “especially for non-joiners who are not good at sport or physical activity.”

20. Findings - Part 2Meeting the Challenges Organizational Approaches and Strategies Increasing Opportunities, Successes and Lessons Learned

21. Municipal Policies for Equality of Access • Most municipalities have general policies for accessibility and equal access – some variation of a “basic services for all” policy • There is uncertainty about the degree to which these policies have been formalized – much seems to be a matter of practice • Low income generally is viewed as the most important factor that is common to all the target groups • “The root causes are the same: poverty is the common denominator.”

22. Municipal Policies for Target Populations • Few municipalities have policies related to the target populations • It is more common to have built up programs and practices over time to provide access: e.g., using recreation coordinators • Interest in ways to improve recreation services to target groups has been increasing, but the following comment is typical: • “We have no real recreation policy … our policy is evolving.” • Some caution was expressed about placing too much emphasis on target groups • “because poverty crosses all boundaries” • “The real niche for the municipality is basic services for all people.”

23. Partnerships • Partnerships were mentioned frequently as the most important feature of successful targeted recreation initiatives • “Partnerships are the key to new initiatives.” • “Our typical role is to work with community partners.” • Long-term, stable relationships are key; importance of establishing credibility over time and avoiding short-term initiatives • Cooperation and complementary programs are key • As they become more responsive to the needs of low-income and target population households, municipalities were cautioned by many respondents to avoid competing with local non-profit organizations for low-cost programs

24. Resources – Paying for Targeted Initiatives • Many recreation practitioners said that their municipalities have limited resources to develop special programs for target populations • A few respondents noted that it is important for municipalities to focus any resources devoted to special initiatives • “Cities that try too much run into trouble.” • Several recreation practitioners believe that municipalities often have to play the lead role because community organizations lack the resources to contribute as partners • Advocacy organizations are getting stronger; broad-based community organizations are getting weaker

25. Training • Most municipalities have some training for staff – typically in orientation sessions - that includes time devoted to one or more target populations • Additional formal training, where available, usually is “short and incomplete” or “ inconsistent” • Positive initiatives like the High Five program are the exception • Almost all recreation practitioners said they could use more training in the recreation needs of target populations

26. Training (cont.) • Municipalities with more successful training initiatives incorporate a lot of practical, ongoing learning through contact with target populations in activities led by experienced practitioners • Most municipal recreation practitioners recognize that a lack of knowledge is a problem and that working directly with partners is the best way to address the problem • Partner organizations are becoming more and more useful with training and for knowledge transfer

27. Training (cont.) Some examples of successful training: • Mandatory training for all staff with modules for seniors, disability and multicultural communities; developed and implemented with the assistance of community and volunteer groups • Inclusion training for all staff on special needs and disability delivered through special services coordinators

28. Research • Only a few municipalities reported that they have conducted research related to the recreation needs and programs for the target populations • A large municipality in central Canada conducted a survey of recent immigrants about recreation services • A municipality in Atlantic Canada recently conducted roundtable sessions related to special needs and target groups looking at needs, what is available, and gaps • A smaller municipality in central Canada has convened a Youth Advisory Committee that is conducting consultations in the community about the recreation needs and interests of youth.

29. Municipal Strategies for Improving Recreation Programs and Services for Target Populations Fee assistance programs • Most municipalities offer fee assistance for low-income households that they believe benefits users in the target groups • Some municipalities also offer and recommend “group access” programs Recreation coordinators • Many larger municipalities hire recreation coordinators and outreach workers to work with target populations • They often have experience with one or more target groups and receive practical training to prepare for the work

30. Municipal Strategies for Improving Recreation Programs and Services for Target Populations (cont.) Targeted initiatives • Many municipalities have introduced programs as a practical response to a perceived need among members of a target population • These initiatives often are undertaken in partnership with a community group • Some examples include a fitness program run with a local mental health service agency and a counsellor-in-the-park program for inner-city and immigrant youth

31. Older Adults – Increasing Recreation Opportunities • More could be done to engage isolated seniors: e.g., work with seniors residences, nursing homes, and institutions • Many seniors are not sure what to do and they have to learn what activities are offered and where • Municipal recreation staff can help - “they are the best facilitators.” • Large potential interest among older adults for “knowledge-based programs” – general interest programs and courses • Recreation practitioners working with older adults say that they need a broad range of recreation opportunities

32. Older Adults – Successes • Offering special programs that use facilities during the day • Hiring two recreation practitioners to work exclusively with seniors • Taking different programs to seniors in apartments and nursing homes • Recreational outings: e.g., half-day and day-long bus trips in the summer; meals and social events in the winter • Focusing a wide range of 50+ programs at a community centre

33. Older Adults – Lessons Learned • Events that combine physical activity with social elements are a good means of engaging older adults • Make good use of existing networks and facilities: “Use the existing network: schools, gyms, community centres, legions, service clubs … talk to clergy, school principals … Get to know the facilities, human resources, get them talking.” • Younger seniors want more outdoor programs: e.g., hiking, orientation, bird watching, “learn-to” outdoor programs • Many programs for seniors depend on volunteers; provide support

34. New Immigrant Families – Increasing Recreation Opportunities • Local solutions are the key for serving new immigrants: having a dialogue, getting everyone in the community to be aware • Multicultural centres and community centres are the venues used most frequently for information about opportunities • “We have to get immigrants to the community centres” • Young people are the focus of most municipalities: recreation is “hugely important” for youth • Parents do not know about recreation; they have to be informed about opportunities, particularly for girls • There are gaps with arts and culture programming. Municipalities need to offer programs in other areas than sport and physical activity.

35. New Immigrant Families – Successes • An Atlantic municipality has implemented a new “immigration strategy” to be more proactive to attract immigrants: e.g., a women-only swim • A service organization is running a very successful program for immigrant youth aged 13 to 19 that includes sports, speakers, social events and field trips • A newcomer services organization has a successful basketball program for young refugees operated in partnership with a provincial basketball association

36. New Immigrant Families – Lessons Learned • Recreation is essential to settlement • Immigrant services organizations are very willing to work with municipal parks and recreation staff • Community centres, multicultural and newcomer centres are very important venues, for both recreation and communications • Target children: “Try to connect with kids as soon as possible… Kids find out about opportunities through school.” • Some think that municipalities need to get more involved: “too much is left to third party organizations • Communicate with parents and caregivers

37. Aboriginal People – Increasing Recreation Opportunities • Consensus that municipalities must work in partnership with Aboriginal organizations to deliver recreation programs with Aboriginal participants • Reach out to Aboriginal people through community and Aboriginal groups: “Don’t target in the conventional means” • Fee subsidy policies and programs are important in urban areas • Offer programs through schools so that all children have access

38. Aboriginal People – Successes • A western municipality with a primary recreation focus on Aboriginal youth has been successful training recreation coordinators (e.g., lifeguards) • A western municipality provides free recreation programs in designated high need areas, some of which have a large Aboriginal population - “There is good participation” • A western municipality partners with the YMCA to run a successful Tomorrow’s Leaders Program for Aboriginal youth

39. Aboriginal People – Lessons Learned • It is important to consider the social circumstances of participants and include a broad range of organizations in the support network • Aboriginal organizations view sport and recreation as an integral part of the Aboriginal community wellness model • Both Aboriginal organizations and recreation practitioners emphasized the importance of forging strong partnerships • Aboriginal people and organizations should be in leadership positions of recreation programs targeting Aboriginal populations • Ensure the Aboriginal community is involved from the beginning

40. People with a Disability – Increasing Recreation Opportunities • Increasing knowledge and understanding of the needs of people with disabilities may be the most important step to improve access to recreation opportunities and facilities • Most recreation practitioners reported that their municipalities are making progress to improve accessibility and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities • Some municipalities have allocated funds to retrofit facilities to make them more “inviting” and “inclusive” • However, few recreation practitioners think that current services and accessibility are adequate. As one said: “We are there … but resources are spread thin.”

41. People with a Disability – Successes • A western municipality has had success providing both integrated and segregated programs: “we need both.” • An Atlantic municipality reported positive experiences after changing its operating philosophy to a fully integrated service model; they now offer no segregated services • Several municipalities offer some variation of a leisure attendant program in which personal attendants do not pay registration or entry feesfor recreation • A western municipality works with a mental health services agency to operate a program at a local fitness center • A western municipality partners with disability service organization to offer a summer program of water sports including kayaking, canoeing, sailing and water skiing

42. People with a Disability – Lessons Learned • The biggest gaps are in high cost services: e.g. services with high costs for special facilities or equipment, or attendant care • There is still a huge need for programs for children with disabilities • The municipality that made the transition to fully integrated services found it to be difficult for staff at first; a lot of practical, on-the-job training was required for the transition to be successful

43. People with a Disability – Lessons Learned (cont.) • A few municipalities reported having difficulty trying to implement arts programs, although they were not able to provide a clear reason for their difficulties • Municipalities and other organizations increasingly will be challenged to find ways and funding to involve people with disabilities in a much wider range of activities • Municipalities must work with community organizations: “What makes a program work? … knowing the resources in the community.”

44. Girls and Young Women – Increasing Recreation Opportunities • Respondents emphasized the importance of keeping young girls engaged in physical activity and recreation rather than trying to get them to come back when they are older • There is a need for more women leaders so that more recreation and sport opportunities are created for girls and young women

45. Girls and Young Women – Successes • Several respondents reported that programs at community centers have been successful with girls and young women: e.g., “Girls on the Move”, “Youth Girls Only Sport”, “Youth Girls Night Out.” • Participation has increased in a hockey program for girls started six years ago by an Atlantic municipality because the girls are continuing to participate as they grow older. The hockey program for girls and young women “is doing quite well” because the infrastructure has improved and leadership has strengthened.

46. Girls and Young Women – Lessons Learned • The lack of programming for tweens in the 9-13 age group needs to be addressed • Communicating with parents can help them to understand the importance of recreation and physical activity for young girls

47. Improving Outreach and Communications – Important considerations • Use an approach that is specific to each target group. It is important to understand the most effective marketing strategies for each target group: e.g., “going through community leaders” for Aboriginal people and new immigrants, “word of mouth” for seniors • Ensure that community-wide communications are undertaken only for initiatives that are sustainable • Municipalities should not compete with the private and non-profit sectors

48. Improving Outreach and Communications – Ideas that can lead to better participation • Work with partners • better communication with community groups • initiate more contacts instead of reacting • connect with leaders • work with expert service organizations • New resources and tools • information to increase knowledge (disseminated through Internet-based resources) • training – something like the High Five program to extend beyond children • pilot recreation programs

49. Part 3 – Case Studies of Municipalities Providing Recreation for Target Populations in Five Canadian Municipalities

50. Older Adults – St. John’s • Taking programs to seniors: physical and social activities conducted in social and non-profit housing apartments • Popular Community Outing program • Summer bus outings that target people without transportation • Other social events (e.g., dinners) in other seasons • Homes, Hospitals and Agencies Committee involving 13 long-term care facilities; facilitates seniors activities and programs • Network of volunteers (seniors) with a telephone committee to keep everyone informed • Recreation staff includes seniors coordinators and field workers • A lot of activities conducted at a well-known community centre • Strong support from municipal council: Recreation is the only “social” department of the city