Start Common Connections in your terminal!
Our mission is to create Common Connections with fellow employees and the community. Our Level 1, 2 and 3 volunteers work to build this bond by bringing people together, generating friendships and building trust; if we feel someone is struggling, we connect, relate and support them so that we can build each other back up.
The Structure of the Program
Those that have volunteered or have been asked to join the program have because they are outgoing, engaging, and overall a compassionate person. These people already possess the traits of being a good friend. This program works in conjunction with the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Our volunteers become resource guides for their specific terminal and community. Thankfully, EFAP is available to us all, but sometimes not everyone is aware of all the resources available to them. This is where the Common Connections Volunteers step in to spread awareness and information.
All volunteers attend The Lunch and Learn program that is facilitated by the Community Helpers Program and provided by the Alberta Government. The goal of this course is to improve on being an active listener and improve the ability to identify when someone needs help. Most importantly, all learn to know the significance of confidentiality. The relationship with our volunteers is built upon trust. In addition to this, Level 2 and 3’s attend a Mental Health First Aid, two-day length course in addition to EFAP Training. This course takes a much deeper dive into the realm of mental health and how to provide individuals help based on issues.
The Common Connections program is an organically run program; meaning employees can talk to whomever they feel most comfortable with regardless of level. However, if any Level 1’s feel they do not know how to help someone they can request the assistance of a Level 2 and/or 3. However, this only can occur with permission from the individual in need. All volunteers sign, understand and fully respect the confidentiality agreement.
Level 1
The Level 1’s main objective is simply to be a friend, and by doing this in combination with their training, they will be able to identify if someone they are talking to is struggling with their mental health and well-being. Knowing when someone is not feeling their best and being there for them is the role of a Level 1. For example, if someone they are talking to is struggling and they are lonely, the volunteer can help them by inviting them out to go skating. Something as simple as an invitation and opportunity for connection is immense to someone who is feeling lonely, lost, or scared. Also, staying in touch with this individual is key, ensuring that there is continued growth and improvement. We want to avoid leaving anyone feeling abandoned. However, if the Level 1 feels like they have not been able to help, or maybe the help that is needed is beyond what they can provide, they can request permission on a case by case bases from the individual and ask for more help from other volunteers in the program.
Level 2
The Level 2’s can identify when someone is struggling and be a friend. In addition to this, they will be well-versed in programs and resources that offer support beyond being a friend, as well, these volunteers are given the opportunity to interview to become an EFAP Peer. An example of the role of a Level 2 volunteer would be, recommending and facilitating professional support, such as therapy or counselling provided by EFAP. When a Level 1 has recognized someone is struggling and they feel like they have exhausted all avenues of help, the Level 2 volunteer will be able to help them connect with all the available resources.
Level 3
The Level 3’s can answer all questions or concerns that employees or volunteers in the program may have. If the Level 3 does not know the answer, they will work together with management, always striving to help people. Level 3’s will attend monthly meetings, delegate tasks, train new volunteers, and overall support the Program. These volunteers will also be team leaders and coordinators for the Program and yearly events including: fundraisers, team building experiences, and Connect Days.
We strive to always approach individuals by asking, “Is everything okay, how can we help you?”
WhatsApp
Required For All Levels
To keep an open dialogue and to stay in contact with all volunteers, all are required to join the Common Connections WhatsApp Group. In this group, volunteers are able to ask questions about programs available, learn about new things and also spread awareness on events that they have noticed at any of the locations we work at and travel to, and so forth. For example, if someone sees that there’s a garage sale happening in McBride on Saturday, they would share this information to the WhatsApp group. This is a great place to connect with others. For example, if one of the volunteers meets a new conductor that is struggling with their transition/move to Jasper, let’s say said individual has expressed that they have interest in playing hockey, the volunteer can then connect this person to the local hockey league.
Community Events and Monthly Newsletter
Level 1, 2 and 3 Volunteers
In addition to the support system provided, there are other options for volunteers such as working on the monthly newsletter, bulletin board, activity board and community events/fundraisers. Individuals may choose to begin their journey as a volunteer by focusing on finding local events and or programs. These events and programs should be in your community as well as away from home terminal communities. A volunteer, for example, may have recently read some tips on healthy eating? Fitness? Mental health tips? These can be included in the monthly newsletter that will be distributed to all employees. (Never forget to always include an up to date contact list for all volunteers!)
We Are Here!
If you ever have any questions, need help or have interest in becoming a volunteer, please feel free to contact us!