How do we know the need?

Social planning - researching, collaborating and communicating.

We have acted as the local community social planning body for over 30 years.

Program staff work with a volunteer Social Planning Committee to identify social needs in the community and encourage, co-ordinate, and/or support effective responses to those needs. 

In collaboration with our community partners, we identify and respond to community needs in a variety of way, including:

• Compiling and dispensing relevant and reliable information from Statistics Canada and provincial and municipal level data.
• Conducting original research with service providers and individuals, and then producing accessible research reports for the community to:   
  • assist in the determination of gaps in services,
  • identify steps to improve service provision, and
  • support grant applications for funding.
• Mobilizing people to take action.
• Providing administrative and/or facilitative support to existing community efforts.

By sharing information, bringing people together to take action, and supporting existing efforts, the Social Planning Department strives to be a catalyst for community change and action in Guelph and Wellington County.