Fostering strong connections with our neighbours is more than a friendly gesture - it's a vital component of our community's well-being and resilience. Building these relationships enhances mental health and ensures mutual support during emergencies.

The Importance of Neighbourly Connections

Enhancing Mental Health

Social connections are crucial for mental wellness. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, strong social support can lead to increased happiness, better psychological well-being, and higher life satisfaction. Friendships amongst neighbours results in more connected, caring and safe communities where people have a sense of belonging and are less isolated.

Building Resilience in Emergencies

In times of crisis, neighbours are often the first to offer assistance. MyHealth Alberta emphasizes the importance of knowing your neighbours, as they can provide immediate support during emergencies. A community where residents are connected is better equipped to respond to and recover from disasters.

Ways to Connect with Your Neighbours

  • Introduce Yourself: Take the initiative to say hello and learn your neighbours' names.
  • Participate in Community Events: Attend local gatherings, workshops, or volunteer opportunities to meet others. Camrose offers a variety of events that provide opportunities to connect with your community. Visit our Community Calendar to discover upcoming activities and gatherings.
  • Offer Help: Simple acts like helping with groceries or yard work can build trust and camaraderie.
  • Create a Neighbourhood Contact List: Sharing contact information ensures you can reach out during emergencies.
  • Local acts of kindness: Offer to mow someone’s lawn, rack leaves, shovel snow, share a special skill with your neighbours or post a message of gratitude for your neighbours.
  • Welcome a new neighbour: If you have a new neighbour, reach out and offer to be your tour guide. Invite them to join local events or activities or ask them if they need some support about life in Camrose and/or Canada.

Host a Block Party

A neighbourhood block party is a great way for neighbours to connect, have fun, and work together on a shared activity. Gathering with those who live nearby for an evening of food and fun not only builds friendships -  it also strengthens community ties.

Borrow your FREE Block Party Activity Kit!

The Block Party Activity Kits include a variety of games and equipment for all ages, designed to encourage fun, activity, and neighbourly connections. Block Party Kits can be borrowed from the Camrose Public Library with your library card. Parkland Regional Library cards are available for free to all Camrose and County of Camrose residents. Additional large games are also available to borrow from the library (by request) and can be signed out with your kit. Please note:

  • There are two block party kits available to borrow.
  • Quantities are limited and kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Kits are intended for one-day events only.

The kits can be picked up after all the required application forms are completed and signed. They must be picked up and returned during Camrose Public Library hours.

Check out the Block Party Kit Planning Guide to and get started today!

This initiative is made possible through a partnership by Simple Connections, Stronger Neighbourhoods, Camrose Public Library, Camrose & District Family and Community Support Services, Mental Health Foundation, Camrose & Area Risk Education Coalition and the City of Camrose.

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