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Connectivity was launched on January 31, 2014, by Langs and in partnership with Waterloo Region Police

Service. As the lead for Health Link in Cambridge and North Dumfries and being co-located with 25 health

and social service partners, Langs was approached to partner with Waterloo Region Police Service on a

Proceeds of Crime grant to pilot this initiative. Connectivity builds on the long standing relationship of all

partner organizations.

In January 2013, The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (WWLHIN), Waterloo

Regional Police Services (WRPS) and the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council introduced the

Saskatchewan model of supporting those most at risk in their communities. In the past year, pilot projects

have begun in Ontario, including North Bay, Rexdale and Connectivity in Cambridge and North Dumfries,

based on the Saskatchewan model.

Connectivity brings health and social service agencies to a weekly meeting, to collaboratively and

proactively address situations of elevated risk and support individuals to access the services they need. In

doing so, organizations and systems are immediately responsive and begin to make systematic improvements

to improve service delivery, with the long term vision of reducing emergency room admissions, child

protection cases, prosecutions, violent crime and youth victimization.

When Does Connectivity Meet?

The Connectivity table meets weekly on Tuesdays 11:00am-noon. A Langs Social Worker facilitates the

table discussion each week, with the organizations involved. New situations are brought forward to the

meeting each week and referrals can be made through one of the partner organizations or directly through

Langs. A four filtered approach to sharing information is used to meet privacy expectations.

What Has Been The Response To Date?

• High level of commitment to come to the table

• More effective use of resources

• More responsive to the needs of the client/community

• Better outcomes for the individual and family

Who Is Participating?

11 organizations attend

weekly

Other organizations are

currently considering

membership

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“We are pleased to join the Connectivity Table. Community treatment collaboration requires a lead organization. It is difficult for individual front line staff to engage in a similar process on their own, especially with a concept of “my client” and being pressed for time to treat so many. It needs a structure and resources for a lead role. Langs should be commended for en-gaging the community in this initiative!” Coba Moolenburgh, St. Mary’s Counselling Service

What Situations Are Brought To Connectivity?

The Connectivity Table is a unique approach with discussions focus on providing immediate coordinated and

integrated responses, through mobilization of resources to address situations facing individuals, families or

communities with acute elevated risk factors.

Any organization can bring or refer a situation to Connectivity

Situations brought to the meetings, by an organization, are those that involve a level of significant risk

to an individual, the community, or both

Previous attempts to provide service have not been effective

Situations that could be more effectively managed in a multi-organization manner

For more information, please contact Langs. 519-653-1470

Since January 2014, presentations and information sessions have been held with various stakeholders. From

presentations to Waterloo Region Police Service managers, to an orientation session with 70 attendees, the

interest and awareness is growing for Connectivity.

“Connectivity is streamlining the system

for acute situations.” Connectivity Agency

What Are The Results To Date?

An evaluation strategy is in progress to measure the impact of Connectivity for the participants accessing

services and the agencies at the Table.