Neighbourhood’s physical and social environments - Agir tôt

Why is this important?

Did you know?

One in four parents cannot rely on anyone when they can no longer cope
20% of Québec households with at least one child under five live in housing that is too small

One’s immediate environment affects health, economic situation, individual behaviour, personal development, and educational achievement
Urban green spaces have positive effects on the population’s mental and physical health
Housing quality impacts children’s emotional health
To date, no specific effects of a child’s physical and social environment on school readiness or future educational achievement have been identified

Availability of safe green spaces

What is it?

Availability of safe green spaces: reduction of pollutants (dust, ozone, heavy metals), noise, local temperatures, and urban heat island effect

What can we do?

Organize outdoor activities (parks, playgrounds, back alleys, safe green spaces, etc.)
Set up environments that are healthy, safe and stimulating
Build awareness of environmentally-friendly practices (recycling, composting, etc.)

Housing quality (hygiene and affordability)

What is it?

Housing quality: physical aspect (hygiene) and financial aspect (housing affordability: portion of pre-tax income devoted to housing costs; less than 30% of gross household income)

What can we do?

Get involved in housing agencies as well as round tables and mobilization initiatives

Social cohesion

What is it?

Social cohesion: quality of social relationships (positive models), presence of trust, reciprocal obligations and mutual respect within a community and within society generally
Parents’ behaviours towards their child affected by the social context in which they live
Culture and values
Sense of local belonging
Social informal network
Physical and social attributes of the local environment

What can we do?

Organize activities for children as part of events that bring together members of the community
Encourage parents’ participation on advisory or decision-making committees (land-use planning, citizen events, etc.)
Improve daycare facilities
Introduce a certification system that recognizes family-friendly actions
Get involved in parenting skills self-help groups

Social capital

What is it?

Social capital: all available resources associated with the sustained network of social relationships a child can mobilize when required (support from family, friends, grandparents)

What can we do?

Attend a parent zone
Organize block parties
Organize family or neighbourhood festivals