Calgary Counselling Centre’s Economic Survey of clients

The results from Calgary Counselling Centre's (CCC) Economic Survey of clients is in and confirm what we experience everyday at the Centre: Calgarians are still feeling the affects of the recession.

For the past three years – in 2008, 2009 and last year - CCC has conducted an Economic Survey to better understand how Calgarians (a combination of Calgary Counselling Centre clients and non-clients) were impacted by the changing economic conditions. On Monday, Nov. 22, we released a news release of the highlights of the data:

• The majority (46 per cent) indicated (compared to 2009) their current economic situation is worse; 36 per cent said their situation stayed the same.
• 29 per cent indicated they don't have a plan to deal with the changes they are experiencing.
• A dramatically greater proportion of survey participants indicated increased family violence (include new incidents) taking place in 2010 – 7 per cent, compared to 2 per cent in 2009 and 4 per cent in 2008.
• 28 per cent reported losing a job – compared to 25 per cent in 2008 and 27 per cent in 2009.
• In terms of the emotional impacts of the economic crisis, the majority of survey participants reported increased stress (67 per cent).The highest number of respondents (26 per cent) yet reported feelings of hopelessness.
• A growing number of survey participants (18 per cent) reported they are not coping well with the economic downturn.

"Although reports might suggest the economy is rebounding, people who took the survey are telling us a different story," said Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO in the news release.

"For those respondents affected by the economic downturn, the range of impacts cut across a number of different spheres including client's home life, employment and personal well-being. What stood out for us was the increase in family violence in people's home life and their indication that their situation is worse than last year."

We will continue to track the impacts of the economic downturn throughout the year, so as to better our understanding of current, as well as lasting effects on individual Calgarians. The next update will be available in the second quarter, 2011.

About research at Calgary Counselling Centre

CCC's research program is advancing knowledge of counselling practice and impact, with a reputation for being a Canadian source of research. We bridge academia and community based practice.

As a part of our research program, the Centre strives to understand the personal, social and environmental context impacting Calgarians. It is research like our Economic Survey and the Wasted Potential report that help the Centre understand what our clients are experiencing in their lives, allowing us to tailor our services to our community.

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