Thank you to everyone who shared feedback through the survey and at community events. Your input helped us better understand the real challenges people face when trying to access support services in rural Brant.
To help spread the word, the County used a mix of online and in person outreach. This included a mailed postcard to rural residents, emails to Engage Brant and Brant News subscribers, posters in community spaces, and regular social media posts.
Participation highlights:
- 52 surveys were completed
- Over 250 people attended 4 community events across the County
- The Engage Brant project page received over 420 visits
This approach helped reach residents across different communities and provided both online and in person ways to share feedback.
What we heard
- Many residents do not know what services are available or where to start
Awareness is the biggest barrier. Over half of respondents said it is hard to figure out how to access support.
- Getting to services is a challenge
Transportation, distance, and limited service locations make it harder to access help, especially for seniors and those without reliable travel options.
- Services are not always easy to access, even when they exist
Only about one third of residents said they fully received the support they needed. Wait times and limited availability continue to be barriers.
- Mental health, seniors supports, childcare, and transportation are top needs
Residents identified these as the most needed and hardest to access services.
- Residents want services closer to home
There is strong support for local delivery through community spaces like community centres and libraries, as well as mobile or pop up services.
- Flexible service hours are important
Evenings and Saturdays work better for many residents, especially those balancing work and caregiving.
- Clear, simple information is needed
Residents want a single place to find services, a clear starting point, and easy to understand guidance on how to get help.
- Seniors and aging in place are a growing concern
Residents shared a need for more local supports, social opportunities, and transportation options to help seniors remain in their homes.
- In person conversations added important context
Residents shared how barriers affect daily life, including access to groceries, appointments, and social connection. Youth needs and mental health stigma also emerged more clearly through these discussions.
- Community partnerships are a key opportunity
Residents expressed interest in local organizations helping deliver services, which could expand access in a practical way.
Overall
Residents are asking for services that are easier to find, closer to home, and better suited to rural life. Improving awareness, transportation, and local delivery will make the biggest difference.
View the Survey Responses Report.
What’s next
The feedback shared will be used to inform how the County and its partners improve access to and delivery of support services in rural communities. This input will be considered alongside factors such as partner capacity, funding, service availability, and the broader needs of the community to support informed and balanced decision making.
Thank you to everyone who shared feedback through the survey and at community events. Your input helped us better understand the real challenges people face when trying to access support services in rural Brant.
To help spread the word, the County used a mix of online and in person outreach. This included a mailed postcard to rural residents, emails to Engage Brant and Brant News subscribers, posters in community spaces, and regular social media posts.
Participation highlights:
- 52 surveys were completed
- Over 250 people attended 4 community events across the County
- The Engage Brant project page received over 420 visits
This approach helped reach residents across different communities and provided both online and in person ways to share feedback.
What we heard
- Many residents do not know what services are available or where to start
Awareness is the biggest barrier. Over half of respondents said it is hard to figure out how to access support.
- Getting to services is a challenge
Transportation, distance, and limited service locations make it harder to access help, especially for seniors and those without reliable travel options.
- Services are not always easy to access, even when they exist
Only about one third of residents said they fully received the support they needed. Wait times and limited availability continue to be barriers.
- Mental health, seniors supports, childcare, and transportation are top needs
Residents identified these as the most needed and hardest to access services.
- Residents want services closer to home
There is strong support for local delivery through community spaces like community centres and libraries, as well as mobile or pop up services.
- Flexible service hours are important
Evenings and Saturdays work better for many residents, especially those balancing work and caregiving.
- Clear, simple information is needed
Residents want a single place to find services, a clear starting point, and easy to understand guidance on how to get help.
- Seniors and aging in place are a growing concern
Residents shared a need for more local supports, social opportunities, and transportation options to help seniors remain in their homes.
- In person conversations added important context
Residents shared how barriers affect daily life, including access to groceries, appointments, and social connection. Youth needs and mental health stigma also emerged more clearly through these discussions.
- Community partnerships are a key opportunity
Residents expressed interest in local organizations helping deliver services, which could expand access in a practical way.
Overall
Residents are asking for services that are easier to find, closer to home, and better suited to rural life. Improving awareness, transportation, and local delivery will make the biggest difference.
View the Survey Responses Report.
What’s next
The feedback shared will be used to inform how the County and its partners improve access to and delivery of support services in rural communities. This input will be considered alongside factors such as partner capacity, funding, service availability, and the broader needs of the community to support informed and balanced decision making.
This project is now complete. Thank you for sharing your feedback to help strengthen support services in rural Brant!
Brant Cares is the County of Brant’s online hub, or directory, for community support resources. It helps residents find local programs and services such as senior assistance, delivery programs, and mental health supports.
