How to Start

Communities that are interested in organizing a local campaign can receive concrete support in getting started. You are able to receive free campaign products (brochures, safety cards, kit, training documentary, TV public service announcements). These products are funded from the Ontario government, Office of Women’s Issues.

In order to raise public awareness of the campaign brochures and safety cards have already been distributed across the province. You may already find them in your community at places like:

  • Public Libraries
  • The Liquor Control Board of Ontario
  • Government offices
  • Local violence against women service providers (Shelters, Partner Assault Response programs, Victim Crisis Assistance and Referral Services, Victim/Witness Assistance program and women’s centres)
  • Early Years Centres
  • Public Health Units

Despite this work, there are still things that can be done to raise awareness of the warning signs of woman abuse in your community.

Here are some different approaches you can take:

1. Work with your Coordinating Committee

Local Community Coordinating Committees (made up of community agencies providing services to women who are abused such as shelters and other women services providers) are great vehicles to lead a Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign. You can approach a member agency and express your willingness to work to bring the campaign to your community or to work in the local campaign, if it is already underway. It is possible that in some communities there are no Coordinating Committees or agencies providing services to women. If this is the case, approach other local community services available (Community Centres, Family Counselling Centres, etc.) and talk to them about the campaign and how they can help you get started. Remember that you will be supported by the Provincial campaign along the way.

2. Work with your Public Health Unit

Through the 36 public health units across Ontario, health related prevention programs are administered which are supportive of the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign, such as school and workplace health programs and sexual health clinics. Local health units may also incorporate woman abuse prevention information into programs to inform families and the public about healthy pregnancy and parenting, such as prenatal and parenting classes. In some communities, the Public Health Units are taking an active role in promoting and implementing the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign. Talk to them and find out how you can help.
To find out public health units locations, please click here.


3. Access Additional Funding

Funding for the Neighbours, Friends and Families campaign, including products and supports, has been provided by the Ontario government, Ontario Women’s Directorate. To start a campaign in your community, you can receive free campaign products (brochures, safety cards, kit, training document, TV public service announcements) and training on how to implement a campaign in your community.
Despite the free campaign resources, you may still wish to pursue funding for additional campaign activities, such as hiring a local NFF Coordinator and to cover costs associated with community outreach and education activities (traveling, meeting space, snacks, etc.)

Refer to Funding Sources for funding options.

If you have questions about starting an NFF campaign, email nff@uwo.ca.