Who We Are
Our mission at SafeLink Alberta is to reduce the harms associated with sexual activity and substance use by offering low-barrier, non-judgmental, and informed programs and services. We believe that everyone deserves access to healthcare services and support, regardless of their background or lifestyle.
Formerly known as AIDS Calgary (1983-2013) and HIV Community Link (2013-2022), SafeLink Alberta is a non-profit organization that has been serving and advocating for priority populations in Calgary and southern Alberta since 1983.
Our priority population are people who use substances, people living with HIV, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ Community, particularly cis and trans, gay, bi, and queer guys, Indigenous communities, African, Caribbean and Black communities, and people engaged in sex work,
Our Services
Case Management
Our Systems Navigators work with our priority populations to deliver comprehensive and individualized support services, including:
In addition, our dedicated Indigenous Systems Navigator engages individuals along a path of wellness and healing by facilitating access to additional cultural supports.
Drop-in services
Our drop-in centre in Calgary is located at 1944 10 Ave SW, a few blocks west of the Sunalta c-train station, and is open Monday-Friday from 1-4pm.
At the drop-in centre, we offer:
Outreach Services
Our team can be found throughout the downtown core several days a week providing safer sex and safer consumption supplies and supports such as education, information, and referrals
SafeLink Alberta is the proud founder and co-chair of the Calgary Outreach Collective – a group of 15+ agencies who provide street-based outreach support to vulnerable folks in the Calgary area.
Peer Support
We offer Peer support (individual and group programs) for people living with HIV and Peer support (group based) for sex workers, including a group for trans sex workers.
Education
SafeLink Alberta’s 101 Education Series offers an accessible overview of our community service work and the populations we serve. Our training sessions draw on our 35 years of community experience, best practices, emerging trends and are based on evidence and the voices of people with lived experience.
The target audience for our training courses is social and health service providers, including caseworkers, nurses, outreach workers, shelter workers, addiction and treatment centre staff, and agency leadership. The general public is also encouraged to sign up for any of the courses.
Our 101 Education Series Training is offered free of charge, and we have comprehensive training offered that can also be customized to meet the needs of organizations.
Find more information about our training.
As an important part of our agency’s efforts to meaningfully involve People with lived and living experience (PWLLE), focus groups and Advisory Committee activities are an ongoing component of all of our program development. PWLLE provide insight and input relating to substance use trends, mental health needs, best practices, curriculum development and delivery, and more. A person with lived or living experience is also included in the delivery of each service provider training, ensuring attendees have the opportunity for direct engagement with a community member. As recognized experts, PWLLE are financially compensated for their efforts relating to this project.
Donate: Donations are critical to SafeLink Alberta to fund our drop-in centre, education and prevention services, allowing us to take our safer sex and other prevention messages directly to the most vulnerable communities.
SafeLink Events: Check out our calendar of events including free educational workshops and subscribe to our newsletter