Hey all,

Long story short, I moved from Edmonton to Calgary years ago, and after six years living here, I’m thinking of moving back to where I was born and raised.

Issue is I’ve been on social supports most of my time here in Calgary. While I do want to work up to being in a situation where I can be completely independent, I was wondering what supports there are in Edmonton. Having been born and raised in Edmonton, I do have friends and family that can give some support where needed, but I also want to discover social groups where I can connect with others, especially those that are queer or neurodivergent.

I have a good feeling about moving back, I don’t feel my heart is here in Calgary, and there’s been a lot I’ve missed about Edmonton since leaving. I have hopes to get into post-secondary at either the UoA or MacEwan and, while I still need a little more thought, have some ideas for long-term career paths that will likely work for me.

However, I do remember before I left I didn’t have great connections to social programs and supports, and I want to be able to connect with those where possible to help get me on track for long-term success.

Any and all help is appreciated, thanks in advance.

  • snoons@lemmy.caEnglish
    31·
    1 month ago

    It’s good that you’re thinking of education, to me it’s the only way forward as I can feel my body slowly break down, no matter what I do.

    Have you completed University Preparation, aka Highschool Upgrading? You can take them for free at MacEwan (Alberta College campus) through AlbertaWorks if the fascists haven’t cut it. I highly suggest applying for full time courses, which pays your rent as well (fascist disclaimer). You will likely have to do so if your highschool transcripts are more than five years old or aren’t “competitive”.

    UoA is competitive so be prepared to not be accepted, which means applying to other universities. I suggest the University of Victoria, in BC. Maybe do your first year courses there, then see about transferring to UoA. Makes it a lot easier to get in that way. Suggest not staying tho, UVic is becoming… corporate.

    There is also a large queer community in Victoria, especially UVic. I suspect the gayness is a bit muted in Alberta due to the political climate.