Natural Supports Simulation - United Way Alberta Capital Region

A Natural Support mindset is built upon 8 skills that can support a child or youth experiencing a mental health concern.

The simulation lasts about 15-25 minutes. Once started, you can leave the simulation at any time and we’ll save your spot.

• Pick a role - Unique scenarios are available for 3 main support roles in a youth’s life: Parent or Caregiver, Teacher or Coach, and Friend or Relative.

• Pick an area of concern - Each youth represents a mental health concern. You can repeat the simulation as many times as you like to explore multiple roles and concerns.

• Give honest answers - Provide honest responses that reflect your interactions with youth so you can learn which skills and resources you need.

• Get resources and support - The outcomes of this simulation will help you prepare and strengthen your skills as a Natural Support.

Developed by The Social Impact Lab.

To register: United Way – NSS

Birth & Babies – Alberta Health Services

This program is available in varying durations, from 2 weeks to 5 weeks, or on weekends. Each class is two hours long. Classroom topics are determined in real time and may change from group to group and class to class. Topics often include when to go to the hospital, the labour process, coping strengths & strategies for both mom and the support person, postpartum care, newborn feeding & care basics, finding credible information on the internet and more.

We recommend bringing with you: water bottle/snacks, a mat (to try out labor positions/massage) and printed resources sent to you by your facilitator for activities. Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes will be provided in class.

It is recommended that a series ending approximately 4 weeks prior to the expected due date be selected whenever possible. If this is not possible, please choose a class that works best for you.

If you require financial support to attend a class please call 780-342-2833 or email birthandbabiesedmonton@albertahealthservices.ca.

To register: AHS – B&B

Best Beginning Program - Alberta Health Services

This program is designed for women who:

• Need information to make healthy choices during pregnancy

• Feel alone and isolated

• Face language or cultural barriers

• Are living on a low income

We offer:

• Support from social workers, nurses, dietitians, and outreach workers

• Group health education and peer support

• Children's programming (1-6 yrs)

• Healthy snacks and time to connect with other pregnant women

• Community and Health Resources

To register: AHS - BBP

Leading With Mental Health In Mind - CMHA-Alberta

Leading with Mental Health in Mind will equip you with the language to talk about mental health, the understanding to support employees with challenges, and the steps to move towards greater psychological health and safety in the workplace. 

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Understand how the 13 Factors that Impact Mental Health at work can apply to their workplace

• Understand the role of the manager/leader in mental health at work and how it differs from the role of individual contributors

• Have tools and strategies to address some of the major factors in their workplace

• Have a starting point for what to do and what to say when someone talks about their mental health

• Have strategies to support your own mental health in the workplace

To register: CMHA-AB

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout - CMHA-Alberta

Learn the symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout, and how to manage them effectively to build resilience.

The symptoms of compassion fatigue and burnout are hard to recognize and require adequate support to overcome. This workshop will help employers, employees and volunteers who may develop compassion fatigue. Those at risk for compassion fatigue include first responders, clergy, teachers, counsellors, social workers, health care professionals, veterinarians and individuals who are the first point of contact for those going through a crisis or disaster.

This workshop provides a flexible and customizable approach, accommodating the unique needs of various professions and industries while offering adaptable time frames and formats.

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Understand symptoms and effects of compassion fatigue and fatigue risk factors

• Recognize personal and systemic barriers to receiving help

• Learn how to manage daily perceived threats and stress in more effective ways

• Create a self-care plan with resiliency-building skills and steps to improve workplace mental health

• Learn the difference between compassion fatigue and burnout

To register: CMHA-AB

Stronger Communities – CMHA-Edmonton

A training program that supports participants in learning strategies to look after their mental health and others.

Stronger Communities is a training program for groups and organizations where participants will learn a variety of different strategies and tips for looking after both their own mental health and the mental health of those around them.

Each course is facilitated by two facilitators, at least one of whom has Lived Experience. These courses are ideal for any type of organization or group as they offer specific training  for their staff to increase their knowledge on a variety of topics surrounding mental health. Courses have interactive components that will allow participants the opportunity to share their own experiences and offer insight into the information shared.

To register: Stronger Communities

Mental Health in the Workplace - CMHA-Alberta

This training will equip individuals with the skills to build a psychologically safe workplace that supports discussions around mental health struggles.  

Mental Health in the Workplace training equips organizations with the necessary language to address mental health, the knowledge to support employees facing challenges, and the actionable steps to proactively cultivate greater psychological health and safety at work.

By the end of the training, participants will:

• Learn about current workplace mental health and mental illness challenges

• Gain tools to support coworkers when they have mental health challenges

• Understand psychological risk and harm and know the benefits of mentally healthier workplaces

To register: CMHA-AB

LEAP (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) – CMHA-Edmonton

Learn how to provide support and interact with someone you care about when they are experiencing psychosis.

Do you have a family member experiencing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other psychotic illness who is unwilling to accept treatment? If so, then LEAP can help.

LEAP® (Listen-Empathize-Agree-Partner) courses are for family members or caregivers of someone who is experiencing psychosis (hallucinations and/or delusions) and isn’t aware of having a mental illness. This is an evidence based course that aims to improve or repair your relationship and help you get your loved one to recognize the signs of their condition and accept treatment. LEAP was developed by Dr. Xavier Amador, a renowned clinical psychologist with first-hand experience caring for family members with serious mental illness.

The LEAP-certified trainer, a family member like you, was taught by Dr. Amador and has helped hundreds of other Albertans over the past five years. The interactive course includes opportunities to practice new ways to communicate with – and relate to – someone with a psychotic illness. 

Please note that each in-person course will be hosted at Prosper Place, 10455 172 Street NW, Edmonton AB T5S 1K9. If you have questions about LEAP or are wondering if this course is for you, please email ndorcas@cmha-edmonton.ab.ca.

To register: CMHA-Edmonton – LEAP

Mental Health First Aid Virtual – CMHA-Edmonton

Learn to support someone who is struggling with their mental health.

The Mental Health First Aid training was developed to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

MHFA teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counselors, or mental health professionals. The philosophy behind MHFA is that mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If a crisis does arise, then members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1 – Self Directed) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3 – Virtual Classroom). Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.

Participants will receive the “MHFA Participant Reference Guide” that outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, and mental health and substance use crises.

For more information: CMHA-Edmonton MHFA Standard

To register: MHFA

Subsidies are available, please inquire for more information.

UPCOMING TRAINING DATES:

BounceBack – CMHA

BounceBack® is a free skill-building program from the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) designed to help adults and youth manage low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress or worry.

Topics covered in the BounceBack® program include:

• Understanding worry and stress

• Overcoming sleep problems

• Being assertive

• Practical problem solving skills

• Changing extreme and unhelpful thinking

• Building relationships with your family and friends

• Planning for the future

Videos are available in English, French, Arabic, Farsi, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Punjabi.

With the right tools and practice, you can bounce back to reclaim your health.

To register: CMHA – BounceBack

Lunch & Learn Series - Mental Health Foundation

An ongoing series on various mental health and addiction topics that provides education and a place for connection.

Our Lunch & Learn Series is dedicated to fostering an open dialogue on mental health and addictions topics. These free online sessions provide the community with valuable knowledge, resources, and support in a warm, welcoming environment. The Lunch & Learn Series provides evidence-based resources that can help people stay up-to-date on best practices, connect with other like minded individuals, and engage in stimulating discussions.

To register: MHF Lunch & Learn