BY THE NUMBERS
“I learned the actual facts about
suicide rather than stereotypes
and stigmas.”
Education
Each year mental health educators deliver high quality sessions to junior and senior high schools, post-secondary institutions,
community organizations and corporations in Calgary and surrounding area. Education sessions are developed using evidencebased knowledge and best practices in teaching principals to ensure accurate information is delivered appropriately to all
participants. Three components of the program include:
•
Suicide Awareness: Participants gain a better understanding of suicide prevention by exploring warning signs, risk factors,
protective factors, appropriate ways to support someone at risk, and how to access additional help.
•
Stress Management: Participants explore what stress is, how to recognize the signs of stress within themselves and others,
and examine healthy coping strategies as well as learning stress reduction techniques.
•
Mental Illness and Stigma: Participants learn about the stigma associated with mental illness, the importance of early
intervention, cause, and where to seek help. Sessions include information around the various types of mental illness and
can be tailored to each group’s specific needs.
BY THE NUMBERS:
712
21,955
88% of individuals
HIGHLIGHTS:
presentations
participants
who attended the mental
illness and stigma presentations reported they are
more likely now to get help for their mental health
98%
of individuals who attended the suicide
awareness presentations reported they feel better
prepared to help someone who is suicidal
The Mental Health Education program has expanded to
introduce the Community Helpers initiative, which will provide
the mechanisms to identify, support and train existing natural
“helpers” within the school community. A “helper” may be a
peer, teacher, coach or counsellor, who once identified, will
be invited to take part in the training modules and will be
provided the opportunity to learn more about mental health
issues.
The Youth Education program was assessed by the Mental
Health Commission of Canada as part of a comprehensive
assessment of national contact-based mental illness
awareness and stigma reduction programs. It was ranked high
in regards to positively impacting attitudes about individuals
with a mental illness and in reducing stigma.
Annual Report to the Community 2013-2014
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