Mental health is part of everyone’s life, and we all face challenges at times. That’s why we need thoughtful, community-driven approaches to strengthen mental wellbeing. Every community has unique strengths and priorities that can be used to create healthier environments for everyone.
Improving mental health in rural Alberta isn’t about one-size-fits-all solutions. While services like counseling are important, they’re not the only answer. Building mentally healthy communities means focusing on the places where we live, work, play, and connect.
Better mental health isn’t just about formal services—it’s about creating spaces where people feel supported in every aspect of life. By combining medical and community approaches, we can nurture environments that support mental wellness for everyone.
Community wellbeing is shaped by local history, relationships, resources, and economic conditions. By addressing these “upstream” factors, we can create long-term, meaningful change.
At the Rural Mental Health Project, we empower passionate community members to become changemakers in their own communities.
We offer free training in facilitation skills and asset-based community development to help individuals lead meaningful conversations about mental health and wellbeing. We even compensate participants for their time during training!
After completing the training, participants become Community Animators—leaders who bring wellbeing-focused action plans to life. Community Animators can then apply for our community grants to fund their creative, community-driven ideas for improving mental health and wellbeing at the community level.
No two communities are the same, so our approach is flexible and guided by shared principles:
- Community-Led Solutions: We believe change happens when communities lead the way. Local knowledge, strengths, and priorities are at the heart of every project we support.
- Collaboration: We promote and support working with diverse partners and groups to ensure every perspective is included.
- Continuous Learning: Mental health evolves, so our work adapts as communities grow.
- Support, Not Prescription: We don’t tell communities what to do; we support them in achieving their own goals.
As a backbone organization, CMHA AB & CSP facilitates connections and provides resources while letting communities take the lead. Together, we’re working toward a vision of mentally healthy people in a healthy society.