The community of Chestermere recently came together for an inspiring and impactful Mental Health Fair, hosted as part of a grassroots initiative led by community animator Coralee McIntosh. As part of the Rural Mental Health Project, the event aimed to spark conversations, reduce stigma, and build networks of support throughout the region.
Coralee, a dedicated community member and mental health advocate, has been serving as an Animator since 2019. With deep roots in the Chestermere and SE Rocky View area, she has focused her efforts on creating accessible and inclusive programming to meet the growing needs of rural communities.
"Everybody has mental health," she emphasized. "Just like physical health, we need tools and support systems in place to maintain it—and that’s especially true in rural areas where resources are often limited."
The project, now in its third phase of grant funding from the Rural Mental Health Project, began with a youth community safety survey. It evolved into focus groups to deepen the understanding of local needs and has since led to the implementation of community-wide training sessions and awareness efforts.
The Mental Health Fair was a flagship moment for the initiative. Held at the local rec centre, the event featured a wide array of service providers, a series of concise and compelling presentations, and opportunities for attendees to ask questions and access resources on the spot.
Topics ranged from anxiety and substance use to social media safety and setting healthy boundaries. Notably, a youth co-presenter joined a professional speaker to offer insights into online exploitation, lending a powerful voice of lived experience to the conversation.
The fair’s informal and come-and-go format helped make it widely accessible. “We knew attention spans are shorter, and people are busier than ever,” Coralee shared. “So we built the event with flexibility in mind.”
Attendees included parents, teens, seniors, and community professionals—proving that the need and desire for mental health dialogue crosses generational lines. Local advocate and guest speaker Alex Halat, known for his involvement in the 4th World’s Longest Hockey Game, shared his personal story, deepening the emotional resonance of the day.
“The most powerful moments were when people spoke from the heart,” Coralee reflected. “That openness made others feel safe to share their own stories and start seeking help.”
When asked about her biggest takeaway, Coralee emphasized accessibility and adaptability. “You have to roll with it. The project might not look the same as what you put on paper—but with community input and flexibility, it often becomes something even better.”
Watch the full video interview with Coralee McIntosh to hear more about the journey, the impact, and the heart behind the project.
To learn about all of Chestermere's projects visit Chestermere.
April 25, 2025 - Emily Wilkes