The Spring Forward project is following up on the past two projects Chestermere received, using a phased approach. They will be focusing on reducing stigma, educating the public and creating a network for mental health.

Impact/Outcome

This project started to break down the stigma around mental health in our community. I believe the greatest indication of this was the Community Mental Health Fair. This was the first mental health fair held in our community. We were encouraged to have such a diverse audience in attendance, with diversity in age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. We had excellent feedback from the Trade Fair participants as well. One services provider stated that this was her, “favourite community event to date because [the services providers] were able to sit in on the presentations as well and learn alongside the attendees.” Attendees had the option to come and go during the event, however many stayed for the full 3-hour event to take in all the presentations, guest speaker, and trade fair.  This is a testament to the level of need for mental health support, as well as the level to which residents are wanting to learn more and have conversations about mental health. Our Action Team and Coalition was very proud of this event and is hoping to hold this on an annual basis. 

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