FAQs

Alberta Brain Injury Network (ABIN) – Central Region is part of a province wide network servicing adults with an acquired brain injury and their families. Our program at CMHA Central Alberta serves people in Stettler, Rimbey, Wetaskiwin, and surrounding areas as well as those in Red Deer. More Information

CMHA offers peer support groups in which people share their personal experiences in dealing with situations that have altered their life in some way. We believe that the best support groups foster peer leadership while providing information from experienced professionals who demonstrate empathy and an understanding of the challenges group members face. Caregiver Connections is our weekly drop-in group for family members and caregivers. Friendship Circle is for people with lived experience with mental health or addiction concerns. More Information

Facilitator Training is a two-day course that trains individuals to facilitate support and education groups. Participants include individuals from not-for-profit organizations, government employees, organizations supporting individuals with disabilities, self-help/peer groups, and others. More Information

Focused Education for Employers and Community Groups: Based on requests from employers and community groups, educational sessions can be tailor-made to meet corresponding needs. Fees are dependent on the length of the presentation and other factors. For more information, call our office at (403) 342-2266 or e-mail us at education@reddeer.cmha.ab.ca. More Information

Goal: to provide quality, secure, and affordable housing for people with mental illness and/or low income. The program works with tenants and their supports to maintain long-term housing. Eligibility: Must be over the age of 18; with a history of mental illness or low income; capable of independent community living; and in need of subsidized housing. Click here for more information.

Working with the Centre for Suicide Prevention (CSP), CMHA Central Alberta Region educates people with the information, knowledge and skills necessary to respond to people at risk of suicide. CMHA and CSP teach prevention, because prevention is the only solution to suicide. Workshops include: ASIST, the two day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training workshop and two half day workshops: ASIST Tune Up and Straight Talk.

The Systems Navigator provides support to individuals and families with multiple barriers to navigate the complex systems and processes needed to access various government and community services.  This support works to address inequities and enhance the individual’s well-being. The support is generally brief in nature and is focused on navigation and advocacy to get people connected to the services and supports they need in order to get or maintain income and housing. More Information

Crisis counselling provides support to those individuals having an immediate mental health crisis.This service is a collaborative process designed to assist individuals in assessing need and risk, feeling a sense of empowerment by drawing on internal strengths, and identifying opportunities for additional support. More Information

Our courses offer more structured learning experiences than many group programs. They’re designed with input from qualified and experienced educators AND people with lived experience. Each course has clear learning outcomes and activities to explore and build knowledge. Peer Support is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe everyone in the room has valuable insight to share. We see everyone as a teacher and a learner at the same time, including our facilitators.

Nothing! All courses are free, but you must register before attending.

All of our courses are open to everyone at all levels and at all stages of recovery. All we require is an open mind, a willingness to participate and be respectful of the other learners in the room.

Our courses are friendly, informative, engaging and enjoyable to help learners on their recovery journey. Two trained facilitators run each course, one who has personal experience of recovery and will share their experience as part of the course, the other an expert by education.

CMHA Central Alberta offers drop-in peer support groups to support wellness and recovery of individuals with mental health concerns and caregivers, They don’t require registration, and are free of charge. To learn more, visit: Support Groups.  See below for other CMHA programs and services.

The majority of courses are held at CMHA Central Alberta’s Learning Centre in downtown Red Deer, but we will also have classes in other community venues. Locations for each course can be found in the course summary. The Learning Centre is located in the Mid-City Plaza, #303 – 4805 48th Street.

Anyone aged 16+ affected by mental health or substance use issues who wants to explore their recovery journey and their own wellness. Anyone who is supporting a family or friend with a mental illness or substance use issue, as well as people working in the mental health field are welcome to attend. No referral is needed.