Mental Health Capacity Building

Mental Health Capacity Building

The WRPS Wellness Support Team is a Mental Health Capacity Building in schools initiative that works to promote positive mental health in children, youth, families and support individuals in the community who interact with children and youth. The MHCB initiative is based on research and best practice literature that demonstrates that mental and emotional wellbeing can be developed, nurtured and supported through promotion and prevention efforts. For more information about MHCB please visit: Mental Health Capacity Building Program.

Quick Facts

  • The MHCB initiative was initially funded in 2006, beginning with 5 pilot sites around the province.
  • In the 2018 - 2019 school year there were 37 programs running in 133 communities and 371 schools throughout Alberta. Provincially, MHCB reached 121,1755 students in the 2018-2019 school year. 
  • On May 7, 2018 Alberta Health announced additional funding of $5 million dollars for the MHCB in Schools Initiative. This additional investment allowed for the development of new programs and the expansion of existing programs around the province.

The diversity of approaches used by MHCB are based on research and best practice literature, and are reflective of the needs and resources of individual communities. This includes the engagement of traditionally under-served populations.

About WRPS’ Mental Health Capacity Building:

  • The WRPS Wellness Support Team consists of one Program Manager and 6 Wellness Coaches
  • The WRPS Wellness Support Team currently reaches 18 schools in our division
  • Local MHCB approaches include but aren’t limited to: grade-specific programs taught in the classroom, group work, school-wide presentations, staff wellness initiatives, and participation in collaborative health and wellness committees and groups.

Programs being taught in our schools include but aren’t limited to: