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. The MHCB initiative is funded by Recovery Alberta.
For more information, please visit the: WRPS Wellness Team Website
Quick Facts
- The MHCB initiative was initially funded in 2005, beginning with 5 pilot sites around the province and has expanded to 40 programs across 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.
- The WRPS Wellness Team is a part of the West-Central Alberta MHCB Community of Practice. The COP includes representatives from Clearview Public Schools, Battle River School Division, Chinook’s Edge School Division, Prairie Land Public School Division, Wild Rose School Division, and Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools.
About WRPS’ Mental Health Capacity Building:
- Our team consists of one Program Manager and 5 Wellness Coaches, with additional support in the summer as required.
- Our team currently provides support to all schools in the division, either weekly or by request.
- Local MHCB approaches include but aren’t limited to: grade-specific programs taught in the classroom, group work, school-wide presentations, wellness initiatives/ events, and participation in collaborative health and wellness committees and groups.
Scope of Practice:
- Tier 1 intervention (all students, classroom-based programming)
- Tier 2 intervention (small groups, working on specific skills)
- Health promotion/prevention initiatives and events that focus on reducing stigma and sharing mental health information.
- Community health promotion work including: coalitions, committees, and working groups that focus on improving knowledge of and access to effective and innovative services across the mental health continuum.
- We do not provide one-on-one support or counseling of any kind. We are able to refer to local counselling support if needed.
Programs being taught in our schools include but aren’t limited to:
For an overview of all programs, visit the Wellness Team's website.
Connect with the Wellness Team by emailing wst@wrps11.ca