Mental Health Capacity Building

Mental Health Capacity Building

Mental Health Capacity Building (formerly HUB) is a school 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.

Quick Facts

  • The MHCB initiative was initially funded in 2006, beginning with 5 pilot sites around the province.
  • There are currently 37 projects in 85 communities and 182 schools with an outreach to 74 additional schools, throughout Alberta.

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

About WRPS’ Mental Health Capacity Building:

  • WRPS’ MHCB consists of one Project Coordinator and 3 Wellness Support Workers
  • From 2016 - 2018, MHCB will have reached 15 schools within WRPS
  • 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:

Play in the Park

Play in the Park (PiP) is a summer program jointly facilitated by MHCB and the City of Wetaskiwin. It runs twice weekly during July and August and features activities for children aged 3 to 12. This program is FREE, and occurs at various parks around the City of Wetaskiwin. The goal of this program is to get children active and outside during the summer, while also allowing them to socialize and build relationships outside of their direct peer groups.

The PiP program also allows WRPS students in grades 5 to 12 to build leadership skills through the Leader in Training program portion of PiP. Leaders are volunteers who come to the park and help support activities for the other children. They are responsible for ensuring the inclusion of all children, maintaining the cleanliness of the park, as well as resolving conflicts that arise during the activities. They have the opportunity to socialize with peers from other schools and build lasting friendships.