Mental Health Capacity Building

Strathcona County’s Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) program is part of a provincial initiative from Recovery Alberta. MHCB provides educational programming in and outside of schools to help school-aged children and youth strengthen their social-emotional skills and support their mental health. 

How MHCB Works in Schools 

MHCB rotates its team within schools every three years. For three years, an MHCB Coach is dedicated to a school, working alongside staff to strengthen students’ social-emotional skills. 

From September 2025 to June 2026, the MHCB program will run in the following schools:

MHCB's customizable, in-classroom programs are designed to strengthen social-emotional skills and support academic success.  

Within schools, MHCB:

  • Collaborates with school staff to deliver evidence-based programs that enhance well-being, resilience, and protective factors.     
  • Integrates mental health into daily routines and curriculum.  
  • Facilitates early intervention and treatment services for children, youth and families at greatest risk. 

Skill areas MHCB covers: 

  • Setting and achieving goals 
  • Making responsible decisions 
  • Developing healthy relationships 
  • Handling stress 
  • Managing difficult emotions 
  • Understanding mental health 

MHCB in-classroom programs: 

  • Support academic growth and development 
  • Improve classroom behaviours and engagement 
  • Promote empathy and relationship skills 
  • Enhance focus and emotional regulation 
  • Adaptable to your classroom needs with customizable session lengths. 

Partner with MHCB to support your students 

Ready to bring MHCB to your school for a three-year partnership? Or looking for a free, community-based resource to work with specific classes or grades? MHCB can help strengthen students’ social-emotional skills through targeted programming focused on designated skills for a set period of time. 

Community programs

In collaboration with the Family Resource Network, the MHCB team also provides a range of free, fun and educational programs in the community, including:

  • Programs for children and youth to build resilience, develop coping strategies and boost mental health and well-being.

  • Workshops for parents and caregivers to strengthen understanding and support healthy child and youth development. 

The MHCB program is a provincial prevention and promotion initiative that is a collaboration between Elk Island Public Schools, Elk Island Catholic Schools, Strathcona County and Recovery Alberta (formally Alberta Health Services).

References: Government of Canada (2014) Mental Health Promotion. 

Questions?
780-416-6730
MHCB@strathcona.ca

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Last updated: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Page ID: 43464