Strathcona County focuses on mental health

Mayor Rod Frank has officially declared May 1 to 7 as Mental Health Week in Strathcona County. This year the County will highlight the importance of mental health education and how it contributes to a more connected and supported community.

Mental Health Week is a national initiative led by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA). This year’s theme is “My story” which describes how everyone has layers and their own unique stories.

To help start the conversation on mental health, residents are invited to a “Dinner and Dialogue” on May 4, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Community Centre, in meeting rooms 1 and 2. Attendees will hear from two inspirational residents, Colin Millang, a Mental Health Advocate; and Hannah Brunsdon, a Mental Health Capacity Builder from Strathcona County Family and Community Services. They will share their inspirational stories on resilience, experiences around mental health, and the importance of understanding mental health and how it connects people to each other and our community.

“Sharing our stories and personal experience around mental health is key to reducing stigma in our community,” says Mayor Rod Frank. “By having these conversations, we can foster a more educated and connected community and enables us to seek out the right kind of support when we need it.”

The County will also be engaging with students. School homerooms will be invited to test their Mental Health Literacy by doing trivia with their peers. Each class that participates will be entered into a draw to win a Pizza Party. Participating schools include FR Haythorne Junior High, Sherwood Heights Junior High, Strathcona Christian Academy Secondary, Lakeland Junior High School, Ardrossan Junior High School, Fultonvale Junior High School, Next Step, École Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School, St. Theresa Junior High School, Holy Redeemer Junior High School and St. Luke Junior High School.

The County’s Family and Community Services team is also here to help, offering counselling and other services that can support people through interpersonal relationships, parenting challenges, financial stress or any of life’s complications. Call 780-464-4044, and check out the new program guide at strathcona.ca/FCS for more information about programs and services.

For more information, including how schools can enter the draw, visit strathcona.ca/MentalHealth.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595