“We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so can make an enormous difference” (Canadian Mental Health Association, 2024).

This year's Mental Health Week, 'Compassion Connects,' takes place from May 6-12 and emphasizes the healing power of compassion. One way to show your compassion is to learn how to respond effectively to someone at risk of suicide.  

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)

ASIST is a two-day workshop designed to help family, friends, and community members identify someone at risk of suicide and provide them with the skills needed to make a life-saving intervention. The ASIST workshop is highly interactive, practical, and practice-oriented. It focuses on teaching suicide first-aid to help a person at risk stay safe and seek further help. This training is not recommended for anyone who has had a recent suicide loss.

Date: May 23 & 24
Time: 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Age: 18+
Cost: $50 (normally $125 subsidized to honour Mental Health Week)
Location: 414 King Street, Spruce Grove, AB
Registration: Register online
Registration Deadline: May 20, 2024

This program is in partnership with the Town of Stony Plain and Parkland County.

The Bridging Connections team consists of Community Social Workers who are dedicated professionals offering compassionate and confidential support to Parkland County residents. Community Social Workers actively listen to individuals, identify solutions, and facilitate connections to pertinent community resources. Their role is to assist residents of all ages and situations in navigating life’s challenges.

Date: Wednesdays; 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m (drop in and appointment based services available)
Ages: All
Location: Wabamun Community Centre (5217 52 Street) 
Registration: Call Spruce Grove CSD at 780-962-7618 to make an appointment if desired; however, an appointment is not required.

Are you curious about D&D but don’t know where to start? Join us to celebrate Youth and Mental Health Week and try out D&D! You will role-play as your character and experience the world through another's perspective. You will face challenges such as puzzles to solve and combat scenarios that promote teamwork and effective communication. After the game, we will debrief and explore how your actions affect the situation and the people around you!

 Date: Tuesday, May 7
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Ages: 12-18
Cost: Free
Location: Spruce Grove Public Library
Registration: Please register online

This event is in partnership with the Spruce Grove Public Library, Alberta Parenting for the Future, Westview PCN, and Parkland County.

Skills for Safer Living is an evidence-based, suicide prevention program for youth considering suicide or have had a suicide attempt, and their caregivers. In four, weekly 90-minute sessions, youth learn to build skills and capacity to help keep themselves safe. The program introduces basic language, skills, and concepts to better understand the thoughts and feelings associated with suicide, and strategies to help mitigate them, to keep as safe as possible. In addition to building capacity in youth, the program also builds the same knowledge for families/caregivers.

Date: To Be Determined
Cost: Free 
Location:  Virtual (technology supports are available)
Registration: Please register by email

Skills for Safer Living is being offered in partnership with the Centre for Suicide Prevention, The Coordinated Suicide Prevention Program, Westview Primary Care Network, Dochas Psychological Services, the Town of Stony Plain, and the City of Spruce Grove.

The Tri-Region Grief Collaborative brochure includes information on registered and drop-in support groups being offered in the region.

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community. 

Special Talking Circle - Moose Hide Campaign Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a national day for connecting, learning, and sharing. This will be a special talking circle as we hear from a local Elder to stand against violence towards women and children and take a pledge to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life.

Talking Circles come from the culture and traditions of Indigenous people in North America. All community members are welcome at these Talking Circles. Listen deeply with an opportunity to understand, learn, and establish a sense of community. Ribbon shirts/skirts are encouraged to wear.

Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Cost: Free 
Location: Family Connection Centre, 5600 50 Street, Stony Plain, AB
Contact: 780-962-7618

This program is designed to provide a welcoming space for youth to explore traditional Indigenous teachings, foster social connections, and savour the deliciousness of tacos in a bag! It's not just an event; it's an experience that celebrates cultural heritage and promotes cross-cultural connections.

This program is in partnership with Native Counselling Services of Alberta, Alberta Parenting for the Future, and Parkland County.

Dates: May 2, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Grades: 7-12
Cost: Free
Registration: Please register online
Location: Cantiro Pioneer Wellness Centre (#1, 344 Pioneer Road, Spruce Grove, AB)
Contact: 780-963-0549