For more information on any of these programs, call 780-414-6300 or visit www.cmha-edmonton.ab.ca
“The Club” Social Program
The Club provides a unique opportunity for people 18 to 64 (who are living with severe and persistent mental illness) to have regular community and recreational experiences. Individuals' self-esteem and sense of purpose are enhanced when they are supported to meet their recreational and leisure needs.
Children’s Summer Fun Camps
These summer day camps are for children ages 6 to12 who are experiencing behavioural difficulties, who have been diagnosed with a mental illness, or who are living in a home where there is mental illness. Four, two-week camps are held at community parks. They are open to kids who feel isolated and shunned by other children and adults and who need a sense of belonging. Children gain an increased sense of well-being and improved mental health.
Adult Camp
This is for adults ages 18 to 64 with severe and persistent mental illness. This overnight recreational program is held four times a year (three times in the summer and once in the winter) in mountain and lake destinations. For many clients, this is the only opportunity they have to get out of the city. Camping provides the opportunity to socialize in a group, develop skills for cooperation, and rely on each other in an unfamiliar setting.
Women’s Web of Discovery
Held one afternoon each week for women dealing with severe and persistent mental illness, group activities provide support and socialization for women ages 18 to 64. Feelings of low self-esteem and isolation are addressed by building an atmosphere of safety and mutual caring. Women have substantial input in planning program activities.
Mindworks
Mindworks is a social recreational program designed to provide adults ages 18 to 64 (living with chronic mental illness) opportunities for self-enrichment and personal wellness. Activities include cooking and nutrition workshops, music therapy, history lectures, arts and crafts as well as recreational, social, and educational outings into the community. Participants develop and learn leisure skills while feeling a greater sense of self and community.
Children’s Fall and Winter Program
This 10-week program is for children ages 6 to12 with special needs who do not fit mainstream programming. Participants engage in physical development activities, learn from social role models, enhance their personal expression and creativity, and experience less isolation and increased feelings of well-being. The focus is on learning, working in teams, and having fun.
Volunteer Program
This program provides volunteers for specific programs as well as for fundraising. Volunteers, who can be adults from the general community or client volunteers, work in the majority of CMHA programs in this region. This program provides a step towards more independence, including volunteering outside of CMHA, part-time employment, and returning to school. Training is provided in areas such as:
- Working with people and children with mental illness
- Administration fund development
- Bingos and casinos
SALT (Self Advocacy and Leadership Training)
The Self Advocacy and Leadership Training (SALT) Program is designed to teach skills in advocacy and leadership to adults with severe and persistent mental illness. The program assists trainees to become full participants in the community roles they choose. In addition, participants develop self-confidence and an ability to interact effectively with others. Participants are involved in decisions that affect them and are empowered to live out active roles in their communities.
MAP (Moving Ahead Program)
The Moving Ahead Program (MAP) provides oppportunities to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness to set goals, learn skills, increase independent functioning, become more active members of the community, participate in social-recreational activities, and enhance their quality of life. It also provides important social networks and reduces isolation.
The focus of MAP is on creating a supportive community environment in which each individual can identify and work towards accomplishing personal goals to the best of their ability. This can help individuals meet their needs for productivity, personal development, leisure, socialization, and a sense of belonging.
Passages
Passages members have been, or will be, medically discharged from the Canadian Forces for mental health conditions such as severe depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The program is located off-base and offered by civilian professionals. It promotes independence and recovery, assists in the development of realistic and attainable personal/rehabilitation goals and treatment plans, and eases the transition back into civilian life.
Community Rehabilitation and Outreach Program (CROP)
The Community Rehabilitation and Outreach Program (CROP) is a community-based program designed to assist individuals with severe and persistent mental illness to maximize their independence and achieve and maintain a personally satisfying quality of life in the community. Services include:
- Advocacy
- Service coordination with mental health professionals
- Crisis intervention
- Assistance in the development of independent living skills
- Supportive one-on-one counseling
- Assistance with personal development
It has a client-centred community-based philosophy which allows clients to become as independent as possible.
Community Education
The Community Education Program is a broadly based community program designed to increase the understanding and awareness of mental illness in order to reduce stigma. The focus is to educate people about maintaining and enhancing mental health and securing proper treatment and support. This is accomplished through workshops, presentations, displays, website, distribution of printed materials, and video loans.