If you or a loved one are facing a mental illness, it’s important to know you are not alone. And while our world has gotten bigger and seemingly more impersonal, it’s helpful to know that there are many people who have made it their lives’ work to help others cope with a mental illness.

Click on the CMHA office nearest you for a listing of programs available.

If you or a loved one are facing a mental illness, it’s important to know you are not alone. And while our world has gotten bigger and seemingly more impersonal, it’s helpful to know that there are many people who have made it their lives’ work to help others cope with a mental illness.

Click on the CMHA office nearest you for a listing of programs available.

For more information on any of these programs, call 403-329-4775 or visit http://www.asr.cmha.ab.ca/

The Club 4 U

This program provides structured and non-structured recreational and leisure activities for individuals with mental illness. Through a wide variety of activities such as fishing trips, golfing, crib and pool tournaments, and an annual camping trip, clients learn life and vocational skills in a supported environment. The program also provides access to computers, a games room, a TV room, a kitchen facility, and a book/video corner.

Crisis Intervention

Eighteen hours per day, seven day a week, trained crisis staff can provide mobile crisis intervention at the site of a crisis or at an alternate safe location. The team can assess the situation and diffuse the immediate crisis and can then facilitate access to appropriate long-term supports and follow through to ensure supports are established.

Community Mental Health Crisis Beds

There are five crisis beds available for those who are in a mental health crisis; these beds are staffed by trained crisis workers 24 hours a day throughout the year. The program provides short-term crisis intervention and assistance with problems regarding housing, finances, addiction issues, medication stabilization, etc. Through this, the program prevents unnecessary hospital stays, reduces the length of hospital stays, and increases the likelihood that a client can remain in the community while receiving care and education in a safe environment.

Outreach and Housing Service

This program provides support, advocacy, and assistance to maintain stable housing for those coping with mental illness. Help is available with search options, subsidy applications, landlord/tenant issues, and community follow-up and assistance. The program also provides life skills training and helps with action plans.

Laura House Supported Network

Laura House is a residential facility providing six transitional beds and one respite bed to those with mental illnesses or those with social and emotional issues. Respite accommodations are for individuals in need of temporary housing. Staff work with individual clients to develop individual service plans, life skills training, medication management, financial education, home management, cooking, grocery shopping, and other related skills.

Community Approach to Skill Development Training Program

This program provides the opportunity to individuals coping with mental illness to integrate into the existing training and education system. Clients develop the life skills and self-confidence necessary to pursue their individual goals. The program offers participants the choice of the following programs:

• Introduction to Metal Working
• First Aid/CPR
  Alberta Safety Council Forklift
• Recreation
• Construction Technologies
• Small Engine Repair
• WHMIS
• Cooking Skills
• Life Management
• Fire Safety
• Personal Development
• Food Safe Handling
• Welding

Sessions are offered in spring and fall semesters.