SA Mental Health Initiative

Student life can be both exciting and challenging. Many students juggle tight budgets, work, studies, and personal responsibilities while managing deadlines, exams, and the demands of everyday life. These pressures, combined with challenges such as anxiety, loneliness, and other mental health concerns, can make the student experience overwhelming.

To help support student well-being, the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic launched its Mental Health Initiative and Peer Support program. These initiatives are dedicated to fostering a supportive campus culture where mental health is openly discussed, resources are accessible, and students feel empowered to seek support.

As part of the Mental Health Initiative, the Students’ Association hosts a variety of mental health awareness events each term. These events provide students with opportunities to take a break from their daily responsibilities, connect with others, learn about available resources, and help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health through open conversation and community engagement.

Activities have included:

  • Peer Support
  • Puppy Room
  • Car Smash
  • Friend Matching
  • Self-Care Kits
  • Gratitude Letters
  • Happiness Boost
  • Vision Boards

If you need help:

Distress Line Central Alberta
1-800-784-2433

Red Deer 49 Street
Community Health Centre
Mental Health Services
403-340-5466

Alberta Mental Health Helpline
1-877-303-2642

RDP Counselling
403-343-4064

Campus Security Emergency Line
403-343-4000

Peer Support is designed to foster community, connection, and belonging among students on campus. By providing a safe, welcoming, and confidential environment, this program provides additional support to students who may be navigating difficult circumstances or simply seeking connection and understanding.

Rooted in the principles of peer support, the program connects individuals with shared lived experiences to promote empathy, encouragement, and mutual understanding.

Peer Support is available on a walk-in basis on Monday & Wednesday from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, and Tuesday & Thursday from 10:00am to 1:00pm

Become a Peer Supporter

Peer Support is a student-led program. All the services offered are delivered by trained supporters and are designed to create accessible opportunities for students to engage with their peers in meaningful ways.

As a volunteer Peer Supporter, the training that you receive is highly applicable to future careers, education, and volunteer opportunities. You gain hands-on experience supporting your peers through challenging situations, enhancing their abilities in communication, problem-solving, and active listening.

What is the time commitment?        

As much as you want! Minimum of 18 hours per term to meet the requirements for Co-Curricular Recognition.                          

What to Expect During a Peer Support Session

The session topics can range from very casual conversation, academic-related issues, friendship troubles, to very heavy, traumatic situations. Supporters will use active listening, empathy, lived experience, and genuine connection to support their peers and create a safe environment. Supporters will suggest various resources on campus and within the community that the peers can access depending on what they need.

Sessions are a maximum of 45-minutes per session and with only one topic discussed per session. Peers who feel they need longer or have multiple topics to discuss are encouraged to access additional services and resources on campus and/or within the community.

Mental Health Resources Near You

There are several mental health resources available at Red Deer Polytechnic and in the community.

Talk Suicide Canada

Call or text 988

24/7 support line for suicide prevention.

The Outreach Centre

theoutreachcentre.org | 403-347-2480

Provides services and supports for people for mental health, violence, family law, housing, grief, and more.

The Canadian Mental Health Association is a non-profit organization promoting community wellness and supporting people with mental illness, brain injury, and addictions. Based on community needs, staff and volunteers accomplish this through recovery focused support, education, and advocacy.

National Eating Disorders Association

1-800-931-2237 | Text NEDA to 741741

Provides 24/7 support to individuals experiencing eating disorders.

Wellness Together Canada

wellnesstogether.ca | 1-866-585-0445

Provides 24/7 in-person or virtual support for mental health and substances.

Tough Enough to Talk About It

toughenoughtotalk.org | 780-539-0210

Mental health programming for those in agriculture or the trades industry.

HeadsUpGuys

headsupguys.org

Supports men to improve their mental health, reduce their risk of suicide, and inspire them to live healthier lives.

Hope for Wellness Helpline

855-242-3310

24/7 immediate crisis support in English, French, Cree, Ojibway, and Inukitut.

LGBTW Youth Line

www.youthline.ca | 1-800-268-9688 | Text: 647-694-4275

LGBTQ2SI peer support line for youth aged 26 and under.

Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Centre

www.casasc.ca | 24 hour sexual assault crisis line: 1-866-956-1099

Crisis counselling (short & long term), medical, police and court support. Services for individuals affected by sexual assault offered at no cost.

Family Violence Info Line

310-1818

Call if you (or someone you know) are going through family violence or abuse if you have questions or want to find out about programs, resources, and services.

Alberta Health Services Addiction Hotline

1-866-332-2322

Help for problems with gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs.

Bullying Helpline

www.bullyfreealberta.ca | 1-888-456-2323

Advice or support on bullying. Helpline is available 24 hours a day.

Safe Harbour

www.safeharboursociety.org | 403-347-0181

Emergency shelter, support and resources, and housing services for individuals in need and support for family members.

Support network focused on suicide prevention for men.

Police & Crisis Team (PACT)

403-406-2505

Mobile mental health crisis response outreach teams with an RPM and RCMP officer.

Native Counselling Services of Alberta

www.ncsa.ca | 403-347-4377

Housing, mental health, and cultural services for Indigenous People by Indigenous People.