SA Mental Health Initiative

Student life can be stressful at times. Many students face constraints of limited budgets, pressures of work-school-life balance, the weight of nagging deadlines, and looming exams. Coupled with anxiety, loneliness, and other issues, your student experience can become a difficult one.

In recognition of these pressures, the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic introduced its Mental Health Initiative aimed at promoting a positive atmosphere in which mental health can be explored and solutions can be enhanced.

Through its Mental Health Initiative, the SA hosts mental health awareness events each term. The events are designed to give students a break and to help encourage discussion of mental health.

Activities have included:

  • 1:1 Peer Support
  • Group Peer Support
  • Puppy Room
  • Car Smash
  • Yoga and Meditation Sessions
  • You First
  • Campus Connections
Student Recipe Cookbook

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

Health, Safety & Wellness Centre
403-342-3427

Campus Security Emergency Line
403-343-4000

mywellness text line

686868

MindfulU: Students Supporting Students

MindfulU: Students Support Students originated from the vision of two fourth-year psychology students in 2023/2024 who recognized a growing need for additional student support at Red Deer Polytechnic. Their goal was to cultivate connection and community among students while focusing on overall well-being. MindfulU offers a safe space for students to connect, prioritize their well-being, and feel empowered through conversation and connection.

 MindfulU is offered weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Peer Lounge (2002A)

Volunteer With Us

Volunteering is extremely rewarding. You will have the opportunity to improve your interpersonal skills, receive a variety of different trainings, and contribute to a healthier and happier campus. In addition, any volunteer hours worked through MindfulU can be added to your CV, on your transcript as Co-Curricular Recognition, or assist you in meeting volunteer requirements in your program. You would also be eligible for several awards and scholarships!

Benefits of Volunteering                                     

·       Free Trainings & Education ·       Networking with Peers ·       Growing with like-minded individuals
·       Co-Curricular Acknowledgement ·       Leadership Opportunities ·       Social Events
·       Awards and Scholarships ·       Reaching Volunteer Hours ·       Personal Growth

MindfulU is offered through the Students’ Association of Red Deer Polytechnic and led by Candice Brown, Student Wellness Coordinator. The MindfulU team is largely comprised of student volunteers with the help of the Street Team.

Our student volunteers are the faces of MindfulU. Without you, MindfulU would not be students supporting students, and we could not offer this crucial program.

Volunteer Levels

Within the Students’ Association, we offer two levels of mental health or MindfulU volunteering so that you can find the right fit for you!

Mental Health Volunteer Peer Supporter
Duties Assist with the planning, set-up and take down, and hosting of mental health events. Provide 1:1 peer support and lead group support sessions, in addition to assisting with the planning, set-up and take down, and hosting of mental health events.
Training Requirements ·      Community Helpers

·      Respect in the Workplace

·      It Takes All of Us

 ·      Community Helpers

·      Respect in the Workplace

·      It Takes All of Us

·      SafeTalk

·      Peer 101

*equivalent trainings MAY be accepted
Other Requirements ·      Complete the Volunteer Inquiry Form

·      Submit availability

·      Schedule a meeting with Candice Brown, Student Wellness Coordinator to review your application

·      Complete the Volunteer and Confidentiality Agreement

 ·      Complete the Volunteer Inquiry Form

·      Submit availability

·      Schedule a meeting with Candice Brown, Student Wellness Coordinator to review your application

·      Complete the Volunteer and Confidentiality Agreement
Time Commitment As much as you want!

Minimum of 18 hours to meet the requirements for Co-Curricular Acknowledgment.

 As much as you want!

Minimum of 18 hours to meet the requirements for Co-Curricular Acknowledgment.
Volunteer With Us

Why Attend?

Attending MindfulU offers valuable benefits for your well-being and personal growth. Here’s why you should consider participating:

  1. Free Access: MindfulU is free to attend, making it accessible to everyone.
  2. Mental Health Support: MindfulU’s mission is to support your mental health and well-being. By attending, you’ll find a space where you can connect with your needs and like-minded individuals.
  3. A Space Just For You: The Peer Lounge is a space designed specifically for students to use and show up exactly as they are.
  4. Safety and Education: MindfulU provides a safe environment where you can learn, grow, and empower yourself.
Events Calendar

mywellness

Mental health affects your performance, your relationships, and every aspect of your life. Science proves if you ignore your mental health, even your brain anatomy can change.

With mywellness, you can assess your mental health in 5-10 minutes and immediately access tools for stress reduction and for managing your symptoms. It’s free and anonymous!

mywellness

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.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Red Deer

cmha.ca | 403-342-2266

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.

Buddy Up: Men’s Mental Health Network

www.buddyup.ca

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.

mental health resources and supports
Student Recipe Cookbook