Amazing FREE trainings and education (Safetalk, Community Helpers, Peer101)
About MindfulU
MindfulU originated from the vision of two fourth-year psychology students who recognized the need for additional student support. Their goal was to create innovative initiatives that fostered community and connection among students, both within the polytechnic and the broader community.
While MindfulU is a student-led initiative, it collaborates closely with existing student support services. Working alongside the Mental Health Education Coordinator, MindfulU provides a dedicated space for students to connect with each other and prioritize their well-being through empowerment, relaxation, connection, and fun!
The collective includes passionate students who value positive mental health and are committed to supporting one another through various opportunities and initiatives offered by students, the Students’ Association, support staff, and community organizations.
MindfulU Events
October 2
Puppy Room | 11:00am – 1:00pm in The Loft
Join us for a stress-relieving session with adorable puppies! Animal therapy has been shown to reduce stress, lower anxiety, and improve overall mood. Drop by to play, cuddle, and experience the calming benefits of furry friends.
Sleep Hygiene Workshop | 1:00pm – 3:30pm in The Loft
Join us for an engaging workshop that will take your sleep schedule to the next level. Learn about creating a healthy sleep schedule, nutritious bedtime snacks, and create your own relaxing room spray.
*Free sleep hygiene kits available while supplies last. Prize draw for attendees.
October 9
Around the World with the Seven Pillars of Wellness | 10:00am – 1:00pm in The Loft
Explore essential strategies for supporting the diverse pillars of our well-being while learning how to integrate these principles into your daily life. This interactive session will equip you with practical tools to enhance your overall wellness.
Refreshments will be provided.
October 16
Community Helpers Program Training | 9:00am to 4:00am in The Loft
The Alberta Health Services Community Helpers Certificate Program provides practical skills that individuals can use in their day-to-day life. The goal is to build on your natural helping ability by providing the skills and knowledge necessary to support your own mental health and well-being and those around you. Training focuses on prevention and early identification of mental health concerns while providing necessary training on handling crises, effectively and ethically, and improving interventions for those who may be at risk. Attendees will receive a Certificate of Completion for the full 9-module course.
October 23
Supporting Disclosures of Sexual Violence Presented by CASASC | 11:00am to 12:00pm in The Loft
Learn about enhancing your skills in responding to a disclosure of sexual violence. Whether the disclosure comes from a child, youth, adult, or loved one in your life, this presentation will empower you to receive a disclosure in a supportive way.
Presented by the Central Alberta Sexual Assault Support Center.
How can you get involved?
Get involved with MindfulU by dropping into the Loft during scheduled events where you can explore activities, educational opportunities, and connect with the MindfulU collective across four foundational categories:
Empowerment
Attend Mental Health & Wellness Education events where experts share practical and relevant information on topics like nutrition, mental health habits, addiction, and time management that can positively impact your well-being. These opportunities build strength, confidence and resilience.
Relaxation
Mindfulness activities and a quiet space, massages, calming music that help to foster a more balanced state in your mind and body which will allow you to have the capacity to better cope with life stressors.
Connection
Social connections are vitally important to well-being and can positively impact your mental & physical health, stress management, happiness and life satisfaction.
Pet Therapy: Connect with one of the support dogs that visit the campus.
Peer-to-Peer Support: Confidentially discuss your challenges with trained peer supporters.
Group Support: Recovery on Campus.
Fun
Enjoy activities like puzzles, painting, games, puppy rooms, laughter and connection. There is no better way to lighten your load and feel better while having a good time!
Why attend?
Attending MindfulU events offers valuable benefits for your well-being and personal growth. Here’s why you should consider participating:
Free Access
All MindfulU events and activities are free to attend, making them accessible to everyone.
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.
A Space Just For You
The Loft is a space designed specifically for students to use show up exactly as you are.
Safety and Education
MindfulU provides a safe environment where you can learn and grow. Their events foster education and empower you with tools to support yourself and others within your circle.
Remember, prioritizing your mental health is essential, and MindfulU offers a supportive community to help you achieve that!
Why volunteer?
Some great perks! Being a member of MindfulU comes with so many benefits:
What do you need to do?
- Take required trainings (based on anticipated involvement)
- Attend volunteer mixer
- Commit to 2.5 hours per week per term (20 hours total for transcript notation)
Level One - Community Helper
Tasks: Assisting with community engagement events & MindfulU event set up, MindfulU on the move, and other tasks as they come up.
Training requirements: Offered on campus, see events calendar for dates and registration.
- Alberta Health Services Community Helpers Program
Level Two - Community Engager
Level Three -Community Supporter
Volunteer Expectations
At MindfulU, our primary objective is to enhance mental health and overall well-being within the Red Deer Polytechnic Campus. Our volunteers must complete training based on their selected level. In addition, we expect our volunteers to be positive sources of support on campus, engaging with students appropriately while adhering to our code of conduct, respectful workplace & learning environment and confidentiality policies. It’s crucial for our volunteers to recognize their limitations and work within the designated capabilities.
Interested in volunteering?
If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please reach out!
Peer Support
Navigating the challenges of post-secondary education can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone! Peer support offers a unique and valuable resources for students seeking support.
At MindfulU our purpose is to support you and your well-being. This can be done informally by offering a quite space, a group format, or peer support. An opportunity to build community and connection through attending our workshops, events, or the quite space in the loft; or this can be done in a private format connecting to a fellow student in a one-on-one peer support session.
Our student peer volunteers can offer understanding in a relatable experience, in a confidential and non-judgmental atmosphere that is accessible and convenient to you. We are here for you. Remember that reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Embrace the opportunity to connect with peers who genuinely care and understand what you are going through.
Peer Support Events
Peer Support is offered Tuesday’s from 9:00am to 1:00pm and Thursday’s from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Tuesdays
9:00am to 1:00pm
in the Peer Lounge (room 2000)
Wednesdays
9:00am to 4:00pm
in the Peer Lounge (room 2000)
Thursdays
12:00pm to 4:00pm
in the Peer Lounge (room 2000)
*starting October 1, 2024
What does Peer Support look like?
| Characteristics | Professional | Peer Support | Social |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Professional paid to provide a service | No cost | No payment for relationship |
| Length | Time-limited based on client need | 45-minute long session | May last a lifetime |
| Location | Place limited to where care or service is provided | The Loft (room 2000) | Unlimited and often undefined |
| Purpose | Goal-directed to provide care or service to client | Provide nonjudgmental, confidential, active listening sessions | Pleasure, interest-directed |
| Structure | For professional to provide care or service | Structured, based on active listening techniques | Spontaneous, unstructured |
| Power Balance | Professional has more power due to authority, knowledge, influence, and access to privileged information | Relatively equal, but peer supporter has more power over supportee | Relatively equal |
| Responsibility | Professional responsible for establishing and maintaining a good professional relationship | Supporters are responsible for maintaining non-judgemental and confidential session; there is no building of a relationship as sessions are designed to be on time between supporter and supportee | Equal responsibility to establish and maintain a good social relationship |
| Preparation | Formal knowledge, preparation, orientation, and training | Initial trainings and supplemental trainings throughout the year | No formal knowledge, preparation, orientation, and training |
*Adapted from McGills Peer Support Centre – Peer Support Centre 2023/2024 Volunteer Manual