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CMHA Saskatoon Branch - Saskatoon Branch

Saskatoon Branch

CMHA Programming

CMHA programming is designed to provide opportunities for clients to engage in a variety of leisure activities as well as develop social relationships. Many new and lasting friendships have been formed over the years as a result of these programs.

Weekly activities are run by dedicated volunteers. As the volunteer pool expands, so will the variety of programs. We are always recruiting new people and welcome their talents to provide new activities for clients.

Both volunteers and clients receive the support they need or want and come with diversified backgrounds. Input from both ensures the continued success of leisure programs.

Please view our Calendar of Events page for more information on current programs being offered.

For more information on becoming a participant or volunteering, please call (306) 384-9333 or email info@cmhasaskatoon.ca.

 

Connect Up Program

Connect Up provides a range of options for community-based participation, peer group activities and the support to make friends and build relationships. Connect Up delivers a center and community-based program at CMHA for a group of 15 people for 8 weeks where they will receive information and support in key areas that will assist them to participate in community based recreational programs as they are able and want to, as well as regular group activities organized by CMHA.

The in-class curriculum includes topics such as initiating social contact, understanding social boundaries, understanding self and others, asking for help, managing emotions, relationship building and identifying and sampling social/recreational activities that interest them. The in-class component integrates a peer support model where participants learn from and support each other through role play and other techniques. Presentations by guests in the community include people who have overcome barriers as well as representatives from community social and recreational programs. Participants from previous sessions would be invited back to share their experiences.

To learn more about Connect Up, please contact Chantel Bode at cbode@cmhasaskatoon.ca, or 306-384-9333 ext. 225.

Families Matter Support Group

Families are the first and best line of defense for their loved ones. They support, lead, advocate and often bear the burden of ensuring their loved ones with mental illness get the help they need. This can be lonely, taking a heavy emotional, financial, physical and mental health toll. Still many feel a need to pass on what they know to other families. If we can support families in their journey, their loved ones will thrive and other families will benefit.

Families helping families. By bringing families together and facilitating sharing, learning and resilience, CMHA Saskatoon is building the capacity to heal, recover and grow. We are helping build and enrich relationships between families for the long term.

Families Matter is a strength-based, family-centered initiative that empowers, builds capacity and resilience and reduces the need for crisis interventions.

Goals and Objectives

  1. Build strong community connections for families and be solution focused.
  2. Tap into the strength of families so that they can support others in their journey.
  3. Keep families strong by providing education and information on mental health and related issues.*
  4. Keep families healthy and connected to each other and their community.
  5. Provide holistic support for families and a pathway to other services both within CMHA and the wider community.
  6. Reduce stigma about mental health and enhance the capacity of families to contribute their knowledge and expertise to making Saskatoon a stronger, healthier city for everyone.
  7. Help families navigate the mental health system and facilitate access to supports and services.
  8. Provide ongoing follow-up, counselling and referral for families as needed.
  9. Develop awareness tools that highlight the essential role of families in creating healthy communities.

Life Skills Program

The Life Skills course is a program which runs daily from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM. The program is 18 weeks long. The first 11 weeks are in the classroom, followed by seven weeks of activities in the community. These activities may include work assessments with a business, volunteer opportunities, education, or recreation programs. During these seven weeks ongoing support is provided by the Life Skills coach, or the vocational counselors at CMHA. One day per week, all participants return to the classroom to debrief the week’s activities.

Life Skills is an active learning program. Students participate and learn through a variety of class activities such as tours, lectures, films, group discussions, guest speakers, written exercises, role playing, physical fitness, and recreation.

Life Skills is a course which helps people to develop skills in coping with daily living situations. The course helps students to plan and work toward greater personal satisfaction and wellness.

The Life Skills Program includes:

Self

  • Recognizing and building personal strengths
  • Gaining self confidence
  • Solving problems
  • Setting achievable goals
  • Improving communication skills
  • Handling conflict effectively
  • Managing stress
  • Understanding emotions

Family & Relationships

  • Building relationships
  • Meeting people and making friends
  • Developing a good support system

Lifestyles

  • Planning use of leisure time
  • Building better health and nutrition
  • Developing a hobby or interests
  • Learning to budget your money

Community

  • Learning about community resourses
  • Seeking professional help
  • Understanding your rights and responsibilities

Job/Education

  • Choosing the right career
  • Exploring further education
  • Finding and keeping a job
  • Testing job skills
  • Dealing with employers and fellow employees

To print: Life Skills Brochure

Registration

The intake criteria are as follows:

  • Be an adult with a diagnosis of mental illness
  • If a client has a history of alcohol/substance abuse, they must be actively involved in a rehabilitation program
  • Should have a mental health support (CMHN, therapist, etc.)
  • Must be referred by a mental health agency

To register, please download the Referral Form or fill out and submit the form below.

Life Skills Referral Form

upon submission, this form is sent to a confidential mailbox

  • PART I: CLIENT INFORMATION

  • Name * Required
  • Address * Required
  • Please enter highest level of education

  • PART II: THE REFERRING AGENCY

  • Name * Required
    Name of referring person
  • Agency Address * Required
  • Involvement of Other Agencies (please check all that apply

  • PART III: BACKGROUND AND REASON FOR REFERRAL

  • PART IV: ATTACHMENTS

    Please attach previous assessments, psycho-social histories or assessments, vocational assessments, medical/psychiatric assessments, resumes, etc.
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Download Life Skills BrochureL.S.-brochure

Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth Course

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The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training course was developed to help people provide initial support to someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

MHFA Canada teaches mental health first aid skills. The course does not train people to be therapists, counselors or mental health professionals. The philosophy behind MHFA Canada is that mental health crisis, such as suicidal and self-harming actions, may be avoided through early intervention. If crisis do arise, then members of the public can take action that may reduce the harm that could result.

MHFA Canada: For Adults Who Interact with Youth focuses on mental health problems and first aid for youth ages 12 to 24. Mental health problems often first develop during adolescence or early adulthood, with half of all mental disorders beginning by age 14, and 75 percent beginning by age 24.

Most mental disorders develop gradually. The early signs and symptoms of developing mental health problems will be different from the more established clinical profiles which are reflected later in life. The social, educational and family environments in which mental disorders occur in young people are also different from those later in life. Therefore, the information in this course is designed to be sensitive to the unique aspects of mental health problems in young people. It is meant to assist education professionals, health providers, parents and other adults in the identification of mental health problems and appropriate first aid intervention strategies.

The following mental health problems are covered:

  • Mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Substance use disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Deliberate self-injury

The following mental health crisis situations are covered:

  • Suicidal behaviour
  • Overdoses
  • Panic attacks
  • Reactions to traumatic events
  • Psychotic episodes

COURSE OUTLINE

Session 1: Mental Health and Mental Illness

  • What is Mental Health First Aid?
  • Why Mental Health First Aid?
  • Common mental health problems
  • The five basic actions of mental health first aid
  • Treatment and resources

Session 2: Substance Related Disorders

  • What is a substance-related disorder?
  • Signs and symptoms
  • Types of substance-related disorders
  • Substance use by youth
  • Types of substances
  • Mental Health First Aid for substance-related disorders
  • Crisis first aid for overdose
  • Treatment and resources

Session 3: Mood Disorders

  • What is a mood disorder?
  • Types of mood disorders
  • Signs and symptoms of mood disorders
  • Risk factors for mood disorders
  • Mood disorders and substance use
  • Suicide in Canada
  • Crisis first aid for suicidal behaviour
  • Mental health first aid for depression
  • Treatment and resources

Session 4: Deliberate Self-Injury

  • What is deliberate self-injury?
  • Reasons for deliberate self-injury
  • Risk factors for deliberate self-injury
  • Mental Health First Aid for deliberate self-injury
  • Treatment and resources

Session 5: Anxiety Disorders

  • What are anxiety disorders?
  • Symptoms of anxiety disorders
  • Types of anxiety disorders
  • Risk factors for anxiety disorders
  • Anxiety disorders and substance use
  • Crisis first aid for panic attacks
  • Crisis first aid for acute stress reaction
  • Mental health first aid for anxiety disorders
  • Treatment and resources

Session 6: Eating Disorders

  • What is an eating disorder?
  • Types of eating disorders
  • Risk factors for eating disorders
  • Mental Health First Aid for eating disorders
  • Treatment and resources

Session 7: Psychotic Disorders

  • What are psychotic disorders?
  • Symptoms of psychotic disorders
  • Types of psychotic disorders
  • Risk factors for psychosis
  • Psychosis and substance use
  • Crisis first aid for acute psychosis
  • Mental health first aid for psychosis
  • Treatment and resources

 

For information about workshop fees and dates contact:
Brenda Beaudry, MHFA Instructor

Canadian Mental Health Association – Saskatoon Branch Inc.
Phone: 306 384-9333
Fax: 306 978-5777
Email: bbeaudry@cmhasaskatoon.ca

For information about Mental Health First Aid Canada please visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca

For a list of upcoming courses in the Saskatoon area please click here 

Mental Health Commission of Canada

MHFA is a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Mental Health First Aid Seniors

Canada has an aging population. As of July 1, 2015, there were more people aged 65 years and older in Canada than children under the age of 15 years. The likelihood of experiencing a mental health problem or illness in a given year increases as of age 69 and currently, men aged 80 and older have the highest suicide rates in Canada.

MHFA Seniors is an adaptation of the MHFA Basic course that is intended to increase the capacity of seniors, families (informal caregivers), friends, staff in care settings and communities to promote mental health in seniors, prevent mental illness and suicide wherever possible in seniors and intervene early when problems first emerge.

The course content and resource materials are based on best available evidence and practice guidelines and were developed in consultation with Canadian experts in the field of geriatric psychiatry. The curriculum was developed for the Mental Health Commission of Canada at Trillium Health Partners, a healthcare organizations which priorities seniors’ health and wellness.

In the MHFA Seniors course, you will gain a solid understanding of the 5 basic actions of ALIFE:
Assess safety: risk of suicide, serious physical deterioration, and/or harm to others
Listen non-judgmentally
Information and reassurance
Facilitate the senior getting appropriate professional help
Encourage support for the senior and caregiver

ALIFE is the framework for having a confident conversation about mental health with family, friends, colleagues, and strangers.

Find a course
More information:
14 hours
 MHFA Seniors
Key outcomes

The aims of this course are to teach members of the public how to:

  • Recognize the symptoms of mental health problems or crises as they develop in seniors
  • Provide the initial help to seniors
  • Guide a senior and caregiver towards appropriate professional help
  • Provide strategies and resources to support both seniors and their caregivers
Crisis first aid skills learned
  • Substance overdose
  • Suicidal behaviour
  • Panic attack
  • Acute stress reaction
  • Psychotic episode

Mental Health First Aid Training

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“When First Aid came into existence, the concept of teaching the average citizen to apply pressure to a wound saved people’s lives. Mental Health First Aid will do something similar, by assisting people in making the right kind of decisions.” — Mental Health First Aid Canada Participant

Mental Health First Aid is help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, Mental Health First Aid is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.

The program aims to improve mental health literacy, and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, a family member, a friend or a colleague.

In the 12 hour course, Mental Health First Aid Canada teaches people how to:

  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems
  • Provide comfort to someone with a mental health problem
  • Provide initial help and reassurance
  • Guide a person towards appropriate professional help

Mental Health First Aid shares the same overall purpose as traditional first aid – to save lives. It aims to:

  • Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others.
  • Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state.
  • Promote the recovery of good mental health and reduce stigma.

Mental Health First Aid Basic:

April 29th & 30th/2019, 8:30am-4:00pm, St. Paul’s Hospital

Mental Health First Aid for Adults Interacting with Youth:

For further information contact:
Brenda Beaudry – MHFA Adults who Interact with Youth, MHFA Seniors, MHFA Basic
Jenna Neufeld – MHFA Basic
Chalaine Senger – MHFA Basic

Canadian Mental Health Association – Saskatoon Branch Inc.
Phone: 306 384-9333
Fax: 306 978-5777
Email: bbeaudry@cmhasaskatoon.ca or jneufeld@cmhasaskatoon.ca or csenger@cmhasaskatoon.ca

For information about Mental Health First Aid Canada please visit www.mentalhealthfirstaid.ca

Mental Health Commission of Canada

MHFA is a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Public Awareness (NOW OFFERING VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS)

CMHA is now offering presentations virtually to meet the demand of our community during this time. For more details on booking a virtual presentation please contact Reanna Boschee:

rboschee@cmhasaskatoon.ca
306-384-9333 (ext. 223)

CMHA Saskatoon offers a variety of presentations that can be tailored to your individual or group needs.

Currently Offered Presentations:

Mental Health 101 (1 hour)

  • This session will provide a general overview of some common mental illnesses, treatment options and how to access support.

Stress in the Workplace (1-1.5 hours)

  • The session will discuss recognizing and managing stress in the workplace. More specifically, it will cover identifying stressors, the impact of stress, burn out, getting support, providing support and coping strategies.

Workplace Wellness (1-2 hours)

  • Mental Health & Mental Illness defined, prevalence in the workplace, common mental health concerns, stigma, risk factors and warning signs, how to promote a healthy work environment, getting help, providing support and self-care.

Youth Mental Health (1-2 hours)

  • General information on prevalence, common mental health concerns, suicide, challenges and approaches, options and resources for youth and individuals working with youth.

Supporting a Loved One (Caregivers) (1 hour)

  • Stigma, providing support, roles, boundaries and limitations, self-care, community resources.

 

*If you would like to request a presentation topic that is not included on this list, feel free to contact us to see if it is something that we could offer.

For more information, or to schedule a presentation, call Reanna at (306) 384-9333 ext.223 or email rboschee@cmhasaskatoon.ca

 

 

Vocational Counselling

The Vocational Counsellors at CMHA Saskatoon Branch Inc. assist people with mental health disorders to obtain and maintain meaningful employment, volunteer work or to complete education that will improve employment potential. Additionally, Vocational Counsellors assist clients to improve and maintain their mental health.

In order to work with a Vocational Counsellor, an individual can have a mental health professional or family doctor complete the referral form below or download and fax this Referral Form.  An individual can also self-refer.

A Vocational Counsellor at CMHA will…

Assist individual clients in developing and carrying out a vocational plan

  • Resume development and cover letters
  • Determining what type of employment and work environment is desired
  • Assistance with interviews and applications
  • Referral to our Job Developer
  • Assistance accessing further education that will assist in career development
  • Regular monitoring and support to carry out the vocational plan

Assist clients in developing strategies to maintain mental health at work and in personal life

  • Determining accommodation needs
  • Assistance with skills such as time management, budgeting, accessing services
  • Monitoring mental health
  • Ongoing support
  • Assistance with developing professional and personal supports

Advocacy and Public Awareness

  • Work with communities, agencies and individuals to coordinate services and meet changing needs of clients
  • Education and support of employers and others involved with the client

Employment Services Referral Form

upon submission, this form is sent to a confidential mailbox

  • PART I: CLIENT INFORMATION

  • Name * Required
  • Address * Required

  • PART II: THE REFERRING AGENCY

  • Name * Required
    Name of referring person
  • Agency Address * Required
  • Involvement of Other Agencies (please check all that apply

  • PART III: BACKGROUND AND REASON FOR REFERRAL

  • Do you want to work? Or does the person you are referring want to work?
  • Are you/they already working?
  • Are you/they involved with additional community support?
  • Are you, or this person you are referring, able to work at this time?
  • If no, when would you or this person like to start working?

  • PART IV: ATTACHMENTS

    Please attach previous resumes, cover letter, etc.
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