Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna receives $18K grant from Bell Let’s Talk

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CHMA) Kelowna branch is the recipient of a large grant from the Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund.

Bell Let’s Talk Day is on January 26 and promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns, and offers multiple grants to mental health organizations across the country.

CHMA is pleased to receive an $18,000 grant that will help support the development of their online resource, Peer School.

Provided through CMHA Kelowna’s Discovery College, Peer School is a range of workshops created to increase an individual’s ability to provide caring and compassionate support.

“Peer School is designed for people who are currently, or are interested in, helping others,” said Beki Hardcastle, Discovery College Lead.

“So, whether you’re a friend that people go to, a caregiver supporting a child, a partner helping a loved one, or just wanting to gain these skills, Peer School workshops are tailored to assist you in this.”

Workshops are co-developed with individuals with personal life experience, and allow for people to learn how to help and support others who may be having a hard time.

With Bell’s funding, CMHA Kelowna will implement topics that include boundary setting, communication skills, understanding helpful relationships, goal setting, mental health literacy, facilitation skills, and Indigenous cultural competencies.

“The Bell Let’s Talk Community Fund grant supports our commitment to building a mentally healthy community,” said CMHA Kelowna CEO Shelagh Turner.

“Our goal is to provide excellent service and smart supports that will make a difference in helping all people achieve mental health and well-being. This important grant will help us to get a step closer in building a stronger community.”

Learn more about Peer School and access their online resources here.