Before the new year, we shared that the Canadian Mental Health Association - Rosetown Branch had launched a newly configured website. The improved website is a welcome addition for program director Carmen Ledding, who already gets lots of phone calls and online messages from people looking to access additional mental health supports.
Still in the early stages of it's release, Ledding shared a more in depth breakdown on what the website consists of.
"In terms of what to know about the website, it matches the look and functionality of the websites of all CMHA branches across Canada. It is a great way for people in west-central Saskatchewan to learn more about what we do at CMHA Rosetown, and how we can help." shared Ledding over email. "I really find that many people use after hours search engines to find out what supports are available around them locally, and by providing as much information online as possible, through our website, Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, and 211 SK, people in our area can gain comfort in knowing there is a mental health resource that is available to them if they are struggling."
Visit the website yourself at www.rosetown.cmha.caLedding is also closely connected with the SK Hope Learning Centre, an extension of the Canadian Mental Health Association - Saskatchewan. Ledding presented a course titled "Understanding Grief and Loss" to end December, and upcoming SK Hope Learning Centre courses can also be found right on the CMHA website.
These upcoming courses include "Life After Addiction", running January 10, 17, 24, 31 from 1:00-2:30 PM, "Body Image", running January 16 and 23 from 1:00-3:00 PM, and finally "More Than Mamas", a course running Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 between January 16 and February 20. Ledding shared those courses, that are in addition to both the CMHA Caregiver and Parent Support Groups that run twice a month.
Ledding's in-person teaching also takes her on the road, next up in Plenty on January 22 where she will present CMHA's Positivity and Optimism course. Kindersley Composite School students will be treated to the same course all-day next month on February 15, as Ledding described it as a lesson to "not to paint everything as toxic positivity or that life is always rainbows and unicorns.
"Positivity and Optimism is allowing yourself to be aware that better days are around the corner. It sometimes is easy to focus on the negative, but we have the ability to shift our focus with healthy self-talk. This allows us to feel more empowered and hopeful that we can manage in spite of negative emotions. It is more about perspective and self-compassion."
In between that, a 'Talk to Youth Live' event is coming to Kindersley February 8, where Ledding will join a team of presenters putting on a mental health and addictions awareness event for Grade 8 students.
"I assist with facilitating an interactive memory game that highlights all the local peer and community supports that are around them, including family, friends, coaches, mentors, helplines, counsellors etc. It is a great opportunity for students to recognize the different roles the people around them offer in terms of support, as well as the people they might support as well (like younger siblings, friends, grandparents, etc.) We always make sure to discuss the 24/7 resources they may not be familiar with (like Children's HelpPhone) and that their role first and foremost is to be aware if someone is struggling and to steer them in the direction of professional supports rather than shouldering that burden themselves."
Ledding won't be done there, as two more special days in February will keep her busy, and on the road.
"I have a game day with the Kindersley Klippers the weekend of February 9 to promote our mental health programs, and the Suicide Awareness Training I did with the (team) as part of CMHA's commitment to suicide prevention among young athletes." she began. "I also am in Eston all day Monday, February 26 to present "TALK ASK LISTEN", part of Do More Ag's Mental Health Program promoting awareness among farmers."
It might seem like a lot to take in, but more in-depth information on this busy 30+ days of action can be found inside the refined CMHA Rosetown webpage.
Thu, Apr 25, 9:30 AM
