Alberta’s teachers are concerned with the well-being of children and youth and understand that children’s physical and mental health needs must be met in order for them to be properly educated. The Alberta Teachers’ Association and the Canadian Mental Health Association are partnering to promote the mental health of children and youth. The Healthy Minds, Bright Futures program aims to increase awareness of the mental health needs of children and to decrease the stigmatization often associated with mental illness.

For more information on the Canadian Mental Health Association in Alberta, visit www.cmha.ab.ca.

Principal Components of Healthy Minds, Bright Futures

Compassionate Classrooms

Compassionate Classrooms is a reference booklet for teachers about the mental health needs of their students. The most important factor for success in dealing with a mental health issue is support—and teachers are an important part of their students’ support system. This booklet provides teachers with information on common mental health issues, tools to help identify students in need and resources to help teachers make referrals to mental health professionals. Download a copy of Compassionate Classrooms, or order paper copies by contacting Distribution at Barnett House (1‑800‑232‑7208).

“Can We Talk?” Posters

By promoting teacher–student dialogue on mental health issues, these posters help ensure that students are aware of their support systems and discourage the stigmatization that can be associated with mental health issues. The three posters in the series portray different elements of student–teacher interactions regarding mental health.

Local Initiatives

ATA locals are active in promoting mental health awareness, discouraging stigma and supporting the work of the CMHA.

Edmonton Catholic Teachers Local No 54 is raising awareness among staff and students in Edmonton Catholic schools by distributing t-shirts promoting mental health week along with information on student mental health.

Edmonton Public Teachers Local No 37 is devoting the funds for its fourth annual charity golf tournament to the CMHA–Edmonton region. The tournament is being held on August 28, 2009, at Raven Crest Golf Club. More information is available on the Local 37 website.

Chinook’s Edge Local No 17 is partnering with CMHA–Central Alberta region to promote mental health in a proactive way by sponsoring kids at summer camps. The local is also sending schools pens that promote CMHA programs.

Pembina Hills Local No 22 is hosting a two-day course on Mental Health First Aid for one teacher from each school in Pembina Hills Regional Division. Organizers are reserving places in the course for local media and politicians to promote mental health awareness in the region.

Sturgeon Local No 27 is joining with school division counselling staff to produce posters that teach and advocate for mental health. The poster campaign is consistent with CMHA's “Take Action” campaign, which focuses on advocacy and practising mental health.

For more information on Healthy Minds, Bright Futures, contact Jonathan Teghtmeyer at 1‑800‑232‑7208 (ext 477) or jonathan.teghtmeyer@ata.ab.ca.