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, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Global television 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 Healthy Minds, Bright Futures, visit www.canwetalk.ca.
Principal Components of Healthy Minds, Bright Futures
"Can We Talk?" Public Service Announcement
Global television has produced three 30-second advertisements that promote awareness of student mental health issues, emphasize the role of teachers in the student's support system and discourage stigma surrounding mental illness.To view the ads, visit www.canwetalk.ca. 
Hats On! for Mental Health Day
On May 4, 2011, Albertans are invited to wear a hat to raise awareness of the importance of good mental health. Participating schools will relax their hat rules and encourage students and teachers to build understanding by wearing hats to school. Students will also participate in a coordinated lesson on understanding mental health and the importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illnesses.
Can We Talk? Communities and Teachers Supporting Mental Wellness
This one-day no-cost conference will focus on issues related to youth and mental wellness. It is sponsored by the Alberta Teachers' Association under the auspices of the Committee on the Well-Being of Children and Youth, and in conjunction with the Joint Stakeholders on Children and Poverty. It is being held on May 9, 2011, at the Capri Centre in Red Deer, Alberta.
Registration Form.
Can We Talk? Speaker series with Margaret Trudeau
The ATA’s Council on School Administration is proud to bring Margaret Trudeau to the province of Alberta in May of 2011. Through a series of roundtable discussions throughout the province, Trudeau will be part of a conversation about a once-taboo subject.
Margaret Trudeau advocates strongly on mental health issues, helping people overcome the stigma of mental illness that often prevents sufferers from getting help. Her stories tell a strong clear message about the importance of finding balance of mind, body and spirit.
Trudeau will be in Grande Prairie on May 2, Lethbridge on May 3, Calgary on May 4, and Red Deer and Edmonton on May 9.
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
(Salles de class refuges ), 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.
For more information on Healthy Minds, Bright Futures, contact Jonathan Teghtmeyer at 1‑800‑232‑7208 (ext 477) or jonathan.teghtmeyer@ata.ab.ca.
