Community Connection: Mental Health - Episode 9. Presented by the Brandon Niwa Legacy Fund - The Beej Project, local registered psychologist Greg Godard shares his wisdom into the realities and impacts the pandemic has had on our children and teen's mental health. He leaves us with a sense of hope, resilience, and optimism by providing insight into the actions parents can take to support their children's wellbeing as we navigate the final stages of the pandemic. To learn more about the initiatives led by MHC, visit www.mhc.ab.ca/BeejProject.
Wisdom & Wellness: A look at how far we’ve come, what we’ve learned, and how we’re doing now led by J. Kevin Cameron, Executive Director, North American Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response Inc. In his presentation, Mr. Cameron guides us to reflect on our personal and societal experiences over the past year and a half, sharing his professional knowledge and understanding into the lessons we’ve learned, the insights we’ve gained, and the perspectives we need to emerge on the other side of the pandemic as a healthy and resilient community. Lastly, he shares valuable insight as to what post-pandemic mental health and functioning may look like on an individual and societal level in the months ahead.
Community Connection Mental Health - Episode 8 Mark Wade from MHC, and he will be speaking on understanding trauma and how to care for those that have experienced it.
Community Connection Mental Health - Episode 7
In episode 7 of the Community Connection: Mental Health Series presented by the Brandon Niwa Legacy Fund – The Beej Project, Natasha Carvalho, Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society, shares her knowledge and expertise around the effects of family violence on mental health, and in turn how mental health affects family violence. She’ll share insight into the prevalence of family violence in our community, red flags and signs of unhealthy relationships, the physical, mental and emotional impacts individuals endure when experiencing family violence, as well as the services available to anyone seeking support and refuge. e thank the individual who wished to share their own personal story with us, for their courage in painting a picture to help others understand, to create compassion for individuals experiencing family violence, and for helping to end the stigma around accessing support and services.
Community Connection Mental Health Series - Episode 6 Psychologist Angela Irvine breaks down the ten most common myths and misunderstandings she hears about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in her private practice, as well as in her personal life. (April 13, 2021)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Medicine Hat College (MHC)
MHC launches video series on mental health
Medicine Hat, Alberta (January 27, 2021): Thanks to a generous donation from the Niwa family (referred to as the Beej Project), Medicine Hat College (MHC), is leading a partnership with local schools and law enforcement to support mental health through the development of a new video series.
Guided by a community advisory panel that includes Medicine Hat Public School Division No. 76, Prairie Rose School Division, Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education, and Medicine Hat Police Service, this grassroots initiative invites local professionals to share their expertise on a variety of topics, equipping people with the resources needed to build strength and resiliency in themselves and those around them.
From providing insight on how to have tough conversations to helping people navigate disorders related to and associated with mental health, this video series is meant to open conversations and connect people with community services and support.
“This initiative was created by a family who was grieving a significant loss. Their hope is that by being proactive and educating the community we can help make a positive change in the lives of others,” says Jennifer Kerslake, director of community engagement at MHC. “We want to ensure that we are providing people with the knowledge and tools necessary to deal with life’s challenges in a healthy way.”
Launching the series this week is a well-known and respected leader in the world of athletics. Drawing on his professional background in sports leadership, Willie Desjardins, head coach and general manager of the Medicine Hat Tigers, talks about the role that coaches, educators and parents play in empowering others to cope with adversity.
“It’s important that we are there for, and support each other in, the community. These are trying times, and we don’t know what someone is dealing with unless we have the conversations, and take the time to listen,” says Desjardins. “As leaders you may not know the impact you are having on someone, but at the end of the day you do make a difference – you make a big difference.”
A new video will be launched every two weeks. To view the series, visit www.mhc.ab.ca.
-30-
Full story
Medicine Hat College is dedicated to growing a vibrant future with learners and our region. Proudly serving the communities of southeastern Alberta while welcoming learners from around the globe, Medicine Hat College offers more than 40 certificate, diploma, degree, trades, and university studies programs. We meet learners where they’re at and prepare them for success in college, in the workforce, and in life. To learn how we’re here for you, visit www.mhc.ab.ca.
Media contact:
Kendra Payne
Marketing & Communications Strategist
Medicine Hat College
Direct: 403.952.8912
Email: [email protected]