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CMHA Saskatchewan Division - Saskatchewan Division

HOPE Learning Centre

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H.O.P.E. Learning Centre (Recovery College)
Helping Others through Peer Education

What is a Recovery Collage?

A Recovery College can be described as a unique learning centre where people with lived experience of mental health issues, peers, family members and mental health professionals use their knowledge and experience to work collaboratively and on equal terms to co-develop and co-deliver courses on a range of topics that support well-being and recovery (Perkins, Repper, Rinaldi, & Brown 2012).

A Recovery College is a place of self-discovery where people come together to gain knowledge, learn new skills, and explore new roles for themselves in a supportive environment. Here a “student” is not a passive recipient of information or advice; they are actively engaged, valued and empowered within a culture of mutual respect. A Recovery College is a learning environment where people with lived experience are equal partners in developing and delivering learning opportunities that open the door to new aspirations and personal growth. Recovery Colleges offer a new way to support recovery and can be transformative for both individuals and organizations. Within the Recovery College model, there is a focus on bringing together the expertise of both professionals and people with lived experience in a process of co-production, co-delivery and co-learning.

Who Are Recovery Collages For?

One of the key features of Recovery Colleges is that they are open to anyone. This includes people with lived experience of mental health or substance use issues, family members, peers, friends and other supporters as well as community members, and people who work in a professional role in mental health.

There have been a number of benefits identified by students, primarily people with lived experience and staff/professionals, based on this mixed student group learning model offered at a Recovery College. Some of the ways in which students benefitted from the diverse student group included: learning new knowledge, reduced stigma, decreased isolation, increase in hopefulness and empathy, and enhanced understanding of others’ perspectives and recovery (Meddings, Guglietti, Lambe, & Byrne, 2014; Perkins Ridler, Hammond, Davis & Hackmann, 2017).

A recent review by Toney and colleagues (2018) aimed at discovering how Recovery Colleges work and benefit people, suggests that four specific sub-groups of people who use mental health services may particularly benefit from the Recovery College model:

  • People who may be early on in their recovery and could benefit from the support and guidance in making choices
  • Those who find it challenging to engage in any mental health services and who may benefit from the warm welcome of a College
  • Those who have high self-stigma are likely to benefit from exposure to peer trainers
  • People whose social connectedness is limited to formal services and who would benefit from meeting others outside of that context (Toney et al., 2018)

Why Do We Need Recovery Collages?

The main aim of Recovery Colleges is to provide an opportunity for people to discover their true potential; to use their life experience in positive ways to promote their recovery and to be able to share that knowledge and expertise for the benefit of others in the community.

Recovery Colleges fill a gap in current service delivery models and structures. People living with mental health and substance use issues have long sought an environment where they are viewed and respected as whole individuals, not “broken” beings needing to be fixed. The Recovery College environment is different in that respect right from the outset. There is a belief that every student has strengths, capabilities and aspirations; the approaches taken within the College support that belief. The College process and environment assists students in finding and bolstering their strengths and leveraging them to achieve meaningful personal goals.

6 Critical Dimensions of Successful Recovery Collages

COMMUNITY FACING.
There is active engagement with community organizations and mainstream education facilities in the local community and an emphasis on partnership working.

EDUCATIONAL.
Based on educational principles and a co-produced, recovery-focused curriculum with each student having an individual learning plan based on their wishes and aspirations. Students choose the courses they are interested in attending. Not referral-based.

COLLABORATIVE.
Based on co-production in all facets of their operation, curriculum and course development, co-facilitation and co-learning that brings together lived, life, professional and subject expertise.

STRENGTHS-BASED AND PERSON-CENTRED.
The strengths, skills, qualities and possibilities for staff and students are identified, built upon and rewarded. For both students and staff, achievements, strengths, skills and qualities are identified, built upon and rewarded.

PROGRESSIVE.
Actively support students to move on in their lives, to achieve their own identified goals and explore possibilities outside services.

INCLUSIVE.
Recovery Colleges welcome students of all types, cultures, abilities and educational achievements. There are no diagnostic requirements or exclusions and no formal risk assessment. They also welcome mental health practitioners, other mental health staff, relatives, friends, carers and people in the local community and are free to all. Everyone learns together and from each other.

From Perkins R., Meddings, S., Williams, S., & Reppter, J. (2018). Recovery Colleges 10 Years On, Nottingham, ImROC. P.5

How to Register:

Below you will find the course list for all the available training sessions HOPE Learning Centre is currently offering. To Register for a session please either:

Download the PDF form and return it filled in by mail or email

Email: hopelc@cmhask.com
Mail: H.O.P.E. Learning Centre, 1888 Angus Street, Regina, SK, S4T 1Z4
Downloadable PDF Form: HOPE Downloadable PDF Registration Form

HOPE Learning Centre Registration Form

  • Have You Attended a Session Before? * Required
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

**PLEASE NOTE – If you are registering online we will contact you and take payment over the phone, if there is a fee for the course.**

Virtual Course Catalog

ONLINE Mental Health Lunch Bites

August ONLINE Wellness Development
Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com

Session Date: August 4th
Training Session: Children and Stress
Trainer: Danielle Cameron
Description: We all get stressed at one point in our life. We know how to help manage our stress but do we know how to help our child? In this half hour course we will show you tips and help guide you on how to help children manage with stress.

Session Date: August 11th
Training Session: How to Support someone who has disclosed they are 2SLGBTQ
Trainer: Cole Ramsey
Description: Someone close to you has just disclosed they are 2SLGBTQ how do you support them and what can you do to become a supportive, informed ally. These are just a few things we will discuss in this half hour course.

Session Date: August 18th
Training Session: 2SLGBTQ and Youth
Trainer: Cole Ramsey
Description: In this half hour we will discuss what it means to be a 2SLGBTQ youth and how to help manage bullying at school, the benefits of having the support of family and friends and the effects it has on their mental health.

Session Date: August 25th
Training Session: Art of Friendship
Trainer: Danielle Cameron
Description: What is the Art of Friendship? How do our values, boundaries, and beliefs affect our friendships? In our 8 week course we will discuss all of these as well as other tools and tips to help you become a better friend.
Canadian Mental Health Association has been providing services in Canada for over 100 years. We provide direct services for people that have experience with mental illness, peer support, education and training, advocacy, system navigation, Vocational programs and many other programs and supports. You can talk to us without any referrals. We are here for everyone.

September ONLINE Wellness Development Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com
Session Date: September 1st
Training Session: Voices of Hope
Trainer: Nicole Hebert
Description: This project came to light following a rise in suicide numbers that have ultimately impacted our community as a whole. The aim for this project is to essentially get loud for mental health and connect with our community in a new way.

Session Date: September 8th
Training Session: Suicide - Myths and Stigma
Trainer: Donna Bowyer
Description: One of the reasons that we don't ask about suicide and why people don't seek help is because there are so many myths and stigma's around mental health issues and suicide.  We will have an opportunity to identify some of the myths and stigmas around suicide.

Session Date: September 15th
Training Session: Harm Reducation
Trainer: Andrew Love
Description: Harm reduction is a multifaceted approach to supporting individuals, communities, and systems in mitigating the risk involved with substance use. Although models of harm reduction have been proven effective in other areas of the world and within Canada, Saskatchewan still proves reluctant to a total buy into the idea of harm reduction.

Session Date: September 22nd
Training Session: Impact of Divorce on Children
Trainer: Brenda Zinn
Description: Separation/Divorce has a profound impact on all family members.  Loss of security is often coupled with intense feelings of grief.  The stress can be overwhelming for kids, teens and parents.  In session you will learn about the grieving process, ages, stages, signs of stress and how you can support your children while navigating through your own feelings of grief.

Session Date: September 29th
Training Session: Psychology of Media & Advertising on Gambling.
Trainer: Bretton Hutt
Description: This topic will cover the portrayal of gambling in media (ie movies, television), popular culture, and advertising, and the psychological effects on individuals to inform their gambling decisions.
Canadian Mental Health Association has been providing services in Canada for over 100 years. We provide direct services for people that have experience with mental illness, peer support, education and training, advocacy, system navigation, Vocational programs and many other programs and supports. You can talk to us without any referrals. We are here for everyone.

October ONLINE Wellness Development Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com
Session Date: October 6th
Training Session: Occupational Stress Injury (OSI)
Trainer: Julius Brown
Description: Pending...

Session Date: October 13th
Training Session: Racism and Anxiety
Trainer: Nema Atsu
Description: Racism, whether is it macro-aggression or micro-aggression, has an impact on the person it is directed at. Learn how these acts can impact mental health.

Session Date: October 20th
Training Session: Peer Support
Trainer: Jeremie Morin
Description: This is the missing piece of the puzzle to recovery.  It can be done in groups or on an individual basis, but being with someone with life experience who truly understands, can make a difference in your healing process.

Session Date: October 27th
Training Session: Gaming Addiction & Gambling Addiction Links
Trainer: Bretton Hutt
Description: This topic will cover the various mechanisms involved in creating addictive patterns in video games and gambling activities. We will cover youth trends in gaming and the links to gambling decisions later on in life as well as various factors that normalize these behaviours in all ages.
Canadian Mental Health Association has been providing services in Canada for over 100 years. We provide direct services for people that have experience with mental illness, peer support, education and training, advocacy, system navigation, Vocational programs and many other programs and supports. You can talk to us without any referrals. We are here for everyone.

November ONLINE Wellness Development
Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com

Session Date: November 3rd
Training Session: Dementia
Trainer: Louise Svingen RN
Description: Will discuss some of the many misunderstood and generally not recognized signs and symptoms of dementia. She will point out how social isolation can impart the person living with dementia.

Session Date: November 10th
Training Session: Grief & Loss - Healing Power & Ritual Ceremony
Trainer: Della Ferguson
Description: With changing times and the issues of social isolation we may be putting aside some of the traditional ways we deal with grief and loss. Della will be discussing the Healing Power of rituals and ceremony.

Session Date: November 17th
Training Session: Surviving Suicide Loss
Trainer: Lori Meyer
Description: We will be speaking as someone with life experience of the path from the loss to suicide, and moving toward recovery. This is very timely as Nov 21st is Suicide Survivors Day and Journey to Hope will be providing an opportunity to meet with other people who have lost someone to suicide.

Session Date: November 24th
Training Session: Addictions
Trainer: Danielle Cameron
Description: We will talk about addictions and how to stop the stigma around it. We will also be quickly touching on what different drugs look like the methods used to achieve a high and the difference between a stimulant and depressant.
Canadian Mental Health Association has been providing services in Canada for over 100 years. We provide direct services for people that have experience with mental illness, peer support, education and training, advocacy, system navigation, Vocational programs and many other programs and supports. You can talk to us without any referrals. We are here for everyone.

December ONLINE Wellness Development
Tuesdays from 12:15pm - 12:45pm
Online Through Zoom

FREE but you must pre-register so we can send you the online link. Email Donna Bowyer with any topics you may want to learn about.

For more information, you can email hopelc@cmhask.com

Session Date: December 1st
Training Session: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Trainer: Donna Bowyer
Description: SAD can start as soon as the leaves start to change colour in the fall. We will be talking about some of the signs and symptoms of SAD and some strategies to help you through the months of low sunlight.

Session Date: December 8th
Training Session:In-App Purchases and Addictive Behaviours in Games
Trainer: Bretton Hutt
Description: This topic will focus on in-app purchases (IAPs), randomness, and game design features that create "hooks" for players and inform their gaming and spending behaviours. The psychology of addiction and the fear of missing out will be examined in relation to game play and harm reduction strategies will also be discussed.

Session Date: December 15th
Training Session: Surviving the stress of the Christmas Season
Trainer: Donna Bowyer
Description: Christmas and other holidays can be very exciting but also very stressful. We will be talking about some of the causes of that stress and also some strategies to make it through the season with the ability to enjoy the holidays.

NO Mental Health Lunch Bites between Dec 16 – Jan 1, 2021
We will resume courses once again on January 12th

Canadian Mental Health Association has been providing services in Canada for over 100 years. We provide direct services for people that have experience with mental illness, peer support, education and training, advocacy, system navigation, Vocational programs and many other programs and supports. You can talk to us without any referrals. We are here for everyone.

FREE Stand Alone Courses

The Art of Friendship (8 sessions)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Sept. 10th - Class 1: Orientation to “Art of Friendship”
Sept. 16th - Class 2: Understanding Human Behaviour and Basic Needs
Sept. 24th - Class 3: Responsibility and Commitment
Oct. 1st - Class 4: Values and Integrity
Oct. 8th - Class 5: Boundaries
Oct. 15th - Class 6: Self-Disclosure and Trust
Oct. 22nd - Class 7: Communications and Resolving Conflict
Oct. 29th - Class 8: Intimacy and Group Closure
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: Free
Description:

Strong friendships give us the power to be our try selves; when we have strong friendships, we feel respected and valued and we work hard to find ways to show our friends that we respect and value them. Strong friendships take work! This course will help you learn about yourself – what you say, the way you act, ad how all of your actions can affect relationships with others. Focusing on these aspects, helps us gain confidence in our relationships and we will be more likely to achieve our friendship goals. Each session covers a different topic. Each participant must make a commitment to attend all 8 sessions.

Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, we are limiting the class to 8 people and it is on a first registered basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Building Better Boundaries (3 sessions)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Oct. 27th - Class 1:
Nov. 3rd - Class 2:
Nov. 10th - Class 3:
Time: 2:00pm-3:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: Free
Description:

Boundaries aren’t just the maps! Building better boundaries involves learning how to set boundaries, talking to others about your boundaries, and showing others you respect their boundaries. This course will help you build better boundaries, so you can feel happier and healthier.

Facilitation Skills Training (6 sessions)

Online Training

Dates:
Oct. 19th - Class 1:
Oct. 26th - Class 2:
Nov. 2nd - Class 3:
Nov. 9th - Class 4:
Nov. 16th - Class 5:
Nov. 23rd - Class 6:
Time: 1:00pm-2:30pm.
Location: Online with Zoom
Cost: Free
Description:

This training is for people that will be facilitating groups. You will learn: styles of learning and how to incorporate them into your sessions, how to build safety into your groups, stages of group development, group achievement, group dynamics, problem solving with difficult group members, group evaluation. You will have an opportunity to practice the skills as you learn them.

We have limited availability for is this class, it is being offered on a first registered basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Stand Alone Courses w. Fees

Mental Health First Aid (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Nov. 4th - Class 1
Nov. 5th - Class 2
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: $185 Per Participant
Description:

Mental Health First is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.

Once the workshop is completed you will be able to:

  • Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
  • Listen non-judgmentally
  • Give reassurance and information
  • Encourage the person to get appropriate professional help
  • Encourage other supports

Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, We are limiting space for social distancing and Masks will be required

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

ASIST (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training

Dates:
Nov. 25th - Class 1
Nov. 26th - Class 2
Time: 8:30am-4:30pm.
Location: 1888 Angus Street Regina Sask.
Cost: $200 Per Participant
Description:

ASIST is a two-day, skills-building workshop that prepares caregivers of all kinds to provide suicide first aid interventions. Professionals, volunteers and informal helpers all need to know how to help persons with thoughts of suicide in ways that increase their suicide safety.

Participation in the full two days is required. Enjoy small group discussions and skills practise that are based upon adult learning principles; experience powerful videos on suicide intervention; feel challenged and safe; learn suicide first aid.

As an ASIST-trained first aid intervention caregiver, you will be better able to:

  • dentify people who have thoughts of suicide
  • Understand how your beliefs and attitudes can affect suicide interventions
  • Seek a shared understanding of the reasons for thoughts of suicide and the reasons for living
  • Review current risk and develop a plan to increase safety from suicidal behavior for an agreed amount of time
  • Follow up on all safety commitments, accessing further help as needed

Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, We are limiting space for social distancing and Masks will be required

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Tattered Teddies (3 hour course)

Online Training

Dates(Choose only one date): Sept. 23rd - 3 Hour Full Course
Oct. 7th - 3 Hour Full Course (FULLY BOOKED)
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Location: Online Using Zoom
Cost: $75 Per Participant
Description:

This training is for adults that work with children 12 and under. Suicidal behaviour in children age 12 or younger is a subject of growing concern for those who work with children. Suicidal thoughts and attempts in children have sometimes been overlooked, denied or ignored.

This workshop provides information and offers practical approaches for those working with children who are 12 years old and younger and who may be at risk of suicide. Intervention approaches build on the skills thought in the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) as it applies to children.

Space is Limited, you will be registered on a first come first serve basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Straight Talk (3 hour course)

Online Training

Dates(Choose only one date):
Sept. 30th - 3 Hour Full Course (FULLY BOOKED)
Oct. 14th - 3 Hour Full Course
Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Location: Online Using Zoom
Cost: $75 Per Participant
Description:

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth in Canada (Stats Canada)Straight Talk has been created for individuals working with youth aged 12-24. This 3 hour training session discusses strategies to strengthen the protective factors of youth at risk of suicide.

Straight talk encompasses the developmental, cognitive, and emotional differences found within this agre group. Intervention strategies are explored relevant to the age range through teaching stories and case studies.

Space is Limited, you will be registered on a first come first serve basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

LivingWorks Start (1.5 hour course)

Online Training

Dates:
This Online Training Course is available to take at anytime
How to Register:
You can register for LivingWorks Start, or bring it to your team, by following our direct link:

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION PAGE

The CMHA-Sk and LivingWorks team is also available to help provide step-by-step implementations for large numbers of participants.
Simply contact our the H.O.P.E Learning Centre Director Donna Bowyer at donnab@cmhask.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Cost: $20 Per License
Supporting CMHA:By registering with our link, 25% of the license fee will go directly to CMHA-Sk to help support the work we do.
Description:

In times of heightened isolation and anxiety, people’s thoughts of suicide can increase. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that we have effective skills to keep each other safe – even if it’s from afar. LivingWorks has suicide prevention/interverntion programs taught by CMHA-SK’s Suicide Prevention Master Trainer and H.O.P.E. Learning Centre Director, Donna Bowyer.  While in-person training for this program is not currently available due to the current health crisis, we are pleased to announce an alternative.

LivingWorks Start is a 90-minute online program, which allows trainees to learn suicide prevention skills even while working from home or practicing physical distancing. It works on any computer, smartphone, or tablet, and it includes simulations, practice, and other skill-building activities. There are also ways to apply these skills via phone, text, and other remote methods.

A way to learn life-saving skills anywhere
LivingWorks is working hard to support suicide prevention efforts during this difficult time. With sensitivity to the current financial situation, they’ve made LivingWorks Start available at a reduced cost of $20.00 CAD per license. In addition, when you register through with our link below, 25% of the license fee will go directly to CMHA Saskatchewan Division to help support our programming.

The benefits of LivingWorks Start
LivingWorks Start enables people to recognize when friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbours are struggling and take meaningful actions to keep them safe. Trainees report feeling more confident and prepared to help someone, even during work-from-home and physical distancing. LivingWorks Start will help you build the necessary skills to support someone when they need it most.

 Check Out This PDF Link

For more information about the H.O.P.E. Learning Centre contact:

Donna Bowyer, Director
donnab@cmhask.com

H.O.P.E. Learning Centre
1888 Angus Street
Regina, SK S4T 1Z4
306-525-5601