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CMHA Saskatchewan Division - Saskatchewan Division

H.O.P.E. Learning Centre

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

What is a Recovery College?

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 Colleges 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 Colleges?

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 Colleges

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

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

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Virtual Course Catalogue

ONLINE Mental Health Lunch Bites

June 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 The Hope Learning Centre with any topics you may want to learn about.

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

Session Date: June 1st
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 this 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 grieve.

Session Date:June 8th
Training Session:Trauma and PTSD
Trainer:Melanie
Description:PTSD can disrupt a person’s ability to regulate their emotions, maintain healthy relationships and day to day functioning. It develops in about 1 in 3 people who experience severe trauma. This can be from a single traumatic experience such as being in a car accident, assault or long-term experiences like growing up in an unsafe home or war and conflict. Women are more than twice as likely to develop PTSD than as they are more likely to experience sexual assault.
Over this session, we will discuss in more detail and learn about what Trauma and PTSD look like, ways they can be managed and what happens in the body over the short and long term.

Session Date: June 15th
Training Session: Schizophrenia
Trainer: Maria Alvarez
Description: N/A

Session Date: June 22nd
Training Session: We're Only Human Conference
Trainer: See Speaker List
Description: Starting at 8:30am today the CMHA Sask. Div and Service Hospitality present the We're Only Human Conference - Promoting Positive Workplace Wellness. Though this is not strictly a Hope Learning Centre event, we will be helping to support the conference through staffing. We invite everyone who is interested in checking out the conference to do so, it's 100% FREE and there are some really great speakers to hear from on a variety of topics. The Keynote speakers, Mark Henick and Victoria Maxwell, will be presenting LIVE, while our other speakers have been pre-recorded to ensure quality and ease of access for our conference goers! Some of our other speakers will be LIVE for Q & A sessions after their video premiers.

If you are interested, Please register at www.onlyhumanconference.ca!

Session Date: June 29th
Training Session: Intro into Summer Courses
Trainer: Danielle Cameron & Dan Blondeau
Description: Dan and Danielle will talk about what new and exciting events we have planned for our Summer Curriculum.
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

Currently Fully Booked - Wait List Started

COVID Coping and Beyond (5 sessions)

Online with Zoom

Dates:
April 19th: Coping With Current Events
April 26th: Isolation and Loneliness
May 10th: Separation and Connection
May 17: Self Compassion
May 26: Positivity and Optimism
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Description:

All courses are interactive because the HOPE Learning Centre believes that peer education means asking your questions and sharing your experience while learning together. You may choose how much or little you participate.

This five-week block will explore coping skills during and after the COVID crisis to support your mental health. You do not need to take each course. You can register for the ones that you feel you need. Choose one, choose all. Specify on the registration the one(s) you choose.

April 19th:Coping With Current Events
In recent months, COVID-19 and other current events are on many of our minds. With there being so much talk about current events, for some of us, it has understandably increased our anxiety and stress. Join us in learning how to cope with the current events that continue to happen, in a way that we can manage our thoughts and reduce their impact on our life.

April 26th :Isolation and Loneliness
Many people struggle with loneliness. This course will focus on the concepts of isolation, loneliness and solitude.. Strategies to manage loneliness will be shared and students will be encouraged to gain perspective on the emotions associated with loneliness and isolation.

May 10th : Separation and Connection
In these days of physical distancing, how can we maintain social connections? What have you found difficult? What have you found effective? How do we stay close when distant? This session will add some suggestions for coping and connecting.

May 17:Self Compassion
Self-compassion means responding to yourself with kindness, especially when you are experiencing a difficult time. This session suggests how to develop a regular practice of self-compassion. Topics include identifying the benefits of self-compassion, exploring the three parts of self-compassion, and developing your own daily practice of self-compassion.

May 25: Positivity and Optimism
We are told to “Stay positive” but what does that mean?. By the end of the session you will be able to: describe optimism, Identify why positivity is important to your well-being, Identify 10 different positive emotions and practical ways to develop each, and make a plan for adding positivity to your life.

Space is limited and on a First come basis. Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Currently Fully Booked - Wait List Started

Insight into Mental Health (5 sessions)

Online with Zoom

Dates: (Mondays)
May 31st: Insight into Anxiety
June 7th: Insight into Depression
June 14th: Insight into Bipolar
June 21st: Insight into Borderline Personality Disorder
Time: 3:00pm-4:30pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Description:

This four week block will give you insight into mental health. You are welcome to join all four or you can pick and choose which sessions you want to attend.

This five-week block will explore coping skills during and after the COVID crisis to support your mental health. You do not need to take each course. You can register for the ones that you feel you need. Choose one, choose all. Specify on the registration the one(s) you choose.

May 31st: Insight into Anxiety
This course will discuss the symptoms of anxiety which are often physical as well as mental and emotional. Various types of anxiety will be discussed along with treatment options and coping strategies. Techniques to reduce anxiety will be practiced including mindfulness activities.

June 7th: Insight into Depression
This course will discuss the symptoms of depression and the different ways that depression presents itself, bringing focus to strategies and techniques to manage depression and getting through difficult times. Explore the experiences of depression and how they are unique to each person. Focus will be on how to communicate your needs when depressed.

June 14th: Insight into Bipolar
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness where people experience extreme mood swings that affect their thinking, behaviour, and functioning. This online course will increase the student's understanding of bipolar and help increase students’ knowledge about manic and depressive episodes. Instructions will be sent on how to join in once you have completed your registration.

June 21st: Insight into Borderline Personality Disorder
This online course will explore Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The experience of being diagnosed with BPD will be discussed and the stigma and misconceptions surrounding BPD will be explored. Strategies and techniques will be shared. To join this course, you will need access to the internet or a phone. Instructions will be sent on how to join in once you have completed your registration. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing ideas on how to manage during these challenging current events.

Space is limited and on a First come basis. Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Recovery 101 (1 session)

Online with Zoom

Dates:
June 24th
Time:9:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Description:

Recovery is the process of re-defining and re-building your life with the experience of mental health issues. This course is an opportunity to explore and discuss various approaches to recovery and wellness. Recovery will be defined and explored as an individual journey and strategies and approaches to recovery will be presented.

Course Objectives (one 3 hour session):
 - Develop an understanding of recovery
- Consider where to start a recovery journey
- Explore helpful recovery strategies
- Focus on wellness and mental health

There are no qualifications or pre-requisites for this course.

Space is limited and on a First come basis. Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Your Recovery Journey (5 session)

Online

Dates:
A finalized schedule will be released closer to mid April
Session 1: Recovery and Qaulity of Life
Session 2: Welness Toolbox and Daily Maintenance
Session 3: Triggers, Early Warning Signs, Breaking Down
Session 4: Crisis Plan, Post Crisis Plan
Session 5: Recovery Topics
Cost: Free
Description:

Your Recovery Journey with WRAP is an online 5-session course for people with lived experience with mental illness to provide information and skill building support. It teaches people how to achieve a high level of wellness.

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.

This course is being offered through the Schizophrenia Society of SK. Please email Maria registration to Maria@Schizophrenia.sk.ca.

You may also call 1-306-584-0755

Strategies for Managing the Impact of Psychosis and Schizophrenia on the Family (5 sessions)

Online Training

Dates:

TBA - Class 1: Overview of Psychosis and Schizophrenia
TBA - Class 2: Living with Psychosis and Schizophrenia
TBA - Class 3: Managing Crises
TBA - Class 4: Lived Experience & Recovery
TBA - Class 5: Building Strengths and Going Forward

Time: TBA

Location: Online

Cost: Free
Description:

What is the Family Recovery Journey?
A program of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada to educate families and friends and provide tools for managing the impact of psychosis on their lives.

This program updates and replaces the Strengthening Families Together program.

Who Should Attend?
Family members, friends and caregivers of people who experience psychosis.

Each participant must make a commitment to attend all 5 sessions.

Space is limited and spots will be given on a first registered basis. There are no qualifications or pre-requisites. It is open to everyone.

To Register:

Phone: (306) 584-0755
Email: maria@schizophrenia.sk.ca

Stand Alone Courses w. Fees

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 the H.O.P.E Learning Centre at hopelc@cmhask.com and we’ll be happy to help.

Cost: $27.95 Per License (until the end of February 2021)
Starting March, 2021 pricing will increase to - $39.95 Per License
Supporting CMHA:By registering with our link, $5 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/intervention 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 $27.95 Per License (until the end of February 2021). In addition, when you register through with our link below, $5 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

Mental Health First Aid (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training

Dates: We are asking interested parties to contact us. Future general course dates will be announced.
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: We are asking interested parties to contact us. Future general course dates will be announced.
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.

Resilient Minds (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training (pending current health measures)

Dates: We are asking interested parties to contact us. Future general course dates will be announced.
Cost: TBA
Description:

Resilient Minds has supported hundreds of firefighters in BC and PEI to develop strategies to mitigate and better manage occupational stress, resulting in informed and healthier teams. Firefighters learn to:
a) recognize the effects of psychological stress/trauma in themselves and in peers
b) communicate with peers who may be struggling
c) respond promptly, safely and appropriately to distressed citizens
d) apply personal strategies for managing stress, mitigating trauma and boosting resilience.

Innovative and Evidence-Informed – Resilient Minds is a skill and resilience development training course designed by and for firefighters using the latest literature on resilience, stress and stress-related injuries.

Fire Fighters Train Fire Fighters – Using a peer-to-peer model of instruction, the Resilient Minds curriculum is taught by firefighters to firefighters.

Volunteer and Career Fire Fighters – Resilient Minds is the only training program designed to train both career and volunteer firefighters and takes into consideration the differences in experience and resources available to the two groups.

Additional information on the Resilient Minds program can be found on our National site BY CLICKING HERE

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

CMHA Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor Training (2 days of training)

Face to Face Training (pending current health measures)

Dates: We are asking interested parties to contact us. Future general course dates will be announced.
Times:
Sessions will run from 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day
Cost: TBA
Description:

CMHA’s Certified Psychological Health and Safety Advisor Training program will help individuals who are working to address the issue of mental health in workplaces by implementing the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace. This in-demand certification provides employees, managers, and leaders with an intensive learning experience focused on eliminating barriers and building the case for a mentally healthy work environment. Employers will see those with this certification as skilled change-makers, having the practical expertise to help move organizational wellness strategies forward and implement the Standard in their workplaces.

This certification training includes the following four key modules:

Introducing the Standard:

Advisors need to have a strong understanding of the Standard as well as key issues related to mental health in the workplace. This module will give Advisors the fundamental knowledge they need to speak with employers about the Standard as well as some common language to use when discussing the issue of mental health.

Presenting the Business Case:

This module focuses on helping leaders and other key workplace stakeholders see the value of adopting the Standard and improving psychological health and safety. Advisors will learn to formulate effective messages that articulate the benefits not just for employees, but for the bottom line as well.

Preparing for Assessment:

Advisors will learn to help employers understand the scope, process, and necessity of collecting data, both as a baseline and as a continuous practice for adherence to the Standard. This module will focus on the practicalities of assessment, including the tools available and recommended processes.

Making Recommendations:

Analyzing the assessment findings and recommending an action plan must be done with the knowledge of the organization’s constraints, competing demands, and current realities. To be successful in sustaining implementation, Advisors will learn to recommend actions that are both valuable and manageable for employers.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Difficult Discussions: Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace (1 day of training)

Face to Face Training (pending current health measures)

Dates: We are asking interested parties to contact us. Future general course dates will be announced.
Times:
Sessions will run from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Cost: TBA
Description:

This training offers a unique “Safe to Fail” environment while learning the skills necessary for effective discussions with people dealing with mental health issues; their own or a family member.

The workshop teaches the principles of “Effective Questioning” and “Active Listening” as well as basic communication skills.

It then offers a safe environment in which to put those skills to the test.

The “Safe” fail is provided through the use of professional improvisational actors who will be following various scenarios. However, these actors will be reacting directly to how participants approach them. This simulated interaction will help prepare participants for the real-world experiences they may one day face.

The workshop is for anyone in management or human resources who may be called upon to directly interact with an employee dealing with mental health issues. It also is for supervisory staff who may be placed in similar situations.

Please email registration to Hopelc@cmhask.com.

Welcome to our CMHA Branch Content Portal

  
In order to sign up for the Branch Content Portal, you must be employed by one of the CMHA Branches in Saskatchewan. All newly created accounts will be reviewed manually by the members of the Hope Learning Centre, as such all newly registered accounts may take one or two business days to get approved. Please be patient your account will be processed as quickly as possible.
  

Mental Health Week: May 3-7, 2021

Interested in 2021's Mental Health Week Presentations?

Catch all of our recordings with the link below...

2021 CMHA Mental Health Week!

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

hopelc@cmhask.com

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