Spirits of Gold 2019 Social Innovation Award

Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region was awarded the Spirits of Gold 2019 Social Innovation Award, February 12, 2019. Presented by the United Way of Calgary and Area, the Social Innovation Award recognizes an initiative or agency that has implemented a socially innovative idea which led to a community or organizational change. It represents those who aren’t afraid to seek solutions that are both extraordinarily innovative and untraditional in their approach.

We were recognized for launching the first peer-led Welcome Centre and Recovery College in Alberta in 2018.

Our Welcome Centre provides individuals, family members and the community with conversations to tools and skills to learn about mental health and wellbeing. In addition, visitors are provided with information about supports and services available for those with a mental health or substance use concern.

Staffed by our Peer Supporters, those individuals with personal or family experience of a mental health or substance use concern, our Welcome Centre is open to everyone. Using an educational-based approach, Recovery College offers courses to help people recognize and develop their own resourcefulness and awareness in order to support themselves or their loved one’s recovery journey.

All of our courses are co-developed and co-delivered in partnership with our peer supporters and students who are experts by experience: they have their own personal experience of a mental health or substance use concern, or are supporting a loved one.

Congratulations to all the nominees, and to our co-recipient Calgary Reads, for their Children’s Reading Place – providing children, school groups, childcare centres and agencies with a beautiful reading space.

Our Peer Support program services can be accessed over the phone at 403-297-1402 or through email at peer@cmha.calgary.ab.ca.