mental health training

The Town of Stony Plain believes that being more inclusive and diverse will increase and strengthen our community’s economic advantage. It will allow our community programming and services to be more efficient and it will make our community a better and more welcoming community for all. We acknowledge that residents and visitors in our community regardless of ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, income level or language, bring value to our community and should be able to fully participate in all aspects of life.

The Town of Stony Plain supports programs, projects, and events to ensure all layers of identity and difference are considered, supported and accepted in our community.

Ready more about the Together We Shine Initiative for updates and developments.

Read our Community Report on Inclusion & Diversity and our case study about Fostering a Connected Community in Stony Plain

The Town of Stony Plain understands that poverty is complex, ambiguous, challenging, expensive, affects individuals and communities, means fewer choices, more stress, poorer health, children suffering and growing inequality. Poverty is a human rights issue.

Addressing the issue of poverty requires special considerations and community-wide solutions involving multiple community players and multiple levels of government. View more information on the Town of Stony Plain Poverty Reduction Strategy

The Town of Stony Plain supports programs, projects, and events to realize an end to poverty and homelessness whereby Stony Plain and area residents are enriched through a strong, healthy, connected community.

To learn more, read our 2024 Stony Plain Poverty Reduction Plan at a Glance and Stony Plain Poverty Reduction Impact Report

Prevention and awareness are at the heart of what we do because we believe the best way to deal with a crisis is to address issues early. We incorporate community wellness through public education & training, awareness events, programming, support services, means of safety, and research.

Our vision is a vibrant community with a state of wellness for all. We seek to help deepen the value of mental health both individually and collectively. To better understand, protect, sustain, and flourish as a community. Community and Social Development is excited to share the What We Heard Report. This is a summary of the mental health and wellness public engagement held in the summer and fall of 2023.

Through active community engagement during the Mental Health and Wellness Public Engagement Sessions and the Nourishing Connections event in January 2025, a Mental Health and Wellness Plan at a Glance was developed.

Suicide Prevention & Life Promotion - Roots of Hope

Roots of Hope is a community-based model designed to reduce the impact of suicide across Canada by leveraging local expertise to implement targeted prevention and life promotion strategies. The model is centered around five key pillars: safety, awareness, research, specialized supports, and training, allowing communities to tailor interventions to their unique needs. By strengthening grassroots capacity in prevention, intervention, and postvention, Roots of Hope supports individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts, those who have attempted suicide, and those who have lost someone to suicide.

To learn more about Roots of Hope, read the 2022 to 2023 Case Study and the 2023 Community Report

The Town of Stony Plain understands that family violence has negative social, financial, and health impacts on those directly involved, as well as on their friends and family, colleagues, community and society at large. Through collaborations with community, we work preventively to shift perspectives, support those at risk, and build the resilience and security of all our residents. 

We provide backbone support for the TriRegion Elder Abuse (TREA) Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Network. The TREA CCR is a collaborative effort of stakeholders across the Tri-Region to address elder abuse through awareness, education, and wrap-around supports. The purpose is to connect vulnerable older adults to supports in a respectful and considerate way. The group is supported by a Program Coordinator that works out of the Stony Plain office.

Visit the Tri-Region Elder Abuse brochure to learn more about elder abuse and access a list of resources.

The Stony Plain Youth Centre is a safe and supportive environment for local youth aged 11 to 17.  The Youth Centre is not only a comfortable place to hang out and socialize with friends, it is but also a place to have some fun during drop in activities, learn new skills by participating in programs, or get involved in volunteer projects and special events.

In 2025, the YOUth Speak Summit brought young people together to explore how a sense of belonging contributes to a strong and healthy community. Discover more insights in the YOUth Speak Community Report

Youth programming is guided by the Developmental Assets Profile Report, completed in 2025. This report highlights both the strengths and vulnerabilities identified by youth participants and offers practical strategies to support their growth and development.

Building on more than two decades of progress, the Engaging Youth Strategy outlines how Stony Plain is leveraging data-driven insights and ongoing youth engagement to create meaningful opportunities. By combining developmental asset principles with youth voice and innovative programming, the community is fostering a supportive, inclusive environment where young people are empowered to lead, grow, and contribute to the well-being of their community.

The Town of Stony Plain believes that every individual has the right to seek a positive fulfilling volunteer experience and the volunteer activity should be mutually beneficial to the volunteer, the organization, and the clients they serve.

The Volunteer Centre services provide a central point of access to the volunteer community by connecting people and community needs. Our Centre connects individuals who are looking for volunteer opportunities in the community to not-for-profit organizations seeking volunteers to assist them. The Centre continues to be an active presence in the community and grows to serve volunteering and community needs.

Every April, National Volunteer Week celebrates the impact of volunteerism in our communities. Locally, the week recognizes the contributions of volunteers across Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, and Parkland County, while encouraging stronger community connections and greater awareness of volunteer opportunities.

Explore volunteer opportunities on the Volunteer Opportunities page, and find event details on the Community Calendar

Drive for Change: A Mental Health Week Event

Join us for an inspiring evening that combines mental health awareness, community connection, and fun physical activity! This event is designed to promote connection, belonging, mental wellness, and physical health through engaging speakers, a shared meal and virtual golf!

Event Highlights

• Guest Speakers 

• Shared Meal & Connection: Enjoy pizza, salad, and refreshments while connecting with friends, family, and the community.

• Indoor Golf: Participate in virtual golf, at a state of the art golf facility. Physical activity is a proven way to boost mental wellness, reduce stress, and have fun!

When & Where

• Date: Wednesday, May 6th

• Time: 5:30–8:00 PM

• Location: Golf Biz – Stony Plain

• Cost: Free

Who Can Attend

• Ages 14+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)

• Limited to 60 participants for an intimate and interactive experience

REGISTRATION:  Drive for Change: A Mental Health Week Event Tickets, Wednesday, May 6 from 5:30 pm to 8 pm | Eventbrite

Mental Health Week Programming

Capacity for Calm

Join us for a transformative session where you'll explore mindfulness and emotional regulation, learn how to recognize your window of tolerance, and strengthen your resilience by building capacity with practical coping strategies. This session will give you tools to stay grounded, manage stress, and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease—register now to start your journey toward emotional balance!

Date: May 12, 2026

Time: 5:30-8PM

Location: Stony Plain Community and Social Development #107 4613 52Avenue 

Cost: Free (dinner included)

Registration: Capacity for Calm

Opening the Conversation: For Youth and Caregivers.

Join our important session designed for youth and caregivers, focusing on mental health language and ways to normalize conversations about feelings. Learn how to approach sensitive topics like suicidal ideation and self-harm with understanding and care, equipping yourself to support mental well-being confidently and compassionately.

Date: June 2

Time: 6-8:30PM

Location: Spruce Grove Community and Social Development 414 King St, Spruce Grove.

Cost: Free (dinner included) 

Registration: Opening the Conversation: For Youth and Caregivers

January is Alzheimer's Awareness Month. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Learn more about dementia and its stark impact on Canadians. Building on the Stony Plain Together We Shine Inclusion priority, Stony Plain Community and Social Development has a specific focus on Dementia with the Dementia Connections Project. By working collaboratively, the goal is to create and maintain inclusive and welcoming dementia-friendly environments within the Tri-Region.

Take some time to learn about Alzheimer's Disease and the impacts it has on our family, friends, and neighbours. Learn more about Alzheimer's, and watch our local spotlight videos to gain perspective on what it's like to live with dementia.

For more Alzheimer's and dementia resources, visit Help and Supports

November is Family Violence Prevention Month. Alberta reports the third highest rate of self-reported spousal violence among Canadian provinces. Family Violence hides in plain sight. Home isn't always safe. It affects all ages, backgrounds, and communities. 
Together we can dispel myths, support survivors, and light the way to an empowered future to help individuals, families, and communities work together to end family violence and promote healthier relationships.

Join us on November 20 for a special event: A Community Empowered, a Regional Collaboration for Family Violence Prevention Month.

• Guest Speakers
• Short Films
• Q&A panel
• Free kids’ self-defence class (Ages 6 and up)
• Light Dinner
• Door Prizes

Date: Thursday November 20, 2025

Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM (Doors open at 6PM)

Location: Heritage Park, Stony Plain, AB

Audience: Adult 18+ due to mature subject matter (Youth aged 15-17 are welcome with adult supervision)

Cost: $12. Registration required

Registration: https://www.stonyplain.com/FVP 

A Community Empowered is provided in partnership with Alberta Parenting for the Future Association, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, WestView Primary Care Network, Parkland Turning Points Society, Empowered Defence Centre, Parkland County, The Town of Stony Plain and City of Spruce Grove.

Hope, Health & Healing – Navigating Through Loss and Grief

April 18th event postponed due to low registration- is now scheduled for November14th, 2026.

Join us for a compassionate and informative one-day symposium designed to support individuals and families navigating loss. Hope, Health & Healing offers a safe space to learn about the grieving process, explore practical coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the journey of grief.

The day features:

• Keynote presentation on grief and healing facilitated by Ashley Melke, Founder of the Grief and Trauma Healing Centre.

• Art therapy session for creative expression and reflection

• Children’s grief workshop with practical tools for families

• Candle ceremony to honor and cope with loss

• Opportunities for connection, learning, and self-care

Hosted in partnership with Stony Plain, Light Up Your Life Society, Parkland Funeral Homes and Serenity Funeral Services , this symposium is perfect for anyone looking to better understand grief, reduce stigma, and build skills to support themselves and others.

Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10. This day recognizes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Human rights are our basic rights or freedoms. They include our right to live, our right to health, education, freedom of speech and thoughts, and equal rights. Everyone is entitled to these rights. Join us as we continue to work to make Stony Plain a welcoming and inclusive community, where Together We Shine

Learn more about the Stony Plain’s Inclusion Priority. 

How can I take part in Human Rights Day?

Learning about human rights helps to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that empower us to stand up for our rights as well as those of others.

Here are suggestions for simple activities to get involved:

• Visit the United Nations Human Rights Day website
• Watch a film from the Human Rights Playlist curated by the National Film Board of Canada.
• Learn more about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
• Discover the history of human rights in Canada through the Canada History Week digital magazines (2017 and 2019 editions)
• Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ Story Collection
• Learn about significant human rights milestones from the Canadian Human Rights Commission
• Download the illustrated version of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and share it with family
• Share any of the links provided above with your social networks

The Moose Hide Campaign is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys standing up against violence towards women and children. Wearing a moose hide pin symbolizes a personal commitment to honour, respect, and protect the women and children in your life, and to take action toward ending violence and supporting reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Promoting gender equity, healthy relationships, positive ideas of masculinity, and speaking out against gender-based violence are powerful ways to help create safer communities.

Each spring, communities across Canada come together to recognize Moose Hide Campaign Day by handing out pins, raising awareness, and learning how we can work together to keep everyone safe. Check out the community calendar in the spring for details on this year’s local event.

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is held annually on October 17. This day is an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty. It is a chance to listen to the concerns of those of us who are suffering and to take a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty.

Each year, details about this annual event will be added to the Community Calendar. 

The Town of Stony Plain strives to realize an end to poverty and homelessness where Stony Plain and area residents are enriched through a strong, healthy, connected community. 

Learn more about the Poverty Reduction Strategy

Each June, during Seniors Week, the Town of Stony Plain hosts a special Generational Celebration to honour and recognize the valuable contributions seniors make to our community. This event is created, developed, and implemented by youth, with support from the Youth Centre.

Details about upcoming events will be added to the Community Calendar

Find out more about Stony Plain’s Inclusion Priority

National Suicide Awareness Week, recognized each September, focuses on raising awareness about mental health, increasing knowledge of available resources and training, and building community capacity to support individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide. The week also works to reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help for mental health concerns.

"A major highlight of 2025 Suicide Awareness Week was the unveiling of the Forest of Hope on September 10th. Learn more by visiting the Forest of Hope tab." 

Observed every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings global attention to elder abuse as a serious public health and human rights issue.

The Town of Stony Plain participates in this international day by supporting local events that raise awareness, share information, and promote resources that help enhance the safety and well-being of older adults.

Event details will be added to the Community Calendar