Our Story – Why We Exist

Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region (CMHA Calgary) was established in 1965 to promote mental health and wellness through a comprehensive range of community-based services for individuals, families, groups and organizations. We started from humble beginnings. Our community of supporters now serve over 20,000 people a year.

One in four Calgarians are affected by mental health and addiction and over 50% of Albertans feel they are unable to receive mental health support because they cannot afford to pay. Working together, we can achieve Mental Health for All.

We have a proven ability to engage, empower, and support our community in building capacity to understand the needs, and support those living with mental health and substance use challenges.

Canadian Mental Health Association – Calgary Region Programs

Individual and Family Supports: Individuals and families connect in the CMHA Calgary Welcome Centre, over the phone or virtually and learn how to care for themselves and their loved one. Thanks to donor support, the Welcome Centre is open to everyone. In 2022/23, 2,200 people received the help they need to support their mental heal and wellbeing journey.

Education and Training: Health education and promotion courses and programs are available for individuals, students, community groups, workplaces and organizations.

• KidSMART: Launched in May 2023, it is a free downloadable mental health curriculum for teachers and community leaders supporting kids 8 – 12 years of age.
  YouthSMART: Youth Supporting Mental Health and Resiliency Together (YouthSMART) provides mental health education and engagement opportunities for individuals and groups between the ages of 12 – 24 in 45-90-minute sessions in their school or in a community setting. After taking a Skills for Being There session, 85% of youth said they now know the people and resources to go to for help.
• EQUIPPED: An online educational platform that builds on the concepts taught in YouthSMART for people aged of 16 – 24. 89% of participants report that the course enhances their ability to address mental health concerns in themselves and in others.
• Peer Support Training: People learn to use their lived experience with mental health and/or addiction to support the community. Students are given 83 hours of training and 50 hours of practicum experience. Thanks to donor support, intake for the last fiscal year increased 110% from the previous year.
• Recovery College: Helps adults recognize and develop their own resourcefulness in order to support themselves or their loved one’s recovery journey. In 2022/23, 97% of participants say they gained a skill they can use to support their wellness. 99% said they would participate in another Recovery College course.
• Adult and Workplace Education: Virtual or in-person mental health educational programs for adult groups, workplaces, and organizations. Topics include health awareness, stress management and healthy coping, suicide prevention and sessions developed for your unique interest and needs

Housing: The Post Discharge and Supportive Living Housing Programs provide assisted living residences for individuals 18 years of age and older with moderate to severe mental health and addiction concerns and reduces the risk that people will be (re)admitted to hospital. In 2022/23, 81% of residents reported an increase in self-care skills and knowledge. The Continuing Connections program assists individuals 18 – 65 years of age who reside in long-term care centres with complex needs. This recovery-based program is designed to increase clients’ confidence and promote healthy living while restoring hope. There are numerous sponsorship and donation opportunities to help offset the cost of food, holiday gifts, event experiences, welcome home packages and unfunded program expenses.

Ways to Give

When you donate to CMHA Calgary, your investment helps your local community. It helps people heal. It reunites families and friends. It improves thousands of people’s lives.

Donate by phone, mail, online or meet with us in person. Pledge a monthly gift or make a one-time donation. Host a fundraising event. Contribute sales revenue. Donate publicly traded securities. Plan a legacy gift. Or contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities. CMHA Calgary’s donation website is available at https://cmha.calgary.ab.ca/ways-to-give/donate/. You’re also invited to contact us directly: [email protected]; 403-297-1700. Or donate though the Calgary Foundation.

Thank you for improving people’s mental health.