During tough times, such as a disaster or emergency, spiritual practices can help us make sense of our world and can help us understand our need for self-care and self-expression. They can strengthen our relationships, improve social connections, and help us cope with change or loss.

Families across Alberta are changing their routines and we all need to take steps to stay healthy at home. Dealing with this change can be stressful.

The Summer Edition features steps for:

Move Your Body / Practice Mindfulness / Expand Your Mind / Fuel Your Body

Issued by Alberta Health Services & Move Your Mood

Move Your Mood is a research-based program that uses healthy lifestyle practices to improve the mental and physical well-being of participants.

This toolkit is designed for individuals in the community to focus on the parts of their life they can take charge of and help give a sense of control over their environment during the pandemic. 

Developed by Community Addiction and Mental Health Clinic- Sunridge, Calgary Zone

St. Albert has excellent links and videos for more great info on asset development.

Assets are 40 positive qualities, skills, experiences, and opportunities that
are critical in the lives of children and youth. The more assets youth have,
the more likely they are to succeed.

42% of youth surveyed by Search Institute have just 20 or fewer of
these assets in their lives.*

Download the 40 Developmental Assets list below to learn more.

The City of St. Albert has more great info and resources on the 40 Developmental Assets.

Download the 5 Ways to Wellbeing brochure below to learn the 5 simple actions for a better wellbeing.

For more information on hosting a Block Party, visit www.whitecourt.ca

You are not to blame for a loved one’s mental illness. Mental illnesses are caused by many different factors that work together, such as genetics, biology, environment, and life experiences.

Loved ones can play a big part in helping a person recover, work towards their goals, and stay well. Care and emotional support go a long way in recovery and well-being. So can practical help, like managing doctor’s appointments and other daily tasks. You can also play a part in helping a loved one maintain well-being. You and other close supporters may be the first to notice changes in a loved one’s mood, behaviour, self-care, or other area that shows their mental health may be worsening. This means you can help your loved one find the right help early. You can also help them see hope at a time when they feel it the least.

Learn the tools and strategies to help support a loved one and their well-being. Download the Supporting a Loved One brochure below.

When we learn to regulate our emotions, from the mild to the extreme, we develop resiliency that help us manage stress and face life’s challenges in a positive way. Emotional regulation kits provide children with tools and techniques that foster mindfulness, meditation, and an outlet that helps them take charge of negative emotions and form an appropriate response to emotional situations.

Introduce and practice using the emotional regulation kit when your child is calm. Ask your child to notice any changes in their body after using an item. You can also use imaginative play to “pretend” an emotion and use the box to help process it. Remember, all feelings are ok. Your goal is to help the behavior associated with the emotion to be a helpful and not harmful one.

Make your own Emotional Regulation Kit

Download our brochure to make your own Emotional Regulation Kit and for more information.

The P.O.W.E.R. Coalition of Whitecourt believe in the saying that it takes a village to raise a child and the community around them shapes their ability to grow up healthy, engaged, capable, and caring. As a teacher you play a key role in the development of a strong foundation that supports children and youth as they grow and develop.

Children and youth are supported when teachers, mentors, adults and their community focus on and implement actions from the 40 developmental assets. Assets are the strengths or building blocks that kids need to grow up healthy and safe. Research has shown that those equipped with more assets demonstrate greater resiliency, are better equipped to make healthy life style choices, and participate in fewer risk taking behaviors.

The classroom provides a positive climate that not only supports the development of individuals it also fosters the strengthening of our community and the engagement of students, families, and staff. It provides a safe environment where students learn about the settings around them and the impact they have in their own community.

For more information or to request a Teacher Kit, please contact us through our Facebook page.