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CMHA Recovery College opening soon

IMAGE. Supplied by CMHA Wood Buffalo.

The new Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Recovery College and Welcome Centre shall open its doors on Nov. 14, 2019.

Located at Manning Avenue, between Hospital St. and Queen St., everyone is welcome to attend the college’s free courses on recovery and wellbeing.

Executive director for CMHA Wood Buffalo, Christine Savage said people with their own lived experience developed the courses.

“The Recovery College model gives individuals, family and community members, the skills they need to support their own recovery.”

Recovery College

The courses cover numerous topics such as establishing boundaries, treating anxiety, creating healthy relationships, staying healthy while caregiving, positive communication styles, and building personal resiliency.

Savage said the need for mental health supports rose since the wildfire and the college bridges the gap.

“With the Recovery College within the Wood Buffalo Region, we are able to bring awareness and create normalcy surrounding the stigma of mental health issues within our community.”

She added 11 courses are available to the public.

It’s the CMHA’s plan to reduce stigma and foster connection, belonging, and hope with this increase in access to recovery and prevention services.

Furthermore, the Recovery College is one of five locations in Alberta, which received support from the province and the CMHA Calgary Region Centre for Excellence in Recovery and Peer Support.

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Jason Luan said recovery is a priority for the Alberta government.

“Albertans deserve the ability to access the recovery services they need to help them live healthy, productive lives. These Recovery Colleges provide important supports from people with real experiences that help support long-term recovery.”

The five colleges were part of a three-year provincial project.

Find the CMHA Wood Buffalo Recovery College and Welcome Centre at 8530 Manning Ave. in downtown Fort McMurray.

The ribbon-cutting and open house take place at 10:00 a.m. on Nov. 14, 2019.