Mental health challenges can impact anyone; yet many people, including youth and rural residents, often face barriers to accessing the support they need. That’s where the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society comes in. Our charity is proud to offer no-cost toolkits designed to empower individuals and communities: the Student Mental Health Toolkit and the Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit. Each toolkit is packed with resources to reduce stigma, promote well-being, and equip users with the tools to take charge of their own mental wellbeing. This guide will help you navigate our toolkits and make the most of our resources. Learn about the types of resources available and find the materials that are most relevant to you. There is something for everyone- let’s get started!
The Student Mental Health Toolkit is your go-to resource for creating a supportive mental health environment in school and at home. Whether you’re an educator, student, or parent/guardian, this toolkit is packed with impactful and easy-to-use tools.
Getting Started
The homepage of the Toolkit conveniently guides you to the most useful resources based on your role. The Toolkit is organized into two sections for easy navigation: the Youth Corner (grades 4-7) and the Teens Corner (grades 8-12). Access all the resources on the Toolkit at no cost by completing the contact form to register. The Student Mental Health Toolkit is also available in French!
Resources for Educators and School Counsellors
- Mental Health Lesson Plans and Classroom Activities: The Toolkit offers user-friendly Lesson Plans to help educators incorporate mental health into their curriculum. School staff will also find engaging Student Activities focused on mental health, including interactive quizzes, videos, and more. Use the resources in our Coping with Mental Health section to supplement your lessons and teach students how to care for their mental well-being.
- Conversation Guides and Information for Youth: Utilize our Downloadable Resources to initiate open and supportive conversations with students and teach them about a wide range of mental health topics. Our Downloadable Resources use simple, straightforward language to make it easier for school staff discuss mental health with youth.
- Inspiring Story Videos: Our Inspiring Stories feature individuals sharing their personal journeys with mental health and stigma, helping students empathize with others and better understand these topics. The videos are short, relatable, and can be shared anywhere to educate youth about mental health and encourage open discussions.
- Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations: Easily bring impactful speakers to your school with our Virtual Stigma-Free Presentations on mental health and stigma. Our presenters provide mental health education and inspire students by sharing their lived experiences with stigma and mental health. Their moving stories leave a lasting impact on educators and students alike! Check out this section of the Toolkit to learn more about our presenters, browse our presentation materials, and book a presentation.
- Mental Health for School Staff: It is important to take care of your own mental health too! This section is dedicated to supporting your mental health as a school staff member. Use these resources to help build a work-life balance, manage stress, and prevent burnout so that you can thrive in your role.
Resources for Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers
When you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you may feel overwhelmed or unsure about the next steps to take. The Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers section provides guidance and tools to support your child’s mental health, along with tips on how to discuss mental health with your child.
Register Now at No Cost
By using the Student Mental Health Toolkit, schools and families can create an environment that nurtures mental well-being and teaches youth to have compassion for themselves and others. These are just some of the resources available on the Toolkit; there are many more sections to explore!
Register now for no-cost, full-access to countless resources!
Every resource in the Rural Mental Wellness Toolkit is tailored to those living in rural and agricultural communities, where mental health challenges can be compounded by stigma, isolation, and limited resources. The goal of this Toolkit is to address mental health disparities in rural areas, offer hope to rural residents who are facing mental health challenges, and provide educational resources to reduce various forms of stigma. Here is how to navigate the Toolkit and start raising mental health awareness in your rural community:
Resources for Mental Health and Self-Care: Your Mental Health Matters
The Your Mental Health Matters section offers articles and videos to help individuals learn about mental health and take control of their mental well-being. Browse through these resources for information on caring for your own mental health and share them with those who could benefit from them. There are also Conversation Cards to help you spark discussion around mental health and stigma within your community.
In this section, you’ll also find resources for Men’s Mental Health. Men living in rural areas often face unique challenges and stigma when it comes to mental health, and this section includes tips, resources, and videos of men openly sharing about their mental health journeys – including their struggles and successes. This is the go-to section to visit if you are seeking resources that promote a non-judgemental space for men to talk about mental health.
The Indigenous Highlight features resources for Indigenous peoples, by Indigenous peoples. Browse toolkits from We Matter, an Indigenous youth-led organization, and the First Nations Health Authority. This section provides tailored mental health materials for Indigenous youth, support workers, and teachers.
Support for Youth and Families
- Supporting Rural Youth: Parents/guardians, educators, and youth mentors can use our videos, comic books, and activities to educate young people about mental health and reaching out for help.
- Caring for Seniors: This section addresses the mental health needs of rural seniors, including ways to provide support and activities that are nourishing for the body and mind.
Rural Peer Support Fundamentals Training
Learn all about our Rural Peer Support Fundamentals Training, offered in partnership with Sara Riel Inc. Our training is designed to help individuals in rural and agricultural communities establish and lead their own peer support groups. By connecting with others who share similar experiences, community members can provide and receive empowering emotional support. Peer support is especially important in areas where professional mental health care is not often easily accessible.
Finding a Work-Life Balance
The Life and Work Well-Being section addresses the complicated work-life balance for rural residents, especially those in the agricultural community. The Toolkit acknowledges the unique stressors of rural life and provides tips for managing these challenges effectively.
Community Resources and Rural Live Wellness Events
These sections highlight our upcoming events and help and community resources, where rural residents can find additional support and connect with others interested in mental wellness.
Make the Most of Our Resources
Whether you’re a school staff member seeking ways to support students, a parent looking to understand your child’s mental health, or a rural community leader who is passionate about reducing stigma, the Student Mental Health and Rural Mental Wellness Toolkits will help you make a difference. Browse our Stigma-Free School Program and Rural Mental Wellness Program for more resources and trainings!
Don’t wait! Register today at no-cost and receive all the tools and resources necessary to make a lasting impact on mental health! Together, we can build a future where everyone has the support and resources they need to thrive!
Questions about our programs? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Author: Monique Zizzo
