Communities In Mind
Communities In Mind
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Co-ops across Alberta are proud to come together in support of mental health through the Communities in Mind campaign.
With the help of our members and communities, we continue to fund vital programs, expand services, and strengthen access to care for those facing mental health and addiction challenges. Together, we’re working hand-in-hand to bring mental health support to those who need it most.
The Co-op Communities in Mind campaign is making a real difference across Alberta. We’ve been able to support services, develop new programs, and reach out to more individuals struggling with mental health and addictions issues. Join us in support of the incredible work being done. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a huge difference. Let’s continue to build this bridge of hope together, because mental health matters, and together, we can make a world of difference.
Since 2020, this campaign has raised over $300,000 for mental health and addictions across Alberta! In 2023, Westview Co-op joined the partnership with other Alberta Co-ops to provide funding to support services, develop new programs, and reach our to more individuals struggling with mental health and addictions issues.
Our 2026 Communities in Mind Campaign:
Communities in Mind starts February 9th and will run until February 23rd .
How can you help?
You can donate at the till to receive a Communities in Mind heart at all Westview Co-op locations.
You can write your name or an encouraging message on your heart, and the team member serving you will put up your heart in that location.
You can tell your friends & family about Communities in Mind!
Applications for funding open:
April 1, 2026
Impact of our 2025 Communities in Mind campaign:
Project Reach — Family Connection Events ($5,000)
The goal of the Family Connection Events is to increase awareness, education, and access to mind and body-based programs/events that offer a variety of ways to support mental health and create opportunities for people to connect, learn new skills and feel less isolated.
The project will also give people opportunities to learn new ways to incorporate activities, engage with peers and community members as well as supportive community contacts, for addressing mental health wellness in various interactive ways in areas in or close to where they live. They hope to meet people where they are at and offer numerous options for engagement and learning as they continue to encourage community engagement for mental health with those of all ages.
Impact of our 2024 Communities in Mind Campaign:
SHIFT ($2,600)
Education and Awareness of a variety of techniques and tools that support meaningful opportunities to explore a variety of ways to address mental health and recovery related goals.
SHIFT supports individual change and individual goals connected to their personal wellness as well as community engagement, partnership, and enhanced connection to mind and body based skill development.
Impact of our 2023 Communities In Mind Campaign:
Addiction and Mental Health Treatment Support ($2,370)
The goal of this program is decreasing barriers to timely treatment by addressing limited transportation options for rural clients.
Funding will provide transportation costs, like gas cards, ensuring clients can access out-of-town services like detox and residential treatment. Funds will also purchase supplies for local programming to enhance client experiences for local addiction and mental health groups.
Community Kitchen ($1,700)
Lynks Harvest Sky Services and Supports proposed a Community Kitchen program. The program had mental health clients and community members build skills as they plan and prepare nutritious meals together. Prepared meals also helped to address food insecurity.
The six-week program increased social connections, food security, built food preparation skills, and supported individual therapy goals.
Family Connection Events ($2,500)
Running from May to October 2024, the project aims to host free family connection events in rural Alberta communities to promote mental health awareness and provide access to local support resources.
The project is led by Project REACH and aims to reduce isolation. Planned events include walks, outdoor movie nights, craft nights and community meals. Each event will be tailored to specific communities such as Hanna, Delia, and Morrin. By bringing people and services together in fun, non-intimidating ways they will increase awareness of local mental health and social support resources in rural areas.
Mental Health Support Resources
We've compiled a list of mental health resources that ALL Albertans can access. Please share these with your loved ones/co-workers if the need for help ever arises.
Youth Support
- https://mykickstand.ca/connect
- Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-387-5437
- Kids Help Phone – 1 (800) 668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
- MoreGoodDays – Text ‘MoreGoodDays’ to 393939 for free daily text messages
- Bullying Hotline 1-888-456-2323
Adult Support
- www.ahs.ca/virtualmentalhealth.ca
- www.ahs.ca/helpintoughtimes
- Mental Health Helpline 1-877-303-2642
- Addictions Helpline 1-866-332-2322
- Crisis Text Line – Text CONNECT to 741741
- Crisis Support Centre Distress Line: 780-482-HELP (4357)
- Urgent Services: 780-342-7777
- Family Violence Info line – 310-1818
- Health Link – 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7
These are professional services that can be discreetly accessed if necessary. Please save and share with loved ones/co-workers in the event support is needed!
