Rocky View Schools’ educators are teaching more than math, science and language, they are also helping to develop their students’ mental health through the Stepping Stones programs.
“These programs are important for youth because they promote positive mental health through raising awareness, increasing knowledge, building personal skills, developing interpersonal skills and fostering positive community norms,” Ashley Plumtree, program success coach in Cochrane explained in an email.
The Stepping Stones to Mental Health program was introduced to Cochrane in 2013, partnering with Rocky View Schools (RVS), Alberta Health Services, and other community organizations, the initiative offers programming for teachers, parents, youth and the community with a monthly theme. In November, the program focused on Healthy Relationships.
“With the holidays approaching as well as many other stressful things going on for families, we chose Healthy Relationships for November. When we talk about healthy relationships we try to focus on the signs of a healthy verses an unhealthy relationship – as well as general boundaries that are often present within a healthy relationship,” Plumtree explained.
Healthy relationships are topical in Cochrane lately due to a push from law enforcement and members of the public to raise awareness about domestic violence.
“We often receive feedback from the youth, school, or parents/guardians of the positive impact that the program has had for them,” Plumtree said.
Along with the monthly theme, the program has also focused on addictions awareness bringing a youth outreach worker specializing in addictions and mental health to Bow Valley High School.
“In our work with students over the years, you can see the growth and development that occurs,” Plumtree said. “Prevention plants the initial seeds that support children and youth in their journey with mental health and wellness.”
The mission statement of the program is “everyone on the planet has mental health – imagine a world without stigma, where vulnerability is a strength and compassion is your first response.”
The program is funded through Alberta Health Services.
For more information about the program, go to the official Facebook page ‘Stepping Stones to Mental Health” or the Twitter account at @SteppingS2MH.
Program themes by month;
December – Get out and get activeJanuary – Choose healthy lifestylesFebruary – Connect with othersMarch – Refuel your body and mindApril – Diversity (help yourself and others)May – Manage challengesJune – Enjoy life
