Workshops and training
Our training team includes registered social workers who practice community social work and public health advocates. We offer a range of mental health and wellness workshops to support students. Our training sessions help build community, decrease loneliness, and build capacity to help ourselves and each other.
The Community Helpers Program aims to build a strong and supportive campus community by equipping participants with the tools to help others who are experiencing a mental health problem or concern. The intent of the program is to support “natural helpers” and build a bridge between the informal and formal support systems for young adults in the community and to provide awareness of existing supports and services. In addition to enhancing their skills, participants also increase their knowledge about a variety of issues those they are helping may face and learn about valuable resources both on and off campus.
- Tuesdays, Sept 12, 19 and 26 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. (North Campus)
- October 9, 16, and 23, 2024 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. (Virtual)
- November 13 and 14, 2024 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (North Campus)
- Jan. 13, 20, and 27, 2025 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. (virtual)
- Feb. 19 and 20, 2025 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (North Campus)
- March 4, 11, and 18, 2025 from 1 - 4:30 p.m. (Virtual)
This 3-hour workshop takes participants through the six SUPPORT steps of the Community Helpers Program, learning how to approach a student having a tough time, engage in supportive listening, and make appropriate resource referrals. Participants receive a certificate upon completion.
- Friday, Jan. 17, 2025: 9:00 a.m. - 12 p.m. (North Campus)
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025: 1 - 4 p.m. (North Campus)
- Thursday, Mar. 20, 2025: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. (virtual)
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a 2 hour certified suicide prevention training program. As gatekeeper training, UofA staff, faculty, and students gain skills to recognize and support people who may be having thoughts of suicide.
- Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 from 1 - 3 p.m. (North Campus)
- Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 from 2 - 4 p.m. (North Campus)
- Wednesday, Mar. 12, 2025 from 1 - 3 p.m. (virtual)
An exploration of how alcohol and substances are present in many different environments and how the way it is talked about impacts people’s decisions to use alcohol and substances. Discussion of how social norms impact alcohol use, dialogue among participants on their perspectives on alcohol use and its prevalence in campus culture, and ending off with examples of peer protective strategies and the importance of harm reduction when creating policies around alcohol for university students and beyond.
This session is by request only.
While we do our best to be proactive, crises can occur to anyone. Building upon the Community Helper SUPPORT conversation model, learn how to notice signs of distress, utilize active listening skills, de-escalation tools and resource navigation to support those who may need assistance in the moment.
Presentation upon request.
Trauma Informed Principles (TIP) can be a useful guide for how we support others. Building on the Community Helper SUPPORT conversation model, learn how TIP can help create meaningful connection with respect to supporting others.
Please note that either of the following trainings are a prerequisite for this training.
- How to Have Supportive Conversation
- Community Helpers Program
- Supporting those in Distress
Consideration can be given for similar training and/or personal experience related to developing your listening skill set. Connect with our team to discuss this if needed.
Presentation upon request.
Students, staff, and faculty at the UofA can request any of our workshops for a group of 10 or more. Submit your request for a workshop through our form and a team member will respond within two business days.