Mental Health

Westwind School Division focuses on the well-being of students, families, and staff, and wants everyone to stay physically, emotionally, and mentally well. Our professionals have curated several resources to help support families.

NEED HELP?

Alberta-wide Mental Health Help Line

Talk to Someone Now

There are multiple mental health agencies and professionals that are available to assist you and your loved ones during this challenging time. Many are providing services at a distance via technology (phone, email and video conferencing). Please see the list of some local service providers below, there are also private counsellors/psychologists still taking clients if you contact your school FSLC they can provide you with some referral information.

This list may be added to as more info becomes available.

Family & Community Support Services (FCSS)

Available across Southern Alberta

FCSS Counselling Services

Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)

FSCD

Cardston Area Mental Health

Cardston Addiction and Mental Health Services 

Raymond Area Mental Health

Raymond Addiction and Mental Health Services

Lethbridge Area Mental Health 

Lethbridge Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program

Key Connections

Lethbridge Counselling Services

Lethbridge Family Services

Access mental health supports and services online, by phone, or by text.

The pandemic's challenges and pressures have exacerbated feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness for many students.

The Alberta COVID-19 Youth Mental Health Resource Hub on Jack.org. provides youth, educators and parents with easy-to-access tools and mental health supports. The youth-focused resources on this hub include:

Jack Chapters – Youth-led, community-driven mental health advocacy clubs at schools or in the community.


Jack Talks – Mental health presentations delivered to young people by young people.


Jack Summits – Mental health conferences developed by youth, where young people within a region connect, strategize and learn from one another.

Do Something – Tools to take small, simple steps that make a big difference to youth mental health and the mental health of others.

Be There – Tools to support someone who may be struggling with their mental health.

Visit https://jack.org/Resources/ABHub to learn more.

 

The following mental health resources are available to support students, families and school staff:

Whether working in the school or from home, the pandemic has changed school-based staff's experience. These resources will help you address the challenges, stresses, and opportunities of school during COVID-19.

Find resources for talking, calming anxiety, healthy habits, and mindfulness. Remember: self-care isn't selfish.

First Nations families can find local resources here.

For Blackfoot Confederacy members livings off-reserve, food hampers are available. Email arnoldj@blackfootconfederacy.ca and include your name, nation, contact information, physical living address, and the number of people in household.

These resources for students with special needs and their families may support your child at home.

Learn more about the Government of Alberta's information, resources, and support for mental health in our schools.

Government of Alberta Mental Health in Schools

Find supports for financial assistance, food banks, shelter, emergency preparedness, and more.

These articles and resources may help you in talking to your child about COVID-19 and its impacts.

Being physically and mentally active will help mitigate boredom and loneliness during social distancing and school closure. Check out these online resources to help.

Children's Grief Centre

Teen Grief 101

Helping Children Cope with Grief

Helping a Teenager Deal with a Loss

Helping Teenagers Cope with Grief