CMHA Well-Being Learning Centre Spring Courses

Canadian Mental Health Association has announced the Well-Being Learning Centre Spring Courses for April, May, and June 2023.

To register for courses, please go to https://mbwpg.cmha.ca/events.

All courses are HYBRID – offered in classroom and online via Zoom at the very same time with a few exceptions (for courses only available in the classroom).
***If you have registered for an online course but cannot find your Zoom link, please call the front desk at 204-982-6100***

Employment Courses – Hybrid

Resume Development
You will learn about what to include and exclude in a resume, learn about the different types of resumes, as well as some tips on how to target to employers.

Dates: Wednesday, April 5, 2023 and Wednesday, May 23, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators:
April 5: Sarah Fonseca-Errestad and Eric Pelser
May 23: Eric Pelser and Laksha Sannasgama
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 15

Interview Skills
Tips and strategies to help you prepare for a job interview and how to present yourself to an employer in an interview. Practice opportunities provided.

Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2023 and Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators:
April 12: Sarah Fonseca-Errestad and Zeeshan Shaikh
June 7: Sarah Fonseca-Errestad and Laksha Sannasgama
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 15

Networking Skills
Learn how to perfect your “elevator speech” and promote yourself to potential employers. Tips for networking, as well as benefits and barriers will be explored.

Date: Wednesday, April 26, 2023 and Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators: Laksha Sannasgama and Zeeshan Shaikh
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 15

Developing Professional Communication
When we exchange information in the workplace, we refer to it as professional communication because it is critical that information and conversation is delivered in a style that is appropriate and respectful. This course will provide you with guidelines for professional communication and suggest some helpful tips for workplace communication. This course involves a practice lab after the initial course information is presented for anyone interested in practicing their networking skills. (1 hour in length plus a practice lab scheduled during the course)

Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2023 and Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators:
May 3: Eric Pelser and Laksha Sannasgama
June 21: Zeeshan Shaikh and Laksha Sannasgama
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 15

Maintaining Wellness on the Job
Learn about the benefits employment has on mental health, self-esteem, motivation, job stress, and how to develop a work-life balance and the topic of disclosure. Wellness plans are explored.

Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 and Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators:
May 10: Sarah Fonseca-Errestad and Laksha Sannasgama
June 28: Laksha Sannasgama and Sarah Fonseca-Errestad
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 15

Workplace Expectations
Learn important information regarding what an employer looks for in a successful employee and how to start a new job with a professional outlook.

Date: Wednesday, May 17, 2023 and Wednesday, July 5, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators: Zeeshan Shaikh and Laksha Sannasgama
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 15

HYBRID COURSES – General Interest

Insights into Anxiety
This presentation will discuss the symptoms of anxiety which are often physical as well as mental and emotional. Several types of anxiety will be identified along with treatment options and coping strategies. Resources will be provided.

Date: Tuesday, April 4 , 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Rachel Chabbert and Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Insights into Stress Management
Stress is an experience that is universal and cannot be avoided. This presentation examines various perspectives on stress and provides practical information so you can be self-aware about the stress impact. We will examine various kinds of stress and identify the signs of burnout. We will describe stress management techniques so you can feel prepared to get through stressful times.

Date: Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators: Rachel Chabbert and Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Exploring Self-Esteem
This three-session course is focused on exploring why we struggle with self-esteem, the
importance of positive self-esteem, and how to develop a daily practice of self-esteem. Learn about the four corners of self-esteem and develop a plan to strengthen and build your self-esteem.

Dates: Tuesday, April 18, April 25, and May 2, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Tracy Fehr and PJ Anderson
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Mental Health Toolkit for Black Canadians (Tracy-Ann Campbell)
This course will expand on the toolkit called “The Towards Positive Change To promote Mental Health and Wellbeing: A Toolkit for Black Canadians.” This innovative toolkit was created by Black Canadians (people who are African, Caribbean, or other descent) for Black Canadians and those who provide services to Black Canadians. The goal of this toolkit is to increase awareness about mental illness, mental health and well being for Black individuals and their communities.

It is a call to action for this community to experience sustainable mental health and support.
Topics covered in the toolkit and in the course include:
 Myths and Truths about Mental Health
 Factors the Impact Mental Health
 Health Equity and Mental Health
 Gender Based Analysis Plus
 Parental Influence and Mental Health
 Impact of Housing on Mental Health
 Workplace Policies and Procedures
 Taking Care of Your Own Mental Health
 Taking Care of Others

Dates: Wednesdays, May 3 – June 21, 2023
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Facilitator: Tracy-Anne Campbell
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Processing Grief and Loss
We experience many losses throughout our lives. The loss of those we care for and love, jobs, homes, friendships, connections and, we lose many things that hold meaning for us. This course will describe the unique experience of grief and explore how we process our sadness and feelings of loss. Self-acceptance is key to processing grief and loss. Grieving can last for as long as you need it to, and it is very personal to you and your needs. This course will involve many discussions.

Dates: Monday, May 8, May 15, and May 29, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Stacey Krueger and Curtis Brandt
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Insights into Hoarding Disorder – Online Only
Hoarding is defined as the acquisition of, and inability to discard items even when they appear to have no value. Hoarding behaviour and the experience if hoarding disorder is extremely complicated and personal. This course will provide information about signs and symptoms of hoarding disorder and provide ideas regarding treatment options and how to provide compassionate support to a person struggling with hoarding.

Date: Friday, May 5, 2023
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Sheryl Giesbrecht
Location: Online Via Zoom
Spots: 30

Budgeting Basics
Learn practical skills regarding money management and planning for your needs and wants throughout each month. Managing money and making it last can be very stressful. Explore how you feel about money and how you communicate about money issues. This course will help you get your finances on track and prepare for the future. Creating a real and manageable budget will be one of the activities in this course and there will be opportunities to identify strategies to help you stick to your budget.

Dates: Mondays, June 5, 2023 and Monday, June 12, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Spenser Martin and Stacey Krueger
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Insights into OCD
OCD is a mental illness that his made up of two parts: obsessions and compulsions. It is a distressing experience that can cause anxiety. This course will provide information about signs and symptoms of OCD and explore the experience of obsessions and compulsions. Treatment options and strategies to manage OCD will be shared.

Date: Friday, June 9, 2023
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Rachel Chabbert and Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

Insights into Depression
This presentation will discuss the symptoms of depression and the diverse ways that depression presents itself, bringing focus to strategies to manage depression and get through difficult times. We will explore how depression is unique to each person and provide helpful resources.

Date: Friday, June 16, 2023
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators: Rachel Chabbert and Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room and online Via Zoom
Spots on Zoom: 30
Spots in the classroom: 18

IN-CLASSROOM COURSES

Living Life to the Full
Do you want to know how to feel better, right now? This 8-session interactive course
introduces principles of Five Areas of the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (“CBT”) Model, developed by Dr. Chris Williams. Learn how to deal with feelings when feeling fed up, worried, or hopeless, and learn skills that help tackle life’s problems.

Dates: Thursdays, April 13 – June 8, 2023 (no class on May 25, 2023)
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Stacey Krueger and Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room
Spots: 18

CRAFT – Community Reinforcement Family Training for Mental Illness
This CRAFT program is a skills-based program for families of people who struggle with mental illness. It was originally created and developed by Dr. Robert Meyers specifically for those suffering from substance use disorder (a mental illness) to help get them into treatment. CRAFT, in its present form, teaches family members practical strategies to motivate change both in themselves and their significant other. Here, the learning modules of CRAFT have been adapted for a more general and inclusive mental illness approach. Specific skills for learning include:

 Understanding a loved one’s triggers
 Positive communication strategies
 Positive reinforcement strategies
 Problem Solving
 Self-care
 Precautions against violence and creating a safety plan
 Getting a loved one to accept help

Dates:  Wednesdays, April 5, April 12, and April 19, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Facilitator: Michael Kurek and assistance from Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room
Spots: 18

CRAFT – Community Reinforcement Family Training for Substance Use Abuse
The CRAFT program is designed to help people supporting a loved one who is struggling with substance use. The aim of this program is to provide education, empowerment, and hope by developing alternative ways of interacting with your loved one that do not include nagging, pleading, or threatening. CRAFT is an approach for families who have a loved one struggling with substances, but who is not really interested in making changes or getting help. Goals of this program will be:
1. To improve YOUR quality of life and to take care of yourself
2. To help your loved one discover and adopt a pleasurable and healthy lifestyle that is more rewarding than substance use
3. To be prepared and be patient

Dates: Thursdays, April 6 – May 11, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Plum Room
Facilitators: John Finkbeiner and Heaven Geller
Spots: 18

Dates: Wednesdays June 1, June 8, and June 15, 2023
Time: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Facilitator: Michael Kurek and assistance from Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room and online Via Zoom
Spots in the classroom: 17

Art, Creativity, and Mental Health
Brought to you by popular demand! These weekly sessions in creative arts will be fun, engaging, and get you into the ‘artistic flow.’ Discover how art making – painting, drawing, clay, sculpture, music, and writing – can reduce stress, improve concentration, support self-expression, build confidence, and inspire change. No previous experience or ‘talent’ required. All you need for this course is curiosity about making art and a desire to enhance your recovery experience.

Dates: Wednesdays, April 12 – June 14, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Facilitators: Tracy Fehr and PJ Anderson
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room
Spots: 18

Introduction to Mind Body Bridging
The concept of Mind Body Bridging was created over twenty years ago by a doctor named Stanley Block who has authored several books since on the subject to create a relaxing technique that can calm the mind and slow the stress response in the body. It is a straightforward, self-guided program that can help you feel connected, confident, and in charge of your life. The techniques include relaxing, meditation, visualization, tai chi, and yoga. This course is an introduction to this process and will get you started to be able to practice the techniques at home when you need calm and peace.

Dates: Tuesdays, May 23 – June 13, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Tracy Fehr and Karen Hoersch
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room
Spots: 15

RentSmart Course
This course addresses barriers that many people face when trying to find housing, either as a first time renter or as part of a significant life transition. RentSmart is a course for those who want to understand their role as tenants and want to reduce their challenges to finding and keeping housing. The barriers to housing are common to many: affordability, a lack of references, poor credit history, and discrimination. Information and support are included in this course as well as a certificate that you can provide with future rental applications.

Date:  Thursday, April 13, 2023
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Facilitators: Jaret Muska and Tracy-Anne Campbell
Location: 930 Portage Avenue in the Blueberry Room
Spots: 18

Older Adult Courses – Online

Turning Pages
Are you over 50 and experiencing sadness, anxiety, or feeling challenged related to transitions such as retirement or caregiving? Turning Pages is an innovative community-based mental health program offered in partnership with the University of Manitoba. Our goal is to improve mental health symptoms through education, skill building, peer support, and community connections. Turning pages is rooted in best practices and evidence-based research to help strengthen the mental health of older adults. The course is 6 weeks in length and offered in through Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent out after registration via our website, wpgmb.cmha.ca.
The cost is $50.00 per person.
*To apply for a fee waiver, please contact sgiesbrecht@cmhawpg.mb.ca*

Dates: Wednesdays, May 31 – July 5, 2023
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Stacey Krueger and Rachel Chabbert
Location: Online via Zoom
Spots: 22

Coming Soon:
Walk and Talk in the Wolseley Neighborhood
Over the summer months we will have a unique experience where participants can join in for a weekly walk and opportunity to connect with others and talk. The group is drop-in style, so no need to register. Just grab your water bottle and wear comfortable walking shoes and enjoy some fresh air and exercise through the beautiful Wolseley neighborhood. If it looks like rain, grab a good jacket to keep you dry.

Dates: Every Thursday, June 1 – September 21, 2023
Time: 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
Facilitators: Rachel Chabbert and Karen Hoersch
Location: Meet in the Well-Being Café at 930 Portage Avenue at 1:15pm

WELL CENTRAL – Virtual Well-Being Learning Centre (www.wellcentral.ca)

The Well Central website offers free, bilingual, interactive, self-paced and co-produced courses open to anyone, to support mental health, well-being, and recovery.

Well Central courses include:
Developing Self-Compassion
Do you struggle with self-compassion? Self-compassion means responding to yourself with kindness when you are experiencing a tough time. This course will help you understand the benefits of being kind to yourself and how to develop a regular practice of self-compassion. Topics covered: identifying the benefits of self-compassion, exploring the three parts of self-compassion, developing your own daily practice of self-compassion.

Overcoming Loneliness and Isolation
Everyone experiences loneliness and isolation from time to time, however, loneliness was becoming a significant problem in society even before the pandemic. While loneliness and isolation are common experiences, learning about these experiences can give you a much better understanding on the impact they have and what can be done to reduce the negative effects on your life. This virtual course will provide insights, perspectives, ideas, and concrete strategies to manage and overcome feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Recovery 101: The Journey Begins
The Recovery 101: The Journey Begins Course is a virtual, self-paced version of the extremely popular Well-Being Learning Centre Course. In this course, learners will gain a deeper understanding of the recovery process, explore different perspectives and experiences of recovery, learn about helpful recovery strategies, and will be inspired to try a variety of tools for promoting recovery.

Well-Being Course
The Well-Being Course is an interactive, virtual course available for anyone who wants to improve and protect their mental health and Well-Being. The Well-Being Course is for anyone who is dealing with stress, anxiety, low mood, or other life challenges and would like to enhance their mental health and Well-Being. This strengths-based Course guides each learner on their own personal journey toward improved Well-Being. Learners set their own goals and learn at their own pace. The Well-Being Course is a good place to start at Well Central and is foundational to all the other courses.