CMHA Kamloops to Offer Free Mental Health Training in Merritt

In response to the lasting impacts of the 2021 floods in Merritt and the surrounding region, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Kamloops is launching a new initiative to provide free mental health training to residents, Indigenous communities, organizations and service providers.

This vital program is made possible through funding from the Canadian Red Cross.

To ensure the program meets the specific needs of the community, CMHA Kamloops is conducting a needs assessment and inviting input from the public on what types of mental health education and support would be most beneficial.

Community members are encouraged to share their suggestions by emailing: community.education@cmhakamloops.ca

“We want to ensure the training we provide is relevant and impactful,” says Brett Mineer, Communications and Engagement Coordinator of CMHA Kamloops. “By listening to the community, we can help build resiliency and strong supports in Merritt and the region – especially as people continue to recover from the compounding trauma of successive natural disasters.”

The initiative will include a variety of evidence-based training opportunities, such as:

* Mental Health First Aid

* ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

* Trauma Informed Care

* Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Awareness

* Workplace Boundaries

All courses will be led by certified facilitators and made available free of charge to individuals, businesses, educators, and community groups.

Service delivery is anticipated to begin in fall 2025, with registration details to be released in the coming months.

“This program is part of CMHA Kamloops’ broader commitment to enhancing mental health education and access throughout the Thompson-Nicola region,” says Alfred Achoba, Executive Director, CMHA Kamloops. “This includes a special focus on rural and underserved areas.”

For updates or to participate in the community needs assessment, you can also contact (250) 374 0440 ext. 102