Stony Plain advances mental health and wellness initiatives

STONY PLAIN -- Stony Plain continues its work in advancing mental wellness initiatives in the municipality. 

This comes as part of the town's ongoing plan to strengthen access to community supports and resources. Key initiatives supported through their Mental Wellness Portfolio include Roots of Hope, the Tri-Region Grief Collaborative, the Forest of Hope, Walk for Wellness, and the Awareness to Action program.

"Awareness to Action is a proactive, prevention-focused approach to wellness that delivers trauma-informed education and skill building," said Brooklyn Bignell, Community Development Officer with the Town of Stony Plain. "It is designed to strengthen community capacity to respond to vulnerability with compassion, understanding, and support." 

The program was developed from public consultation to address concerns from vulnerable residents and community partners about the treatment and support of individuals within the community. Bignell says that throughout the development of the Awareness to Action training program, participants reported feeling heard, valued, and optimistic about their contributions.

"The community and social development department will continue engaging businesses, organizations, and the broader community to promote participation in the Awareness to Action program," said Bignell. "Community and social development will also explore opportunities for co-creation and for meaningfully integrating lived experience perspectives into initiatives."

Through their overarching mental health plan, Bignell says that their goal is to build resilience and cultivate a sense of connection and belonging, thereby enhancing residents' mental well-being.