Community Helpers Workshop Series

Community Helpers
AHS Community Helpers

Have you ever been in a situation where someone approached you with a problem and you were wondering what you should do next? Ever wondered what to say to someone who is in distress or experiencing a crisis? Community Helpers training provides participants with tools and strategies to effectively recognize and respond to mental health concerns and provide support. 

Topics covered include:   

  • Recognizing signs of distress
  • Tools for having supportive conversations
  • Navigating and setting boundaries
  • Helping resources 
  • Strategies for making an effective referral
  • Supporting your own mental health & wellbeing

This training is offered by UCalgary Student Wellness Services in collaboration with Alberta Health Services, and is specifically designed and scheduled for pre-service teachers. Participants who complete the training will receive a certificate from Alberta Health Services.


Program Learning Outcomes

  • Apply a variety of leadership strategies to develop meaningful relationships with the program and its participants.
  • Apply a variety of facilitation strategies to encourage discussion, generate ideas, and build consensus.

Community Helpers Training Dates

In order to receive the official certificate from Alberta Health Services, students must complete the full 3 hours of Community Helpers training. The workshop has been broken into two, 90-minute parts to work more easily with students' schedules.

Participants must complete both parts in order to receive the certificate.


Community Helpers Training – On Campus

Session #1: Monday, October 21, 2024, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Session #2: Friday, October 25, 2024, 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Register for the On Campus training here

Community Helpers Training - On Zoom

Session #1: Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Session #2: Wednesday, November 20, 2024, 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Register for the On Zoom training here

Experiential Learning Check-In & Reflection Opportunities

All participants in Experiential Learning programs are welcome and encouraged to attend at least two of the check-in & reflection sessions below as part of their program. Reflection is an incredibly important part of experiential learning. It encourages students to consider their experience so far and to adjusted as needed as they go forward through the rest of their program, or into the next step of their career.


Fall Check-In & Reflection Sessions

  • Tuesday, October 15, 2024: 9:30 am (Zoom)
  • Monday, October 21, 2024: 2:30 pm (in-person, register here)
  • Tuesday, October 29, 2024: 5:00 pm (Zoom)
  • Monday, November 4, 2024: 9:30 am (Zoom)
  • Tuesday, November 19, 2024: 12:00 pm (Zoom)
  • Friday, November 29, 2024: 9:30 am (in-person, register here)
  • Tuesday, December 10, 2024: 5:00 pm (Zoom)
  • Thursday, December 12, 2024: 9:30 am (in-person, register here)

Winter Check-In & Reflection Sessions

  • Monday, January 20, 2025: 9:30 am (in-person, register here)
  • Monday, January 20, 2025: 2:30 pm (Zoom)
  • Thursday, January 30, 2025: 9:00 am (in-person, register here)
  • Monday, February 3, 2025: 9:30 am (in-person, register here)
  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025: 12:00 pm (Zoom)
  • Thursday, February 20, 2025: 1:30 pm (Zoom)
  • Tuesday, March 4, 2025: 5:00 pm (Zoom)