About the Community Mental Health Action Plan
The Community Mental Health Action Plan is committed to improving mental health in the Edmonton area. This partnership is made up of diverse community members from government, non-profit organizations, and individuals.
The Action Plan is focused on improving service delivery, system integration, and the use of evidence-informed practices for mental health. Through collaboration, we create mental health resources, evidence-based tools, and share training opportunities for the community.
The Action Plan is committed to:
- raising awareness for mental health;
- promoting mental well-being;
- identifying solutions to the challenges in the mental health system, including access and prevention.
By listening to the community, including those with lived experience with mental health issues, the Action Plan can learn and address the gaps and needs in the mental health system. We are working towards ensuring everyone in our community has the support, tools, and resources they need for their mental health.
Mission
To facilitate stakeholder created, collaborative solutions to mental health system challenges.
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Vision
Citizens in Edmonton and area will have access to a better coordinated mental health system that serves their needs across the whole mental health continuum.
Our History
Community Mental Health Action Plan Journey Map
We created a Journey Map with MAPS Alberta Capital Region. We used this creative method to capture the progress and challenges of the implementation of the Action Plan. There are many details to explore on the map.
We invite you to download the full version of the Journey Map and to read the symbology of the map.
Alignments
We align with external frameworks and initiatives to enhance the progress and investment in mental health through the combined strengths of government and community working together. These initiatives include:
“EndPovertyEdmonton is a community initiative working towards prosperity for all through advancing reconciliation, the elimination of racism, livable incomes, affordable housing, accessible and affordable transit, affordable and quality child care, and access to mental health services and addiction supports.”
EndPovertyEdmonton Strategy Priority #19
- Improve timely access to mental health and wellness services and addictions supports
EndPovertyEdmonton Road Map, Goal 3, Action 25
- Advocate to increase funding and access to mental health services and education including the expansion of full service hours for multi-disciplinary mental health services
Family Violence Hurts Everyone: A Framework to End Family Violence in Alberta
Strategic Priorities of the Framework
- Strengthen efforts to prevent family violence across the lifespan
- Enhance services, supports and the justice response for victims and offenders
- Partner and plan with Alberta’s diverse communities
- Promote family and community safety through policy, legislation and public engagement
- Evaluate, measure and demonstrate success
Living Hope: A Community Plan to Prevent Suicide in Edmonton
“The plan aims to bring the community significantly closer to preventing suicide in Edmonton which will position Edmonton as a leader in suicide prevention.”
Objective 2, Priority Action 2.1
- Expand suicide prevention training opportunities for staff of organizations who work with higher risk populations and those vulnerable during transition times, to identify risk, provide assessment, and facilitate referral.
Objective 5, Priority Action 5.1
- Incorporate suicide prevention and positive mental health promotion into new and existing addiction and mental health initiatives.
Objective 5, Priority Action 5.3
- Contribute to the development of comprehensive referral and bridging protocols for people at risk of suicide that ensure a supportive transition between care providers, where relationships of support are maintained.
United Way of the Alberta Capital Region
“United Way looks at the big picture in order to deliver a coordinated network of services and programs to address a range of needs for children and families who are living in poverty.”
Urban Isolation & Mental Health
“Edmontonians are less likely to experience stress, depression, loneliness and isolation if they feel connected to a supportive community. The City of Edmonton’s initiative on Urban Isolation and Mental Health will work to positively affect mental health and wellbeing by connecting residents within their communities.”
“In June 2015, Premier Rachel Notley announced that the Alberta Mental Health Review Committee would complete a comprehensive review of the mental health system in Alberta. The Committee released Valuing Mental Health: Report of the Alberta Mental Health Review Committee in February 2016. With guidance from stakeholder consultations and community suggestions, the Committee’s recommendations were synthesized into the 18 actions reflected in Valuing Mental Health (VMH): Next Steps, released in June 2017. VMH: Next Steps aligns with the Government of Alberta’s community-based health vision by improving continuity of addiction and mental health services and supports within the health system and in the community. Its actions focus on coordinating and integrating services across health and with community service providers with an emphasis on meeting the needs of vulnerable and underserved groups.”
Funders
Thank you to our funders:
Support
Backbone support is provided by:



Community Stakeholders
Thank you to all our partnering organizations who have provided countless hours of in-kind support in the form of expertise, leading committees, and implementing the goals and actions in the Community Mental Health Action Plan. This work wouldn’t happen without you!