Public Education
Enabling us to take proactive steps towards maintaining good mental health, supporting others, and creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Peer Workshops
Take steps towards strengthening your mental well-being by exploring our course schedule and registering online. We provide nonjudgmental environments that value curiosity, lived experience, and hope, fostering a sense of community and support. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or looking to support others, our courses offer valuable insights and resources. For special requests, group bookings, or any questions, reach out to our Mental Health Education Resource Centre at 204-942-6568. Join us on this journey of discovery and empowerment for improved mental health.
Hearing Voices That Are Distressing
(3 hours – Virtual)
This simulated workshop accurately portrays what someone who hears voices lives with every day, promoting a powerful understanding and awareness of the “hearing voices” experience. For caregivers, family members, workplaces, college/universities, paramedics, law enforcement and professional service providers who work with people who hear distressing voices. Participants will listen to recordings of voices through headphones while performing various tasks as the volume is adjusted.
Facilitated for people 18+ with access to a computer. Not recommended for those who are hearing voices.
Learning goals:
- Understanding the day-to-day challenges that people face who hear voices.
- Becoming more empathic toward people who hear distressing voices.
- Changing clinical practices to better address the needs of people who hear distressing voices.
Understanding Schizophrenia
(1 hour – Virtual)
This workshop aims to shed light on this often-misunderstood mental health challenge. With 300,000 Canadians affected, it’s crucial to gain a deeper understanding of early psychosis, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and the surrounding stigma. This one-hour presentation is designed to increase awareness and foster empathy for those facing these challenges. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and grow together.
Learning goals:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of early psychosis, schizophrenia, and schizoaffective disorder.
- Identify the common misconceptions and stigma associated with schizophrenia and related mental health challenges.
- Develop increased empathy and awareness for individuals living with schizophrenia and their experiences.
Family Recovery Journey
(5 sessions)
This 5-session national education program designed to meet the needs of family members, caregivers, and friends of individuals living with and recovering from mental illness. Written with a recovery focus, the workshop aims to increase accessibility to Canadian-based information on family management and relational health. Strengthen your ability to support your loved one, living beyond the limitations of mental illness, with hope, purpose, meaning, and social inclusion.
Learning Goals:
- Gain a deeper understanding of mental illness and its impact on individuals and their families, fostering empathy and compassion.
- Acquire practical tools and strategies for effective family management and supporting loved ones in their recovery journey.
- Develop resilience and coping skills to enhance family relational health and promote a sense of hope, purpose, and social inclusion for both the individual and their support network.
Name That Feeling
COMING SOON! (7 sessions)
This comprehensive 7 session program provides a safe space for children and teenagers (ages 7-13) to explore and express their emotions related to having a family member with a mental illness. Through interactive activities, discussions, crafts, and games, participants develop healthy coping skills and resilience, fostering a better understanding of their feelings and promoting emotional well-being within their homes. Join us for this empowering workshop and equip your child with the tools they need to navigate these challenges with strength and positivity.
Learning goals:
- Develop Emotional Awareness: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and feelings related to living with a family member with a mental illness. They will learn to identify and express their emotions in a healthy and constructive manner.
- Build Coping Skills: Through interactive learning activities and discussions, children and teenagers will acquire coping strategies to manage the challenges that arise from having a loved one with a mental illness. They will develop resilience and healthy attitudes to navigate difficult situations.
- Foster Supportive Relationships: The workshop will provide a supportive environment for participants to connect with others who share similar experiences. By engaging in group discussions and activities, they will build a sense of belonging and find comfort in knowing they are not alone in their journey.
Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, and Psychosis Resources
In October 2020, the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society became Peer Connections Manitoba, emphasizing our focus on broad mental health needs. We provide peer support for all mental health challenges and addictions, fostering a culture of hope and possibilities. While our name changed, our commitment to quality mental health education and resources remains. Together, we transcend limitations and promote recovery for every individual.
Our peer staff offers resources and support to individuals and families, sharing what worked for them in to help our community thrive.
Mental Health Education Resource Centre
Building a Manitoba where all individuals have access to current mental health resources and education.
Established in 2003 as an extension of Peer Connections Manitoba, the Mental Health Education Resource Centre (MHERC) serves as a dedicated resource library aimed at reducing mental health stigma and discrimination in Manitoba. As times have changed, MHERC has evolved to meet the new and growing needs for mental health information, education, and connections that can be accessed from the comfort of home or work. We understand the significance of providing various resources, including new media presentations, podcasts, printed materials, e-books, and audio resources to cater to the evolving needs of individuals seeking mental health support and knowledge.
Immediate Help
In times of crisis, it’s important to reach out for support. The following resources are available to provide assistance and guidance. Many of these services operate 24/7, offering personal and confidential counselling, support services, and referrals at no cost. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911.
