A Recovery College is coming to the region to help address the stigma surrounding mental health and addictions.

On Tuesday, CMHA Wood Buffalo launched a new initiative to help increase access to mental health prevention and promotion services.

In a release, Executive Director of CMHA Wood Buffalo Christine Savage says this model has proven to help reduce stigma, and foster connection, belonging, and hope.

“The need for mental health supports has increased significantly since the fires and the Recovery College has assisted in bridging this gap of our current needs,” Savage said.

Savage notes the Recovery College will help bring awareness and create normalcy surrounding the stigma of mental health issues within our community.

The courses on recovery and wellbeing are free for all to attend and no education is required.

There are up to 11 courses to choose from that cover several topics.

These include establishing boundaries, dealing with anxiety creating healthy relationships, beginning your recovery journey, how to stay healthy while caring for someone else, learning positive communication styles, and building personal resiliency.

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions Jason Luan says these colleges provide important supports for people with real experiences that help support long term recovery.

“Recovery is a priority for our government. Albertans deserve the ability to access the recovery services they need to help them live healthy, productive lives,” Luan said.”

CMHA Wood Buffalo is among five locations that are taking part in the three-year provincial project.

The college opens its doors November 14 at 10 a.m. at Unit 111 at 8530 Manning Avenue.