CMHA Recovery College Central Alberta

09/17/2026

📝 Behind the Scenes: How Does a Recovery College Course Come Together?

Have you ever wondered how an idea becomes a course on our calendar?

There is a lot that happens before the first participant arrives. Our course-planning process can include:
💚 Listening to participant and community feedback
💚 Identifying gaps, needs, and topics people want to learn about
💚 Combining reliable information with practical knowledge and lived experience
💚 Creating accessible slides, activities, discussions, and take-home tools
💚 Developing detailed facilitator notes and preparing course materials
💚 Considering different learning styles, comfort levels, and accessibility needs
💚 Reviewing participant feedback and improving the course for next time

Our goal is to create learning opportunities that feel welcoming, useful, and relevant to everyday life.

Now we would like to hear from you!

💬 What mental health or wellness topic would you like to learn more about?
💬 Is there an everyday life skill you would like us to cover?
💬 Would you prefer a one-time workshop or a multi-session course?
💬 Do you prefer attending online or in person?

Share your ideas in the comments or send us a private message or participate in the survey. Your feedback can help shape future Recovery College programming! 🌿

📝 Behind the Scenes: How Does a Recovery College Course Come Together?
Have you ever wondered how an idea becomes a course on our calendar?
There is a lot that happens before the first participant arrives. Our course-planning process can include:
💚 Listening to participant and community feedback
💚 Identifying gaps, needs, and topics people want to learn about
💚 Combining reliable information with practical knowledge and lived experience
💚 Creating accessible slides, activities, discussions, and take-home tools
💚 Developing detailed facilitator notes and preparing course materials
💚 Considering different learning styles, comfort levels, and accessibility needs
💚 Reviewing participant feedback and improving the course for next time
Our goal is to create learning opportunities that feel welcoming, useful, and relevant to everyday life.
Now we would like to hear from you!
💬 What mental health or wellness topic would you like to learn more about?
💬 Is there an everyday life skill you would like us to cover?
💬 Would you prefer a one-time workshop or a multi-session course?
💬 Do you prefer attending online or in person?

Share your ideas in the comments or send us a private message or participate in the survey. Your feedback can help shape future Recovery College programming! 🌿

Learn. Connect. Grow.


Learn. Connect. Grow.

Send a message to learn more

09/16/2026

💚 Today’s the day! Friendship Circle is coming to RDPL Downtown! 💚

Join Recovery College today for our first Friendship Circle at our new location at the Red Deer Public Library – Downtown Branch!

📍 Level Four, RDPL Downtown
🕜 1:30–2:30 p.m.

Drop by, check out our new space, and enjoy a welcoming place to connect, chat, and meet others. Whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time, we’d love to see you! 🤗

Free to attend—everyone is welcome to drop in!

Thank you to RDPL for welcoming Friendship Circle into your space. 💚

09/15/2026

🌿 Wellness Tip Tuesday: Five Ways to Reduce Stress During a Busy Week

When your schedule feels full, stress can build quickly. You may not be able to remove every demand, but small adjustments can make the week feel more manageable.

1. Choose your top priorities
Write down the three things that truly need your attention today. Give yourself permission to move less urgent tasks to another day.

2. Take a one-minute reset
Pause, relax your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and take a few slow breaths. Even a brief break can help you return to the moment with more focus.

3. Protect your basic needs
Keep water nearby, eat regularly, add a little movement when possible, and make space for rest. Basics still matter during busy times.

4. Set one helpful boundary
Say no to an additional task, silence notifications for a while, or let someone know when you are unavailable. Protecting your time can reduce unnecessary pressure.

5. Ask for support
You don’t have to manage everything alone. Ask someone to listen, help with a task, share information, or work through the next step with you.

You don’t need to do all five today. Choose the one that would support you most right now. 💚

Learn. Connect. Grow.

09/14/2026

💭 Myth Monday

❌ Myth: You have to face challenges alone.

✅ Fact: Connection and support are important parts of wellness.
Needing support doesn’t mean you are weak, incapable, or failing. Everyone needs help at different points in life, and reaching out can be a meaningful act of courage and self-care.

Support can look different for everyone:
💚 Talking with someone who listens without judgment
💚 Asking for practical help with a task
💚 Attending a class or support group
💚 Connecting with a community resource
💚 Working with a counsellor or healthcare provider
💚 Spending time with people who help you feel accepted
💚 Simply having someone check in with you

Reaching out might sound like:
💬 “Could you listen for a few minutes?”
💬 “Can you help me break this into smaller steps?”
💬 “I’m having a difficult day. Could we check in later?”
💬 “Can you help me find the right resource?”

Support doesn’t take away your independence. It can give you more tools, choices, and connection as you move forward.

You don’t have to carry everything by yourself. 🌿

Learn. Connect. Grow.

09/11/2026

🌿 Friday Reflection: One Goal for September

As the week comes to an end, take a moment to think about one goal you would like to accomplish this month.

Your goal doesn’t have to be big or focused on productivity. It could involve your wellness, relationships, learning, home, creativity, rest, or connection.

Try reflecting on these prompts:
✍️ One goal I would like to work toward this month is…
✍️ This goal matters to me because…
✍️ The smallest first step I can take is…
✍️ Something or someone that could support me is…
✍️ If things don’t go as planned, I can adjust by…

Progress can look like taking action, asking for help, changing your approach, or simply trying again. Your goal belongs to you, and you’re allowed to move toward it at a pace that supports your well-being.

What is one small step you can take this weekend? 💚

Learn. Connect. Grow.

09/10/2026

❓ Participant FAQ: What Should I Expect at My First Recovery College Class?

Walking into a new class can feel uncertain, so here is a simple look at what you can generally expect.

Before the class:
🌿 Register online and review whether the class is being offered in person or online.
🌿 No referral, diagnosis, or previous experience is required.
🌿 You don’t need to prepare anything—just bring yourself. A notebook is optional.

During the class:
💚 Your facilitator will welcome everyone and introduce the topic.
💚 The session may include facilitator teaching, group discussion, videos, worksheets, or practical activities.
💚 You can ask questions and contribute at your own comfort level.
💚 You will never be required to share personal experiences or speak before you’re ready.
💚 Breaks are welcome when needed.

Recovery College is a supportive learning environment—not a therapy session. There are no tests, grades, or expectations that you already know the subject.

After the class:
You may leave with new information, practical tools, helpful resources, or a stronger sense of connection. You’re also welcome to register for another class that interests you.

All sessions are free, and everyone is welcome. 🌱

Explore upcoming courses at www.recoverycollegecentralalberta.ca or call 403-967-0475 with questions.

Learn. Connect. Grow.

All Recovery College Central Alberta education courses are free and offered online through Zoom or in-person.

09/09/2026

💚 New location, new opportunities to connect!

Recovery College Central Alberta is excited to announce that Friendship Circle is moving to Red Deer Public Library's downtown Branch! We’re thrilled to work with RDPL to bring this welcoming space for friendship and connection into the heart of our community.

Join us for friendly conversations, light activities, and opportunities to meet new people and build connection skills. Whether you’ve joined us before or are coming for the first time, we’d love to welcome you!

📅 Starting next Wednesday, September 16
🕜 Every Wednesday | 1:30–2:30 p.m.
📍 RDPL Downtown Branch — Level Four
💚 Free to attend • Drop-ins welcome!

Thank you to RDPL Downtown for welcoming Friendship Circle into your space. We’re excited to learn, grow, and build community together!

09/08/2026

🌿 Mental Health Education: What Is Resilience?

Resilience is the ability to move through challenges, adapt to change, and continue forward while caring for yourself along the way.

It does not mean that difficult experiences don’t affect you. It also doesn’t mean staying positive all the time, handling everything alone, or never needing rest or support.

Resilience grows through everyday experiences, such as:
💚 Asking for help when you need it
💚 Adjusting your plans when something changes
💚 Using a coping skill during a stressful moment
💚 Resting and trying again another day
💚 Learning from something that didn’t go as expected
💚 Setting a boundary to protect your well-being
💚 Connecting with people who support you
💚 Recognizing the progress you have already made

Resilience isn’t something you either have or don’t have. It can develop gradually through practice, support, and lived experience.
Having a difficult day doesn’t mean you aren’t resilient. Sometimes resilience looks like simply making it through the day and giving yourself another chance tomorrow.

What is one experience that has helped your resilience grow? 🌱

Learn. Connect. Grow.

09/07/2026

🌱 Motivation Monday

“Every new beginning starts with one decision to try.”

As we settle into September, remember that a new beginning doesn’t require a perfect plan or a dramatic change. It can start with one small, meaningful decision.

That decision might be:
💚 Attending a new class
💚 Asking someone for support
💚 Restarting a routine
💚 Trying a different coping strategy
💚 Setting a healthy boundary
💚 Taking one step toward something that matters to you

Trying doesn’t guarantee everything will be easy, but it creates the possibility for learning, connection, and growth. If the first attempt doesn’t go as planned, you are always allowed to adjust and try again.

What is one decision you can make today to support the month ahead? 🌿

Learn. Connect. Grow.

09/04/2026

✨ Feel Good Friday: Try Something New!

This weekend’s wellness challenge is simple: try one new thing.

Trying something new doesn’t have to mean pushing yourself far outside your comfort zone. It can be small, familiar, and still offer a fresh experience.

You could:
🌿 Walk a different route
🎵 Listen to a new artist or podcast
🥗 Try a new recipe or snack
🎨 Experiment with a creative activity
📚 Read something outside your usual interests
🧘 Try a new breathing or grounding technique
☕ Visit a different community space
💬 Start a conversation with someone you trust

Choose something that feels interesting and manageable. Pay attention to what you enjoyed, what you learned, or how you felt afterward.

What new thing will you try this weekend? 💚

Learn. Connect. Grow.