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Counselling Services

 

Counselling Services

Counselling services and supports are inclusive, confidential, and available to all Red Deer Polytechnic students free of charge.

MindfulU - Student Mental Health Collective

Welcome to MindfulU: The Student Mental Health Collective, Students Supporting Students 

Wednesday Mornings 9:00am-1:00pm | The Loft (Room 2000)

Our Vision:  

Creating a space for students to connect with each other and their wellbeing. We work to bring together a community of students who are passionate about supporting their peers, value positive mental health and well-being and who are committed to supporting other students through the following opportunities and initiatives: 

Mental Health & Wellness Education events: Members of both the RDP community as well at external oganizations will come to the MindfulU space to share crucial information with students on a variety of relevant topics such as nutrition, mental health habits & supports, addiction, sleep hygiene, time management & goal setting and SO MUCH MORE.  

CommuniTea: Transported from the Tuesday morning time slot, CommuniTea will now take place in the MindfulU space. Come grab a free tea to go, or stay and enjoy the many things MindfulU has to offer.  

Games & Activites: Come enjoy a selection of different mindfulness activites and games to help to slow down and reconnect to yourself and your peers. Painting, Puzzles, Guided mindfulness exercises and more.  

Therapy Dogs: Join Zoey the Bernese Mountain Dog in the loft from 11:00- 12:15 and learn about the benefits of animals on our wellbeing. 

Peer-to-Peer Support: Connect with one of the trained peer supporters in the MindfulU space about different struggles you might be experiencing as a student here at RDP and receive support and resources to help you navigate these challenges. This is a totally free and confidential support for students.  

For information on how to connect with a peer-supporter please email us at mindfulu@rdpolytech.ca 

Become a member of the collective by participating as a volunteer or attending as a student, either way join the community! 

Check out the events calendar for all the events to come!

Volunteer Opportunities:

Why Volunteer with MindfulU? 

Being a member of MindfulU comes with so many benefits. It provides you with an opportunity for free trainings, connections with new people and growing your skillset.  You can earn co-curricular credits, as well as any required Community Service Learning hours, and it looks excellent on a CV! MindfulU aims to not only create a more engaging and supportive community on campus, but to grow a community of volunteers, with volunteer get together’s, events & initiatives.  

Being a part of MindfulU means that you are making a positive impact on your community. By helping to promote and improve mental health awareness, you are contributing to a healthier and happier campus environment. You'll have the opportunity to participate in events and activities that promote mindfulness and self-care and learn valuable skills that you can apply to your personal and professional life.  Leave your campus better then you found it, by improving student mental health & wellbeing. 

Overall, joining MindfulU is a fantastic way to enhance your personal and professional development while making a positive impact on your community. With its numerous benefits and opportunities, it's no wonder why so many students are eager to become members. 

 

There are three levels of volunteer opportunities, find the level that is right for you. 

Level One - Community Helper 

Tasks: Assisting with community engagement events & MindfulU event set up, Running the P.U.P. Cart (Coming Soon), Other tasks as they come up.  Training requirement: Offered on campus, see events calendar for dates and registration. 

  • Alberta Health Services Community Helpers Program 3 hour course.  

 

Level Two - Community Engager: 

Tasks: Helping to plan & facilitate wellness events & initiatives on campus. Share information about the program and initiatives with RDP population, all tasks from level one.  

Trainings requirements: Offered on campus, see events calendar for dates and registration. 

  • Alberta Health Services Community Helpers Program 

  • Mental Health First Aid (basic or standard) 

 

Level Three -Community Supporter: Providing 1:1 and group Peer Support, All tasks from Level 1 & 2  

Trainings required: Offered on campus, see events calendar for dates and registration. 

  • Alberta Health Services Community Helpers Program 

  • Mental Health First Aid (basic or standard) 

  • ASIST  

  • Consent & Disclosure Training (1 hour)  

  • Diversity & Inclusion Training (1 hour) 

Equivalent trainings may be accepted. 

 

Volunteer Expectations: 

At MindfulU, our primary objective is to enhance mental health and overall well-being within the Red Deer Polytechnic Campus. Our volunteers must complete training based on their selected level. In addition, we expect our volunteers to be positive sources of support on campus, engaging with students appropriately while adhering to our code of conduct, respectful workplace & learning environment and confidentiality policies. It's crucial for our volunteers to recognize their limitations and work within the designated capabilities. 

 

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out an inquiry form here:  

https://forms.office.com/r/LDbc7g331m 

 

Or for more information please email us here: 

MindfulU@rdpolytech.ca