What is the Recreation for Mental Health Training?
The Recreation for Mental Health team has produced guidelines and actions that will help recreation practitioners make their programs and spaces more accessible to people experiencing mental health challenges. These guidelines and actions are born of several research projects which you can read more about on the resources page.
Why is this training so important?
The Recreation for Mental Health Training is a missing link between uncovering the needs of people experiencing mental health challenges through the research process, and connecting these people with the recreation experiences that are so vital to the recovery process and maintaining wellness into the future. This closing the gap between what we know and what we actually do is called “knowledge translation.”
Additionally, recreation can play a pivotal role in the mental health recovery process and is important for the maintenance of mental wellness for all people. Because of the connections between recreation, mental wellness and social equity, equitable access to recreation is an effective leverage point for increasing wellness and social equity overall.
Who is the training for?
Whether you are a recreation manager or director, a program facilitator/leader, or a front desk staff member, you have a vital role in helping the people who would benefit the most from recreation to:
- find out about your offerings
- afford to attend them
- travel to your facility
- feel welcomed to attend for the first time
- keep coming back, to get the full benefits of recreation
What will I learn and do at the training?
The training is experiential and fun and has built in time for action planning at your centre or program. You’ll leave with a renewed sense of the power of recreation to change people’s lives for the better and a clear path that you can take to reach the people who most need to experience the joys and benefits of recreation.
Additionally, the heart of the trainings’ teachings are about being welcoming to all people and providing excellent customer service.
How long is the training?
The training is a 4-hour workshop.
Who do I contact to learn when, where and how to host a training?
Contact
Training testimonials
“I liked learning about mental health issues in regards to recreation programs in general. It is something that goes unnoticed.”
"The training really opened my eyes on benefits of recreation for those with mental health concerns.”
“This training opens dialogue, and provides an opportunity to share experiences from real life.”