The Mental Health Ambassadors program, a 10-hour training initiative offered by Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), is designed to equip participants with essential tools for supporting mental health within the community. Developed by the WCSS Outreach Team, the program integrates resources from ASIST, safeTALK, and the Katz Amsterdam Foundation’s peer support model, focusing on recognizing mental health challenges, understanding harm reduction strategies, and becoming an empathetic listener and ally. Throughout the course, participants explore critical topics such as suicide awareness, self-care strategies, and how to make referrals to local resources. This community-specific training, which includes guest speakers from organizations like the RCMP and PearlSpace, addresses Whistler’s unique mental health challenges and encourages participants to share their personal support strategies. Offered free of charge, it empowers peers to lead conversations about mental health with confidence and compassion.
Our 2024 TOGETHER Outreach Campaign raises crucial funds so WCSS Outreach Workers can continue offering vital training and workshops in our community at no cost – DONATE NOW.
Read on to learn more about the impact Mental Health Ambassadors training has had on members of our community.
“This was Incredible! As a local mom, I have been particularly concerned for the mental wellbeing of our kids and their parents. Being a part of the Mental Health Ambassadors course was a huge shift for me, showing me the multiple means for grappling with the mental health challenges we face. I am beyond grateful for the many resources I now know we can access thanks to MHA.”
– Heidi F.
“I very much appreciated and enjoyed the Mental Health Ambassadors course offered by WCSS. It was very informative for me to hear the many perspectives from the diverse groups within our community. It opened my eyes to the struggles (and successes!) of the people in our beautiful and loving town… I learned a great deal and feel I am in a better place to understand others around me and, hopefully, offer help if needed!
I highly recommend this course to anyone in our community and constantly feel very thankful that these resources are available to everyone… Keep up the amazing and supportive work, WCSS”
– Cheryl C.