Groups and Workshops
Kickstand Connect offers a range of groups and workshops – all you have to do is find the one that interests you. Our groups often have two leaders who cover a wide range of topics and focus on learning, practising new skills, or both. Since these programs are designed for interaction with fellow participants, they might not be ideal for one-on-one support.
Groups & Workshop Schedule
Learn more about our groups!
Trained family peers with lived experience have intentionally created these interactive workshops to respond to parents’ feelings of frustration and confusion while supporting loved ones (age 12-25) who struggle with their mental health. Based in science and delivered in a non-clinical way, this group walks through how the facilitators themselves learned to think differently about their family situations and introduce you to the skills that can help to feel less stressed and manage more effectively.
There are 10, 2-hour workshops altogether: 4 introductory, 3 intermediate and 3 advanced. Family members or caregivers (age 18+) can take the classes in any order but must complete the offerings at each level before moving on to the next.Â
Workshops are designed for adults (18+) supporting young adults (12-25) who struggle with their mental health. They are not suitable for young adults who are themselves struggling. For young people, we recommend signing up for a youth-focused workshop or a 1:1 appointment with one of our service providers. Â
These are educational sessions facilitated by family members with lived experience. While we will share examples of how we use the skills in our own homes, we are not therapists and cannot provide advice. We also cannot guarantee any specific outcomes for participants who attend these workshops.
Upcoming Dates:Â
Module 1: Why Does Everything Have To Be So Dramatic?
Thursday, September 7, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN-UP HERE
Monday September 11, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN UP HERE
Â
Module 2: I Thought I Taught You Better Than That
Thursday, September 14, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN-UP HERE
Monday, September 18, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN UP HERE
Â
Module 3: Can You Just Calm Down?
Thursday, September 21, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN-UP HERE
Monday, September 25, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN UP HERE
Â
Module 4: I Don't Think I Can Take Much More of This!
Thursday, September 28, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN-UP HERE
Monday, October 2, 2023 | 7 to 9 PM | SIGN UP HERE
Â
About the Group/Workshop Facilitator(s):Â
Lifeboat Family Skills is an organization of trained family peers with lived experience supporting young adults who struggle with their mental health.
The Kickstand Virtual Open House is an opportunity to learn more about Kickstand and ask our staff any questions you may have in a safe space!
This event features our Peer Support Worker, Katelyn. She will do a short presentation on Kickstand Connect, her role, and how you can utilize her services. Participants are welcome to drop-in whenever or join for the whole session. Katelyn will be hanging out to answer any questions attendees might have until 7 pm.
Next Open House: September 28, 4 to 7 PM
Sign-up here!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime.
offered by Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta
Discuss disordered eating, eating disorders, and find support in this 90 minute session. Workshop will discuss aspects of diet culture, navigating social media, and finding support for yourself and/or a loved one. Bring your questions or just come listen- we welcome both individuals navigating recovery and caregivers supporting them!Â
TRIGGER WARNING. While every effort is made to offer this information in a safe, accessible way, due to the nature of the subject matter some folks may still find conversations or information triggering. If you are unsure of your ability to participate, send an email to info@edsna.ca and we would be happy to discuss alternate ways to share information and/or provide you with resources.
Note: this is group is for 18-25 year olds and caregivers supporting people navigating recovery.
Next workshop: October 2, 4:30 to 6 PMÂ
Click here to sign-up!
Â
About the Group/Workshop Facilitator(s):Â
The Eating Disorder Support Network of Alberta offers professionally-facilitated support groups to people over the age of 18. Groups serve those affected by eating disorders/disordered eating plus their families/caregivers.
by the Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region
This 12-week group provides youth who are grieving a loss of someone to suicide with a chance to learn and process their grief together with their peers in a safe and supportive space. The sessions are also co-lead by a youth who has experienced a loss to suicide.
Each module content is covered within a 4-week period making a total of 12 sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend the full 12 weeks to get the whole experience of exploring the grieving process with the support of others.
The first invitation is to attend an information session – these are held every 5 weeks, with the first info session happening a week before the start of a module. The info session is exploratory, where you’ll get more information about group topics and format to help you decide if the group is right for you. After the info session, the module will be closed for registration.
3 modules are covered:Â Â
- Understanding and coping with your emotions
- In this module, you will learn about emotional regulation, and how to feel new emotions in a healthy way. The emotions you experience are natural, and no emotion is good or bad. We will explore how being aware of what you are feeling can help, and why the nervous system responds like this to the experience of loss. We will also cover how reminders of your loss affect you, learn strategies to cope, and talk as a group about our experiences and strategies moving forward.
- The role of self-compassion
- In this module, you will explore how important self-compassion is in the grieving process. We will talk about the difficult feelings that loss may bring. You may be feeling shame, guilt, anger, relief, anxiety, responsibility, or others. The group will share and try to resolve any unfinished parts of their stories because of their loss. You will learn about the importance of being kind to yourself during your recovery and how you are deserving of healing. We will provide a safe space for you to express yourself and to try looking at things from another perspective.Â
- How has loss affected my perspective?
- In this module, you will explore how your experience has changed your view of yourself, others, and the world around you. A major loss can also impact our beliefs and values, which are key parts of who we are. We will help you to look at your identity now and figure out who you are, who you want to be, and how we can help you get there. As a part of this, we will talk about changes to your day-to-day life, what your worries are, and what you want from life now.Â
Do you have more questions? Read the FAQ here.
Next workshop: TBD
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
About the Group/Workshop Leader(s):Â
CMHA Edmonton offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals 16 years of age and older, with reaching their short and long-term mental health goals.Â
by the Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region
This 12-week group provides youth who are grieving a loss of someone to suicide with a chance to learn and process their grief together with their peers in a safe and supportive space. The sessions are also co-lead by a youth who has experienced a loss to suicide.
Each module content is covered within a 4-week period making a total of 12 sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend the full 12 weeks to get the whole experience of exploring the grieving process with the support of others.
The first invitation is to attend an information session – these are held every 5 weeks, with the first info session happening a week before the start of a module. The info session is exploratory, where you’ll get more information about group topics and format to help you decide if the group is right for you. After the info session, the module will be closed for registration.
3 modules are covered:Â Â
- Understanding and coping with your emotions
- In this module, you will learn about emotional regulation, and how to feel new emotions in a healthy way. The emotions you experience are natural, and no emotion is good or bad. We will explore how being aware of what you are feeling can help, and why the nervous system responds like this to the experience of loss. We will also cover how reminders of your loss affect you, learn strategies to cope, and talk as a group about our experiences and strategies moving forward.
- The role of self-compassion
- In this module, you will explore how important self-compassion is in the grieving process. We will talk about the difficult feelings that loss may bring. You may be feeling shame, guilt, anger, relief, anxiety, responsibility, or others. The group will share and try to resolve any unfinished parts of their stories because of their loss. You will learn about the importance of being kind to yourself during your recovery and how you are deserving of healing. We will provide a safe space for you to express yourself and to try looking at things from another perspective.Â
- How has loss affected my perspective?
- In this module, you will explore how your experience has changed your view of yourself, others, and the world around you. A major loss can also impact our beliefs and values, which are key parts of who we are. We will help you to look at your identity now and figure out who you are, who you want to be, and how we can help you get there. As a part of this, we will talk about changes to your day-to-day life, what your worries are, and what you want from life now.Â
Do you have more questions? Read the FAQ here.
Â
Next workshop: TBD
Â
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime.
Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
About the Group/Workshop Leader(s):Â
CMHA Edmonton offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals 16 years of age and older, with reaching their short and long-term mental health goals.Â
by the Canadian Mental Health Association - Edmonton Region
This 12-week group provides youth who are grieving a loss of someone to suicide with a chance to learn and process their grief together with their peers in a safe and supportive space. The sessions are also co-lead by a youth who has experienced a loss to suicide.
Each module content is covered within a 4-week period making a total of 12 sessions. Participants are encouraged to attend the full 12 weeks to get the whole experience of exploring the grieving process with the support of others.
The first invitation is to attend an information session – these are held every 5 weeks, with the first info session happening a week before the start of a module. The info session is exploratory, where you’ll get more information about group topics and format to help you decide if the group is right for you. After the info session, the module will be closed for registration.
3 modules are covered:Â Â
- Understanding and coping with your emotions
- In this module, you will learn about emotional regulation, and how to feel new emotions in a healthy way. The emotions you experience are natural, and no emotion is good or bad. We will explore how being aware of what you are feeling can help, and why the nervous system responds like this to the experience of loss. We will also cover how reminders of your loss affect you, learn strategies to cope, and talk as a group about our experiences and strategies moving forward.
- The role of self-compassion
- In this module, you will explore how important self-compassion is in the grieving process. We will talk about the difficult feelings that loss may bring. You may be feeling shame, guilt, anger, relief, anxiety, responsibility, or others. The group will share and try to resolve any unfinished parts of their stories because of their loss. You will learn about the importance of being kind to yourself during your recovery and how you are deserving of healing. We will provide a safe space for you to express yourself and to try looking at things from another perspective.Â
- How has loss affected my perspective?
- In this module, you will explore how your experience has changed your view of yourself, others, and the world around you. A major loss can also impact our beliefs and values, which are key parts of who we are. We will help you to look at your identity now and figure out who you are, who you want to be, and how we can help you get there. As a part of this, we will talk about changes to your day-to-day life, what your worries are, and what you want from life now.Â
Do you have more questions? Read the FAQ here.
Next workshop: TBD
Â
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
About the Group/Workshop Leader(s):Â
CMHA Edmonton offers a variety of programs and services that assist individuals 16 years of age and older, with reaching their short and long-term mental health goals.Â
This workshop is designed to provide young individuals with comprehensive guidance and support as they navigate the myriad of opportunities available after completing high school. This engaging and informative workshop aims to empower youth to make informed decisions about their post-secondary education and career paths. Topics will include, exploring post-secondary pathways, identifying personal interests and goals, researching programs and institutions, navigating finances and scholarships, and developing application strategies.
It is so important to equip young people with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make informed decisions about their educational and career paths. By the end of the workshop, the goal is participants will have a clear roadmap for their post-secondary journey and will be ready to embark on their chosen path with purpose and determination.
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
offered by Kickstand
Drawing from DBT skills, this group is a wonderful introduction to understanding your emotions and helping those who struggle to manage stress, understand and express their emotions, and those who have behaviours or habits that interfere with their goals.
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
Module Name | Description | Upcoming Date | Registration Link |
Series 1: Mindfulness and Your Emotions (two sessions) |
| TBD | Â |
Series 2: The Emotional Owner's Manual: For the Care and Maintenance of an Emotional You (four sessions) |
| TBD | TBD |
Series 3: I'm Freaking Out! What to do when emotions get intense (three sessions) |
| TBD | TBD |
Series 4: Not Another Assertiveness Workshop (two sessions) |
| TBD | TBD |
Each series will be a closed group, but new people can join at the start of each series. There are no pre-requisites, though it will be an advantage to take the series in order.
offered by YMCA Northern Alberta
YMIND Teen is a free seven-week group mental wellness program delivered to youth 18-30 who experience anxiety. There is also a group for people age 18-30, called YMIND Youth! Â
Â
Through this program, young people will learn how to cope with symptoms of anxiety and how to ask for mental wellness support in a safe space that connects others who have similar experiences. Participants can expect to finish the program with the tools needed to approach mental health in a positive way. These skills and strategies can be used in their lives moving forward!
Â
Next group date: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
About the Group/Workshop Leader:Â Â
YMCA of Northern Alberta offers child care, child and youth recreation programs, youth, family, employment, immigrant and housing services across northern and central Alberta.
Â
offered by YMCA Northern Alberta
YMIND Youth is a free seven-week group mental wellness program delivered to youth 18-30 who experience anxiety. There is also a group for people age 13-18, called YMIND Teen!
Through this program, young people will learn how to cope with symptoms of anxiety and how to ask for mental wellness support in a safe space that connects others who have similar experiences. Participants can expect to finish the program with the tools needed to approach mental health in a positive way. These skills and strategies be used in their lives moving forward!
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
About the Group/Workshop Facilitator: Â
YMCA of Northern Alberta offers child care, child and youth recreation programs, youth, family, employment, immigrant and housing services across northern and central Alberta.Â
Â
offered by Kickstand
The inner critic that judges our own creative work can leave us filled with self-doubt. Led by a peer who understands the struggles of self-expression, this creative group offers a space where authenticity is embraced. Build connections in a community of like-minded youth who can relate to your experience. Come as you are to explore your creative side within a safe environment, where you will be met where you’re at.
No matter your experience or skill set, you are welcome here. This group offers the perfect opportunity for self discovery and connection. The sky’s the limit! Creativity has no boundaries – feel free to explore various artistic media such as painting, drawing, poetry, journaling, crafts, sewing, music or anything else that resonates with you.
Â
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
This workshop can help you recognize and talk about violence that may be occurring in the relationships around you. Young people are, at times, witness to or involved in relationship problems. This session can help you learn tools and tips to start a conversation about it.Â
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
Â
About the Group/Workshop Facilitator(s):Â
Sagesse is uniquely positioned to disrupt the structure of domestic abuse in Alberta. They work each day to support individuals who have experienced abuse while also challenging societal norms and advocating for large-scale societal changes that will eradicate abuse in Alberta.
offered by Converse and Cook
Converse & Cook and Kickstand are excited to invite youth across Alberta to join us for Harvesting Connections: The Bowl'd and the Beautiful! This online program was created to help youth across the province build skills and confidence in the kitchen while also building connections to their communities. Join our team of volunteers to create a balanced, nourishing bowl of foods and flavours that express who you are. We'll share some helpful kitchen tips, guide you through the steps to build a cold or hot bowl and explore foods from around the world through a "Quizine" activity. No cooking experience or special kitchen tools are required—all youth living in Alberta are welcome!
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
This Interview Preparation Workshop will equip participants with successful tips on preparing for an interview, including tips and techniques on researching the company beforehand as well as familiarizing oneself with the job position and responsibilities. This workshop will also inform participants on the different types and stages of interviews as well as what to expect throughout these different interviews. Workshop participants will be able to do mini mock interviews to help feel more comfortable and to receive feedback from peers.
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 employment support or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
This workshop will explore where our understanding of boundaries originates from, the different types of boundaries, what boundaries might look like and how to communicate them, as well as barriers. Additionally, this workshop will explore consent – what it means, how to communicate it, and how to recognize consent (or lack thereof) in others.
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 mental health counselling or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
Offered by Kickstand
This Resume Writing Workshop will equip participants with the tools and tips they need to feel comfortable writing their very own resume. Topics will include, how to format your resume, what should and should not be included in one’s resume, as well as the different headings and subheadings to include in your resume. With this interactive workshop participants will be able to complete exercises on developing their resumes.
Next workshop: Coming soon!
Sign-up for a free, virtual 1:1 employment support or peer support session in the meantime. Click to check out Kickstand Connect!
