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# Kickstand

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://mykickstand.ca/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [I Want to Quit Drugs in 2025: New Year Resolutions](https://mykickstand.ca/i-want-to-quit-drugs-2025/): I Want to Quit Drugs in 2025 is a goal that requires both courage and support. Deciding to quit using substances is one of the hardest yet most rewarding choices you can make. Addiction is complex—it changes how your brain works, leading to cravings and withdrawal symptoms that can feel impossible to handle.
- [Weed: Top 4 Things You Should Know Before Using](https://mykickstand.ca/weed-top-4-things-you-should-know-before-using-weed/): Weed is everywhere. From social media to hanging out with friends to raves and parties, it’s known to be chill and harmless. Weed certainly has its upsides—it can relax you, ease anxiety, and even spark creativity. But when it comes to using cannabis, especially while you’re young, it’s not all green light.
- [Identify Your Triggers: 3 Powerful Steps for Better Mental Health](https://mykickstand.ca/identify-your-triggers/): Have your emotions ever hit unexpectedly, leaving you overwhelmed? Recognizing your emotional triggers—those people, situations, or thoughts that evoke strong reactions—can be transformative for your mental health. For young people, this skill is particularly important, as adolescence and early adulthood bring unique pressures from school, relationships, and social environments.
- [Happy Men’s Health Awareness Month | November 2024](https://mykickstand.ca/movember2024/): In Canada and beyond, November is more than just a month for mustaches—it’s a chance to shine a light on men’s mental health. Originally a campaign to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer, Movember has evolved into something much bigger: a movement that encourages men to talk about what’s going on inside. And this year, we’re amplifying that message even louder.
- [Halloween | Spook-tacular Ways to Boost Your Mental Health!](https://mykickstand.ca/happy-halloween-edmonton/): Wishing You All More Good Days,
- [Parenting Through the System: A Mother’s Struggle for Partnership in Mental Health Care](https://mykickstand.ca/parenting-through-the-system-a-mothers-struggle-for-partnership-in-mental-health-care/): I volunteered to write about my experience navigating the mental health system as a parent, and there are countless stories I could tell. But today, I want to focus on the power of perspective when interacting with families facing mental health challenges with their youth.
- [Mental Health Week Reflection](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-week-reflection/): A Blog for Mental Health Week 
- [Everything I Needed to Know About Supporting My Son, I Learned in Pre-School](https://mykickstand.ca/cindy/): On another occasion, he was enthusiastically coloring a picture with long messy strokes and one of his classmates commented that he was supposed to color inside the lines. My son shrugged and said, “some people do it that way”. When I think back on it now, I realize that truer words were never spoken, as this has been the theme of his life!

## Pages
- [We are Hiring Community Development Coordinator](https://mykickstand.ca/opportunities/community-development-coordinator/): Kickstand is looking for a Community Development Coordinator to help lead partnerships, strengthen community engagement, and support the implementation of integrated youth services across Alberta.
- [Spruce Grove](https://mykickstand.ca/links/sprucegrove/): Kickstand Spruce Grove Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Spruce Grove Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Post Secondary Navigation](https://mykickstand.ca/life-after-high-school/): Free support for Alberta youth planning life after high school. Get help with college applications, trade schools, scholarships, and student funding.
- [Kickstand Spruce Grove](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/sprucegrove/): Kickstand Spruce Grove is now, and aimed at serving young people in the Tri-Region area!
- [Every Child Matters: Honoring Truth and Reconciliation](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/orange-shirt-day/): If you would like to deepen your understanding of Orange Shirt Day, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the history of residential schools, here are some resources:
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://mykickstand.ca/faqs/): Kickstand Connect offers a virtual clinic with trained professionals and a safe space for group sessions, exclusively for young Albertans aged 11-25 and their parents or caregivers. It is a free online portal and mobile app where young people can access services virtually, both same-day and pre-booked appointments (up to a few days in advance) with a mental health professional, peer support worker, or employment specialist. Based on a single session model, Kickstand Connect offers various same-day and pre-booked services, none of which require a healthcare card, referral, or any form of payment.
- [“Help”, The Strongest Word Disguised as Weakness](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/the-strongest-word-disguised-as-weakness/): Self-harm is the act of inflicting pain or hurting yourself on purpose. The act of self-harm may or may not be paired with suicidal intentions or a plan to take one's own life.
- [Medicine Hat](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/medicine-hat/): We’re happy to welcome you to Kickstand Medicine Hat — a safe, inclusive space designed for young people aged 11–25. Our centre celebrates all cultures and identities, including Indigenous youth, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQ+ folks
- [Enoch](https://mykickstand.ca/links/enoch/): Kickstand Enoch Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Samson](https://mykickstand.ca/links/samson/): Kickstand Samson Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Strathmore](https://mykickstand.ca/links/strathmore/): Kickstand Strathmore Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Strathmore Coming Soon Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Medicine Hat](https://mykickstand.ca/links/medicine-hat/): Kickstand Medicine Hat Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Medicine Hat Coming Soon Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Kickstand Strathmore](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/strathmore/): Kickstand Strathmore is now open! Operated by Trellis Society, our new youth hub offers free mental health, wellness, and health services for young people aged 11–25, all in one welcoming, inclusive space. We’re here for Indigenous youth, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ folks, and anyone who needs support.
- [Drayton Valley](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/draytonvalley/): Kickstand Drayton Valley is a hub for young people ages 11–25 seeking free mental health counselling, substance use counselling, peer support, Indigenous wellness services, and primary health care. 
- [Mental Health Month 2025](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-month/): This May, as part of Mental Health Month in Canada, Kickstand is once again here to remind you that it’s okay to not be okay. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or more serious issues like thoughts of suicide, we want you to know that you don’t have to go through it alone.
- [Kickstand Connect](https://mykickstand.ca/connect/): Kickstand Connect is a free virtual therapy clinic for youth in Alberta (ages 11-25). Book a session for mental health counseling, substance use support, or peer support—all at no cost and with no waitlists.
- [Substance Use Support](https://mykickstand.ca/substance-use/): Our substance use counsellors are here to listen without judgment. 
- [Peer Support Service](https://mykickstand.ca/peer-support/): Kickstand’s peer support workers in Alberta understand what you're going through. With their own lived experience in mental health or substance use challenges, they offer judgment-free support to help you feel heard and understood.
- [Mental Health Service](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health/): Feeling down, anxious, or overwhelmed? Struggling with your mental health? You don’t have to go through it alone.
- [Donate](https://mykickstand.ca/donate/): Your generosity makes a difference. By supporting Kickstand’s integrated youth services, you’re offering young people in our province a chance at hope and healing. Your gift helps provide access to vital mental health support, substance use counseling, and peer services that empower youth to overcome challenges and thrive.
- [Alexis](https://mykickstand.ca/links/alexis/): Kickstand Alexis  Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Drayton Valley Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Drayton Valley](https://mykickstand.ca/links/drayton-valley/): Kickstand Drayton Valley Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Drayton Valley Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Fort Saskatchewan](https://mykickstand.ca/links/fort-saskatchewan/): Kickstand Fort Saskatchewan Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Fort Saskatchewan Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Grande Prairie](https://mykickstand.ca/links/grande-prairie/): Kickstand Grande Prairie Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website Read more about Kickstand Grande Prairie Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Bonnyville](https://mykickstand.ca/links/bonnyville/): Kickstand Bonnyville Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Bonnyville Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Protected: Edmonton](https://mykickstand.ca/links/edmonton/): Kickstand Edmonton Login Access your Kickstand account here Click Here Kiosk Complete your assessments Click Here New Visitor Create an account through our intake Click Here Website URL Read more about Kickstand Edmonton Click Here Kickstand Connect Virtual Services Click Here
- [Contact Us](https://mykickstand.ca/contact-us/): Have questions, need support, or want to learn more about Kickstand? We’d love to hear from you.
- [Protected: Links](https://mykickstand.ca/links/): Kickstand Links Alexis Click Here Bonnyville Click Here Drayton Valley Click Here Edmonton Click Here Grande Prairie Click Here Fort Saskatchewan Click Here Medicine Hat Click Here Strathmore Click Here Samson Click Here Enoch Click Here Spruce Grove Click Here Kickstand Research EASE Research Study: survey link for recruited young people Click Here
- [Edmonton <br/> <p style="font-size: 36px;">Operated by YMCA</p>](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/edmonton/): Kickstand Edmonton is a hub for young people ages 11–25 seeking free mental health counselling, substance use counselling, peer support, Indigenous wellness services, and primary health care. 
- [Integrated Youth Services](https://mykickstand.ca/integrated-youth-services/): At Kickstand, we provide a unique, youth-centered model of care for those aged 11 to 25, combining mental health, substance use, primary care, and social services in a single, accessible location. Our integrated services ensure fast, seamless access to care, while involving young people, families, caregivers, and community organizations in every step of planning, delivery, and governance.
- [Who We Are](https://mykickstand.ca/whoweare/): is to become the trusted hub for Alberta’s young people and their families, where they can find support to have more good days and build brighter futures.
- [Our Journey](https://mykickstand.ca/our-journey/): It all started in 2019...
- [Family and Caregivers](https://mykickstand.ca/family-and-caregivers/): Whether through natural relationships or chosen connections, family plays a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and connectedness, contributing to the young person's well-being.
- [test-iframe](https://mykickstand.ca/test-iframe/)
- [Kickstand’s Blog](https://mykickstand.ca/kickstands-blog/): Click here
- [Fort Saskatchewan <br/> <p style="font-size: 36px;">Operated by The Bridge</p>](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/fort-saskatchewan-operated-by-the-bridge/): Kickstand Fort Saskatchewan is a hub for young people ages 11–25 seeking free mental health counselling, substance use counselling, peer support, and primary healthcare. 
- [Grande Prairie <br/> <p style="font-size: 36px;">Operated by Sunrise House</p>](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/grandeprairie/): Kickstand Grande Prairie offers free support for young people ages 11–25 in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space. Access mental health, substance use, peer support, Indigenous wellness, primary health care, workshops, counselling, and more; all under one roof. No referral is needed, and you can drop in and book an appointment whenever you're ready. 
- [Meet Our Donors](https://mykickstand.ca/meet-our-donors/): Your donations are more than just numbers; they are life-changing moments. They fuel our passion, sustain our programs, and bring smiles to the faces of the young people we serve through our Integrated youth mental health initiative. With your continued support, we can keep Kickstand rolling, ensuring that every young person has a safe and welcoming environment to access free mental health and wellness services.
- [Bonnyville <br/> <p style="font-size: 36px;">Operated by The Hive Youth Hub</p>](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/bonnyville/): Kickstand Bonnyville offers free mental health support for young people ages 14 to 21, including counselling, substance use support, peer support, Indigenous wellness services, and primary health care, all in one welcoming space, and we're here to help you feel supported, build connections, and find hope, whatever you're going through.
- [Communities](https://mykickstand.ca/communities/): Operated by The Bridge10307 100 AVE Suite #2Fort Saskatchewan, AB780-589-0224team.lead@thebridgewhy.com
- [How to Write and Improve Your Resume](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/how-to-write-and-improve-your-resume/): In this resume format you list your education and experience in reverse chronological order with your current job or most recent job at the top.
- [6 Back To School Tips For Post-Secondary Students](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/back-to-school-tips/): No matter how many years you've been around, back to school season can be both exciting and stressful! Check out these tips written by Shada from the Kickstand Provincial Youth Action Council. You'll be feeling ready to take on the year in no time!
- [MoreGoodDays](https://mykickstand.ca/moregooddays/): It can often be tough to reach out to someone else for support or advice. We’ve felt the same.
- [Kickstand Family Network](https://mykickstand.ca/opportunities/kickstand-family-network/): At Kickstand, we know that parents, caregivers, and family members are often an important part of a young person's support system. That's why we're committed to providing information, resources, and connections to help families and caregivers support the health and wellness of young people across Alberta.
- [Kickstand Youth Network](https://mykickstand.ca/opportunities/kickstand-youth-network/): Join a community of young people helping shape programs, services, and opportunities at Kickstand. Whether you're looking for a leadership role or a flexible way to get involved, there's a place for your voice.
- [Building your own foundation](https://mykickstand.ca/resources/building-your-own-foundation/): Story by Cindy Gerdes
- [Finding wellness within my culture](https://mykickstand.ca/resources/finding-wellness-within-my-culture/): Siciida Ibrahim
- [Scenic Route To Wellbeing](https://mykickstand.ca/resources/scenic-route-to-wellbeing/): Trevor, Shea, Murray
- [Our Partners](https://mykickstand.ca/our-partners/): Our Service Providing Partners Lifeboat Family Skills is an organization of trained family peers with lived experience of caring for young people who struggle with their mental health.They have intentionally created interactive workshops to respond to parents’ feelings of frustration and confusion while supporting loved ones (age 12-25) who struggle with their mental health. 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.The Cognitive Corner offers flexible, inclusive, trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapy to meet clients' unique needs. They aim to contribute to the de-stigmatization of mental health through education, and provide learning and career opportunities for students and practitioners who are passionate about inclusive mental health care.  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. Converse and Cook is about creating social spaces were individuals are empowered to explore their connection to food and their community by creating meals and dining together.   YMCA of Northern Alberta offers child care, child and youth recreation programs, youth, family, employment, immigrant and housing services across northern and central Alberta.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.  Free Your Mind Mental Health Society s a youth-led not-for-profit. It is based in Calgary, and it was founded with youth mental health in mind. Free Your Mind draws on the power of real, young voices and amplifies them. They speak out about mental health through social media, blogging, and our community events. The Family Advocacy Support Centre strives to strengthen a family's ecosystem of support by increasing access to safer resources that promote health, healing and familial well-being.
- [Physical Fitness](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/physical-fitness/): Moving your body can do wonders for your health. Sometimes, it is hard to find the motivation to get up and get moving. Let’s be honest, after a long day of work, school, volunteering - sometimes the last thing you want to do is to get up and do physical activity. If you're dealing with mental health struggles and haven't done a lot in the day, it can still difficult to find motivation. That's completely okay.
- [Preparing Meals](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/preparing-meals/): Some people have had the chance to practice meal preparation activities aka meal prep in their home. This can include helping to get dinner ready, making their own lunch, or getting into baking (yummy cookie dough!). For others, preparing their own meals might be a new opportunity!
- [Nutrition & Healthy Eating](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/nutrition-healthy-eating/): To some people, talking about nutrition is like talking about diets, fads, bland food, and self-consciousness. The truth is, nutrition and healthy eating are about having an effective relationship with what you put into your body. It's about maintaining balance in the foods you choose to ingest in order for your body to have enough energy to function optimally.
- [Safer Sex](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/safer-sex/): Your sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of. It is a healthy and positive aspect of who you are! Sex and the urge to have it are a natural part of being human. And some people have no urge at all to have sex and this is normal too (check out the section on Gender and Sexuality to learn more about this).
- [Consent](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/consent/): The decision to have sex is a personal one. Only you can decide when you want to have it, and with whom you want to do it. Consent means that everyone involved in the activity agrees to it. Permission should be asked for all activities, including kissing, touching, having penetrative or non-penetrative sex, and everything in between. If you want to have sex with someone, their consent must be clear before you both proceed. The “yes” must be enthusiastic, and the other person’s body language should indicate that they are comfortable with the activity. 
- [Introduction to Relationships](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/introduction-to-relationships/): Relationships with friends, family, and partners can be fulfilling and uplifting. Relationships can be healthy, and sometimes they can be unhealthy. Being part of an unhealthy relationship can be tough on mental, emotional, and physical health. However, healthy relationships have the potential to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
- [Types of Relationships](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/types-of-relationships/): There is nothing like a good friendship. A good friend will be there for you when you’re sad, happy, and everything in between. A good friend is the kind of person that you will look at across the room when something awkward or funny happens and only the two of you noticed it and you will both instinctively burst out into laughter. A good friend is the kind of person that gets you.
- [Introduction to Spirituality](https://mykickstand.ca/introduction-to-spirituality/): Everyone embraces spirituality from a different point of view, and everyone has a different understanding of it. To some, being spiritual means practicing a specific religion like Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or Folk religions. To others, it can mean connecting with a high power - something bigger than themselves - what some may call Creator or the divine. For others still, being spiritual is not tied to practicing a specific religion. It can be about looking within yourself, listening to your gut, carefully considering one’s values and virtues, and intentionally acting on those values.
- [The Medicine Wheel](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/the-medicine-wheel/): Often, our spiritual practices are tied to our culture. This holds true for some Indigenous communities, where ways of being and culture are mixed with spirituality. An example of this is the Medicine Wheel.
- [Youth Advocacy](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/youth-advocacy/): Advocacy is the act or process of supporting a cause. People who get involved in advocacy have usually had a preventable negative experience. They become inspired to make sure no one else experiences the same thing they went through. Perhaps you had a negative experience trying to get help for your mental health. Now you might feel inspired to transform how other young people access mental health services. It sounds like you're interested in advocacy!
- [Getting Into College or University](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/getting-into-college-or-university/): Are you starting to think about university, college or another educational option for when you are done high school? You've seen what post-secondary looks like, either on social media or through TV shows and movies.
- [Taxes](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/taxes/): Doing your taxes is an important part of a healthy personal finance plan. It can help you feel empowered and knowledgeable about your own money. Not to mention that your tax dollars go toward important services in your community - like transit, schools, parks, and much more!
- [Moving Out For The First Time](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/moving-out-for-the-first-time/): The decision to leave home is different for everyone. People move out for many different reasons including:
- [Job Searching For the First Time](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/job-searching-for-the-first-time/): High school and post-secondary students searching for work for the first time might be feeling a growing sense of pressure. You might be wondering how to navigate all the different parts of job searching and what to prepare first.
- [Social Media & Mental Health](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/social-media-mental-health/): There's a lot of talk and emerging studies around how harmful social media can be for our mental health. It's true - we can overuse social media to the point of negatively impacting our lives. That being said, there are a lot of positive ways that social media use can help us, and there are certain ways to control our online activity so that it doesn’t control us. 
- [Options For Treatment & Support](https://mykickstand.ca/options-for-treatment-support/): You might reach a point where you feel like the drugs are in control of you, rather than the other way around. Maybe you’re using in private, away from friends, and your life revolves around using substances to the point that other things like school, work or relationships are being negatively impacted. If so, you could be getting addicted, and addiction can often be linked with mental health problems.
- [Cannabis](https://mykickstand.ca/substances/cannabis/): Cannabis, commonly called marijuana, pot or weed, is a product made from the cannabis or hemp plant.
- [Alcohol](https://mykickstand.ca/substances/alcohol/): Alcohol aka ethanol aka ethyl alcohol is a clear and colorless liquid. It is created through fermentation. It is one of the most used substances in the world. It is legal in many countries. Drinking alcohol can result in intoxication symptoms, which we will explore just below - hang tight! 
- [Spectrum of Substance Use](https://mykickstand.ca/substances/spectrum-of-substance-use/): Many people use substances. For example, you may drink coffee or pop that may have caffeine in it. This substance helps you feel alert and awake!
- [Substances](https://mykickstand.ca/substances/)
- [Body Image Basics](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-basics/): Body image can be further broken down into four categories:
- [Body Image](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/body-image/)
- [Binge Eating Disorder](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/disordered-eating/binge-eating-disorder/): Binge eating disorder is an eating disorder. It is when someone has repeated occasions of eating large amounts of food (often very quickly), even when they don't mean to. This is called a bingeing episode.
- [Bulimia Nervosa](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/disordered-eating/bulimia-nervosa/): Bulimia is an eating disorder that revolves around bingeing and purging cycles. Bingeing involves eating large amounts of food quickly. This might make you feel physically ill and anxious. This is followed by the need to purge. Purging can involve vomiting, holding yourself back from food, over-exercising, or using laxatives.
- [Anorexia Nervosa](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/disordered-eating/anorexia-nervosa/): Anorexia is an eating disorder. It includes having an unusually low body weight and a great fear of gaining weight. It also includes having a distorted perception of weight. Controlling weight and shape is very important to people with anorexia. They often use extreme ways that can greatly interfere with their health and their day-to-day lives. It's a serious condition. With the right help, you can recover and take back control of your life.
- [Overview](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/disordered-eating/overview/): Lots of people have different eating habits. You might eat loads one day, be less hungry another day, or go through phases of wanting to eat more or less healthy.
- [Disordered Eating](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/disordered-eating/)
- [Opportunities](https://mykickstand.ca/opportunities/): At Kickstand, we believe that diverse voices and experiences make our team stronger. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; especially those that reflect the communities we serve. If you’re passionate about supporting young people, explore the open roles below and apply today!
- [Board of Directors](https://mykickstand.ca/board-of-directors/): Born and raised in Kamloops, B.C., Jeff completed a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Alberta. Following a career in the insurance industry, where he led initiatives in professional development and team training, Jeff began working at The Stollery Charitable Foundation (SCF), where he has been executive director since 2013. SCF is an endowed private family foundation that provides grants to charities, strengthens the charitable sector, and fosters partnerships to improve communities. At SCF, Jeff is responsible for all operations, governance, and administration of this, working with a board of 10 directors.
- [Mental Health and Substance Use Resources](https://mykickstand.ca/resources/): At Kickstand, we understand the challenges that young people face when it comes to mental health. That’s why we've created this collection of resources—designed with input from young people across Alberta—to help guide you on your path to wellness. Whether you're just learning about mental health, or if you or someone you care about is struggling, we hope these resources will provide the support and information you need.
- [Health & Wellness](https://mykickstand.ca/health-wellness/): There are a lot of different things that go into maintaining our own health and wellness. It looks different for each person! From physical health, fitness and nutrition, to sexual health and relationships, to spirituality and culture – there are many ways for a person to find balance and fulfillment. Whether you are looking to learn more about health and wellness, or if you feel you or someone you care about is struggling – here is some information we put together with the help of young people from across Alberta to help you on your journey.
- [Lifeskills & Financial Literacy](https://mykickstand.ca/lifeskills-financial-literacy/): There are lots of things that go into learning how to make your way in the world, but we don’t always talk about or get the chance to learn. It can be hard to learn how to budget, do your taxes, find housing and other “adulting” skills. Here is some information we put together with the help of young people on some of those practical life things that can help you to “adult” a little easier.
- [Body Image & Eating](https://mykickstand.ca/body-image-eating/): Body image is how you see yourself in the mirror and in your own mind. There are so many messages about how a person and their body “should” look, that it can be hard to feel good about your body. It is important to work at accepting your body because all bodies are good bodies. Having a negative body image can sometimes lead to poor mental health or disordered eating. Whether you are looking to learn more about body image and eating, or if you feel you or someone you care about is struggling with disordered eating, here is some information we put together with the help of young people from across Alberta to help you on your journey.
- [Self Harm & Suicide](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/self-harm-suicide/): Self-harm is the act of inflicting pain or hurting yourself on purpose. The act of self-harm may or may not be paired with suicidal intentions or a plan to take one's own life.
- [Living with Anxiety](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/living-with-anxiety/): We all feel worried or nervous from time to time. Young people can face all kinds of concerns that may cause worry or stress. For example, an upcoming test, attending a new school, finding somewhere to live, or starting a new job.
- [Low Mood & Living With Depression](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/low-mood-living-with-depression/): Feeling sad or down is normal from time to time, especially after tough times. This can be a break-up or troubles with friends or family. We might not expect it but sometimes we can feel down or burnt out after adjusting to a really big change in life. Such as starting high school or moving out. Generally, after some time, those sad feelings will go away. And this allows us to get back to our usual lifestyle.
- [Feeling Stressed or Overwhelmed](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/feeling-stressed-or-overwhelmed/): Stress is a normal part of life. It is the way that our mind and body react to demands or threats that occur around and within us. A stress response can be activated whenever we feel vulnerable, protecting us against possible negative feelings as well as physical harm. Even a remote threat of shame, failure, or loss can trigger a stress response. We all feel it at some point in our daily lives.
- [mental-health-concerns](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-health-concerns/)
- [Mental Health 101](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-wellness-and-balance/mental-health-101/): Mental health includes your emotional and mental well-being. It affects how you think, feel, and act. It is an important part of living a balanced life and a big part of your overall health. Good mental health allows you to think, feel and act in ways that help you enjoy life and cope with its ups and downs. Good mental health also helps you handle stress, relate to others, and make effective choices.
- [Self-Care](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-wellness-and-balance/self-care/): Taking care of yourself is an important part of having a happy and healthy life. Many people think that self-care is about taking a bubble bath or doing a face mask. Though it can include relaxation techniques like this, self-care is actually much more than that. When taking care of your mental health, you should keep in mind the importance of self-awareness, the many kinds of self-care practices, and seeking help when we need it.
- [mental-wellness-and-balance](https://mykickstand.ca/mental-wellness-and-balance/)
- [Online Care](https://mykickstand.ca/online-care/): We know it can be difficult for young people to get help on their own terms - and on their own time. To meet this need, we’ve launched Kickstand Connect - a free online portal that makes it easy to connect with mental health professionals and peer support workers by phone or video. No more waiting for a referral!
- [Kickstand](https://mykickstand.ca/): The support you need doesn’t always follow a schedule. When Kickstand staff are unavailable, you can still speak with someone who cares. Through our partnership with Kids Help Phone, trained crisis responders are available to listen and support you whenever you need to talk. You’re not alone. 
- [Employment Support](https://mykickstand.ca/employment-support/): Available through the Kickstand Connect virtual clinic
- [Groups and Workshops](https://mykickstand.ca/groups-and-workshops/): Skills for Safer Living is a free 4-week group program for young people ages 12–24 who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or have previously made a suicide attempt.
- [Terms of Use and Privacy Statement](https://mykickstand.ca/terms-of-use-and-privacy-statement/): Privacy, or who will see your profile or read your information? 

## Locations
- [Demo Location](https://mykickstand.ca/locations/demo-location/): Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Gravida rutrum quisque non tellus. Rutrum quisque non tellus orci. Vel facilisis volutpat est velit egestas. Risus nullam eget felis eget. Aliquam ut porttitor leo a. Imperdiet dui accumsan sit amet nulla facilisi morbi tempus iaculis. Pulvinar pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada. Pellentesque id nibh tortor id aliquet lectus. Ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipiscing elit duis tristique.
- [Main Location](https://mykickstand.ca/locations/main-location/)

## Draw Attention
- [FIYSN Map](https://mykickstand.ca/?da_image=6323)