Supporting Positive Mental Health and Well-being
Mental Health Week May 4-8
Mental Health Week in Canada, organized by the
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), takes place annually during the first week of May (May 4-10, 2026). The campaign focuses on education, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and encouraging open conversations.
The 2026 theme - “Stronger connections, better mental health” - highlights the important role that relationships play in overall well-being. When we bond with other people and feel a sense of connection, our brain’s reward system gets activated. Even simple actions, like giving or receiving a smile can activate our sense of well-being and motivation.
Student well-being is foundational to healthy development, strong relationships, and academic success. Connection is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health. Many young people today feel lonely or disconnected. Social media, busy schedules, and pressure to succeed can make it harder to build real relationships. Schools are key settings where young people build connection. Everyday classroom moments, like conversations, group activities and small acts of kindness can help students feel seen, included, and supported.
CBE staff support student well being by providing universal supports and working with community partners to connect students and families to additional resources when needed.
The
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) toolkit below offers simple ways to:
- strengthen connection among students
- encourage thoughtful conversations
- build empathy and belonging in the classroom
The following resources support mental health understanding, reduce stigma, and help children, youth, families, and educators access reliable information and supports.
MentalHealthLiteracy.org provides evidence based, easy to understand information to help children, youth, families, and educators better understand mental health and mental illness. The site shares practical resources (such as videos, guides, and learning tools) that support early understanding, reduce stigma, and promote help seeking.
This resource supports mental health literacy (MHL) by weaving in Indigenous worldviews and ways of life, recognizing that these perspectives vary across Nations and communities. The lessons align with existing mental health literacy curricula and can be used alongside elementary and secondary classroom resources.
The Family and Caregivers section of the Mental Health Literacy website provides practica information to help families support children’s mental health while also caring for themselves. The site offers resources that build understanding of mental health, reduce stigma, and guide families and caregivers in recognizing challenges, seeking help, and supporting children through everyday stress or more serious concerns.
Primary Care Alberta’s mental health literacy resource hub helps educators, families, and communities build understanding of mental health and reduce stigma. The site includes training, educational tools, and guidance on recognizing concerns early and connecting children and youth to appropriate supports.
Free Child & Youth Emotional Wellness & Health Resources
Community Education Service(CES) delivers FREE, online, evidence-based education for parents, caregivers, and community members on topics related to child and youth emotional wellness and health. View
recorded and upcoming webinars.
