Reports on Mental Health Capacity Building Research Project

The Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) project is an initiative that utilizes universal programming within the school environment to mobilize positive school and community action.

The purpose of this evaluation objective, led by SHA Research Scientist Oluwasegun Hassan, was to demonstrate how MHCB staff had been able to provide evidence-based and innovative programming to enhance mental health and well-being in children, youth and families.

The findings showed that just as teachers and MCHB staff are teaching mental health coping skills, the students derived some positive outcomes through the learning and utilization of the coping skills. One of the students who used the taught coping skills stated, “Sometimes I get mad and I do this real hard (clamps hand together). I squeeze my knuckles and I breathe in and out. Sometimes when I feel angry, I go in my room and I calm down.”

The schools involved in the MHCB project include John Paul II Collegiate and North Battleford Comprehensive High School in North Battleford, Dr. Martin LeBoldus in Regina, Greenall High School in Balgonie, and Hector Thiboutot School (K-12) in Sandy Bay.

For more information, read the reports below.