Helping the Helpers

We are proposing to expand our successful frontline wellness workshop program into Alberta and the Northwest Territories through a series of six community-based training sessions in 2026. This project will strengthen the mental health and sustainability of frontline workers; those who provide critical support in social services, healthcare, and community safety; by offering practical, accessible, and evidence-informed tools to prevent burnout and enhance resilience.

Each workshop will focus on a core topic identified by workers themselves:

• Burnout prevention and recovery

• Boundary setting and self-care

• De-escalation and conflict management

• Trauma-informed care

• Workplace sustainability and peer support

All sessions will include a printed workbook and digital follow-up resources to reinforce learning. To ensure lasting impact, we will pilot a Frontline Peer Support Circle model, allowing participants to continue meeting for mutual support after the training concludes.

Workshops will be offered in hybrid format (in-person and online) to reach both urban and remote communities. They will be free for participants, eliminating financial barriers and increasing accessibility.

This initiative addresses a critical gap in mental health supports for frontline workers in Alberta and the NWT. It does not duplicate existing programs but instead introduces a worker-led model of care that prioritizes peer connection and practical skill-building—empowering those who care for others to also care for themselves.

This project will benefit frontline workers across Alberta and the Northwest Territories—individuals working in healthcare, social services, community safety, emergency response, and nonprofit sectors who face high emotional and occupational stress.

Our target participants include:

• Shelter and outreach staff

• Mental health and addictions workers

• Nurses, healthcare aides, and social workers

• Emergency and crisis responders

• Community-based advocates and support coordinators

We anticipate reaching 200–300 frontline workers directly in 2026. Many of these individuals serve hundreds of community members each year, meaning the program’s ripple effects could indirectly support thousands of vulnerable people through improved quality of care.

Participants will benefit from:

• Increased knowledge of burnout prevention and trauma-informed practices

• Improved emotional regulation and workplace boundaries

• Enhanced coping skills and peer connections

• Reduced isolation and compassion fatigue

By supporting workers’ mental wellness, the project also benefits their organizations (through improved staff retention and morale) and the communities they serve (through more stable, resilient, and empathetic service delivery).