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By Victor Kaisar

Mental Health Training

CMHA Kamloops seeking feedback on plans for free mental health training in Merritt

Jun 2, 2025 | 3:01 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — The Kamloops branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is seeking feedback as it conducts a needs assessment into its plans to offer free mental health training in Merritt.

In a news release, CMHA said the new initiative — which is expected to launch this fall — is in response to the lasting impacts of the 2021 floods in Merritt and the surrounding region, the effects of which are still being felt to this day.

“This program is part of CMHA Kamloops’ broader commitment to enhancing mental health education and access throughout the Thompson-Nicola region,” Alfred Achoba, the executive director of CMHA Kamloops, said in a statement.

“This includes a special focus on rural and underserved areas.”

The training will be made available to residents, Indigenous communities, organizations and service providers in the Merritt area. CMHA is asking people to have their say into what types of mental health education and supports they think would be most beneficial.

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“We want to ensure the training we provide is relevant and impactful,” added Brett Mineer, the communications and engagement coordinator at CMHA Kamloops.

“By listening to the community, we can help build resiliency and strong supports in Merritt and the region — especially as people continue to recover from the compounding trauma of successive natural disasters.”

Mineer said the initiative will include a variety of evidence-based training opportunities like Mental Health First Aid; ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training); Trauma Informed Care; Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Awareness; and Workplace Boundaries.

He also said the training program is being funded by the Canadian Red Cross and all courses will be led by certified facilitators.

Depending on the results of the needs assessment, CMHA Kamloops may also offer mental health counselling to people in the Merritt area.

People can share their suggestions by email here. For updates or to participate in the community needs assessment, they’re being told to contact 250-374-0440, Ext. 102.