The Town of Hinton and the Hinton Rural Mental Health Action Team are providing the following free, accessible, courses in 2026. These training courses help our community by:

• Giving people real skills to support others
• Creating safe, caring places for everyone
• Helping people learn where to find help early
• Reducing mental health stigma
• Building confidence, resilience, and wellness
• Supporting people when professional help is not available

Free spring courses and events

Sat. May 2, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m: Mental Health First Aid Essentials FULL - (waitlist available)
Location: BRIDGES, 250 Hardisty Ave., Hinton
Instruction by Balance Mental Health Services
This is a comprehensive one-day training program that provides the knowledge and skills for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions. Ages 16+
Click here for the full course description.

Thurs. May 21, 1 - 2 p.m.: Stronger Together, A Hinton Docuseries
Location: Hinton Municipal Library, 803 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Attend a special screening of a six-video series highlighting how Hinton’s local partners work together—so no one has to face mental health challenges alone.
Free. All welcome. More info: FCSS 780-865-6036

Sat. May 23, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.: Home Alone FULL- (waitlist available)
Location: FCSS, 821 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Instruction by Family & Community Support Services
This is a 3-hour safety training program designed to prepare children to be unsupervised for short periods. Ages 9+
Click here for the full course description.

Mon. June 1 to Fri. June 5, 4 - 6 p.m.: Babysitter Course FULL- (waitlist available)
Location: FCSS, 821 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Instruction by Family & Community Support Services
This 7-8 hour certificate program teaches young people how to care for children and infants while keeping them safe and happy. Ages 12+
Click here for the course description.

Fri. May 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: The Holistic Connection- A Mental Wellness Education Series
Join a community dedicated to mental wellness. We offer FREE monthly group sessions focused on holistic therapies, resource sharing, and practical well-being strategies.
Together, we are:
• Building connections.
• Sharing education and advocacy.
• Opening the conversation about mental health.
Click here to see May's monthly Spotlight.

** Register below**

Free autumn courses

Registration will open in August. Please check back.

Mon. Sept. 21, 9 a.m.- 4 pm.: Mental Health First Aid Essentials
Location: Hinton Friendship Centre, 965 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Instruction by Balance Mental Health Services
This is a comprehensive one-day training program that provides the knowledge and skills for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions. Ages 16+
Click here for the full course description.

Sat. Sept. 26, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Psychological First Aid
Location: BRIDGES, 250 Hardisty Ave., Hinton
Instruction by Hinton Employment & Learning Place
This is a full day course that teaches participants how to care for themselves and others during times of stress and trauma. Ages 18+
Click here for the full course description.

Sat Oct. 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Babysitter Course
Location: FCSS, 821 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Instruction by Family & Community Support Services
This 7-8 hour certificate program teaches young people how to care for children and infants while keeping them safe and happy. Ages 12+
Click here for the full course description.

Thurs. Oct. 15, 4 - 7 pm.: Home Alone
Location: FCSS, 821 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Instruction by Family & Community Support Services
This is a 3-hour safety training program designed to prepare children to be unsupervised for short periods. Ages 9+
Click here for the full course description.

Sat. Oct. 17, 12 - 4 p.m.: safeTalk
Location: Hinton Friendship Centre, 965 Switzer Dr., Hinton
Instruction by Hinton Employment & Learning Place
safeTALK (Suicide Alertness for Everyone) is a half-day in-person training program that helps participants recognize when someone may be having thoughts of suicide and connect them with life-saving resource. Ages 18+
Click here for the full course description.

Your emotional safety is important

Learning about mental health can feel personal. The courses are designed to be a safe, supportive space. Participants can expect:

• Confidentiality
• A welcoming, judgment free environment
• No pressure to share personal stories or experiences
• A heads up if any sensitive topics will be discussed

How this helps our community

By strengthening natural supports—such as family members, friends, neighbours, mentors, and community groups—these informal, non-paid helpers will foster belonging, resilience, and purpose within the community. This will increase systemic and long-term reduction in mental health stigma.

Funding partners

Thanks to $15,000 in funding from the following organizations, these courses are free for participants.

• The Canadian Mental Health Association
• The Centre for Suicide Prevention
• Rural communities like Hinton, across Alberta.

By removing cost barriers, these life- saving skills are accessible to everyone, especially vulnerable populations.

This project also supports Hinton Offers Wellness, a local mental health and wellness hub. Use this online hub to:

• Find resources quickly
• Share information
• Guide others to the right support.