• PAWS is one of 38 Mental Health Capacity Building projects in Alberta.  We are one of about 120 schools that have such a project.  Others projects that are close are in Whitecourt, Fox Creek and High Prairie.  We are the only school in our division with a MHCB project.
• The purpose of the MHCB projects are to provide mental health promotion and prevention programs in the school setting to children, youth and their families.  Although we are located in the school, we are not a school project.  We serve the community.
• Each project is different and in Swan Hills our team consists of a Coordinator, Child and Youth Mentor, Wellness Mentor and Therapist.
• We provide a number of programs to classes and small groups as well as individual support to students.
• We also engage our community partners to help us with programming and to create sustainability for the projects both in terms of money and time.
• PAWS has also created a society to help with community projects like the skatepark and splash park that enhance wellbeing in our community.

• September 25 – Minute-to-Win-It Family Challenge
• November 27 – Family Christmas Craft Night
• January 29 – Glow-in-the-Dark Games
• March 11 – Building a Tic-Tac-Toe Game
• May 27 – Amazing Race

Details will be sent home with students.

Lunch’n’Learn

On the 3rd Thursday of each month, P.A.W.S. partners with F.C.S.S. to provide a mental health learning opportunity for parents and community members.  Come to the F.C.S.S. offices and enjoy a presentation from 9:30-11:30 & 1:00-3:00. Includes lunch.  Topics for this year include stress, seasonal affective disorder, self-harm, anxiety, trauma, internet safety, conflict resolution and building resiliency in children.

Mental Health First Aid

We are pleased to offer this course to the community on February 6th & 7th.  Participants will learn how different mental health disorders present themselves as well as how to support a person experiencing a mental health-related crisis.  For more information, please contact the P.A.W.S. Office.

• PAWS provides resources to school staff or parents in any area of Wellness such as substance abuse, anxiety, conflict management, social skills, anger management, parenting support, etc
• PAWS can do one time class presentations on a variety of topics including cliques, positive peer communication, sharing, internet safety, etc
• PAWS partners with other agencies to do classroom presentations or provide information and resources about nutrition, sexual health, and a variety of mental health issues.
• PAWS can refer students/ parents to community agencies such as Alberta Health Services, Addiction and Mental Health.

Project Coordinator – Vanessa Lewis

Child and Youth Mentor – Tanya Thomas

Referrals can be given by anyone (parent, friend, teacher, even the individual needing support). They can be made over the phone, via email or in person at the P.A.W.S. office, however, consent forms must be signed in person.

A referral to the P.A.W.S. Project consists of 2 forms:

• Referral –  gives staff details about why the person needs support, some background information and areas of need.
• Parental Consent – to be signed by the parent/guardian if the individual needing support is under the age of 18.