HEAL: An Allyship Initiative

Addressing the gap between mental health awareness and meaningful action. 

Bridging the gap between mental health awareness and real action through education

Help, Empower, and Act for Mental Health Literacy

The HEAL Allyship Initiative aims to bridge the gap between awareness and real action by educating students and staff recognizing the signs of a distress, how to offer support, and where to find resources.
 
Funded by GSA Quality Money Grant.

Understanding Signs of Distress

Despite increasing awareness about mental health, there remains a gap in mental health literacy among graduate students and the overall UCalgary community. Understanding when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis and how to support them can be challenging.

Possible indicators of distress

  • Significant changes in mood, behaviour, or appearance 

  • Appears agitated, sad, worried, or anxious 

  • Expresses hopelessness or references suicide or self-harm 

  • Mental health appears to be significantly deteriorating 

  • Current or past experience of violence or trauma 

What to do when concerned about a student, faculty or staff member

Responding with care and concern is a critical factor in supporting a healthy UCalgary community. Here's what to do when concerned about a student, faculty or staff member. 

Ask

Trust your instincts—it’s okay to ask and express concern. Be specific about the behaviour that worries you.

Support

Listen with an open mind, ask questions, acknowledge their thoughts and feels, and offer hope and help.

Refer

Encourage help-seeking, provide information about resources, and offer to help them connect with resources.

Follow-up

Check in later to see how they are doing and respect their decision to accept or refuse help. 

Video produced by Puffin House Media

Stay tuned for a full HEAL Allyship Learning Module initiative!

UCalgary community speaks on supporting a positive mental health environment

Hear directly from students, leadership and support staff on what it means to be a HEAL ally and the importance of fostering a supportive mental health environment for everyone.