Mental Health Capacity Building Research Project

Mental Health and Well-being

“Positive mental health and well-being” is a broad term that describes a wide range of feelings, abilities, and actions that help people experience enjoyment in life. Examples include: autonomy (i.e., feeling in control of one’s life and personal decisions), resilience (i.e., ability to cope with the challenges and stresses of life), functioning well mentally, having an optimistic outlook, feeling like one belongs to a community, and maintaining physical health and wellness.

Mental Health - Promotion and Prevention

The Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) program supports positive mental health and well-being by enhancing protective factors and reducing preventable risk factors for mental illness. This is accomplished by creating a school community that promotes and sustains positive mental health and well-being for everyone. The MHCB program builds capacity for students, families, caregivers, staff, and communities to work together towards a healthy school environment.

MHCB Vision

• A culture and environment that values positive mental health and well-being.

MHCB Mission

• To build capacity within school environment that actively promotes positive mental health and well-being within students, families, and communities through the enhancement of protective factors and minimization of risk factors.

MHCB Objectives

1. Utilize the Comprehensive School Community Health framework to address mental health promotion in a planned, integrated and holistic way.

2. Use evidence-based and innovative programming to enhance mental health and well-being in students and families by:  

• Building and strengthening awareness, knowledge, skills and confidence (e.g., self-regulation and interpersonal skills); and,
• Creating a school culture that fosters a sense of belonging and safety.

3. Build capacity of school staff through professional development that supports mental health literacy, the reduction of stigma, and curricular connections.

4. Support early interventions and facilitate access to supports for students and families who are experiencing, or are at risk of experiencing, mental health concerns.

5. Develop a network of participating MHCB Schools to support program implementation and delivery.