Help Kids be Kids: supporting youth mental wellness

Press Release

May 07, 2025

Alberta’s government is supporting community organizations that provide innovative programming to help improve the mental health and well-being of young Albertans.

Every young Albertan should be confident that help is available when they need it. Youth at risk of mental health challenges can benefit significantly from programs that focus on building resiliency, mental wellness and social connection, such as those offered through the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant Program.

Alberta’s government invested an additional $1 million into Youth Suicide Prevention Grants, for a total of $4 million over 2024-26. This means more organizations received grant funding, which increases access to programming for youth across the province.

So far, more than 2,100 youth have been supported through programs that provide spaces for young people to develop life skills and build long-term resilience. Initiatives include after-school programs, cultural camps and events, and educational workshops.

“Supporting innovative mental health programs for youth is not only vital to improving individual well-being, but also strengthens families, schools and communities. I’m grateful to partner with community organizations that provide young people with useful tools and strategies that help them recognize and manage their thoughts and feelings.”

Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

“When someone is struggling, we want them to know there is help available. Suicide prevention is a priority for our government, which is why I am grateful for our cross-ministry approach for better mental health and well-being for Alberta children and youth.”

Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

Programs funded through the Youth Suicide Prevention Program offer unique supports for diverse communities. For example, grant funding for Free Play for Kids Inc. supports the organization to offer the expanded Free to Play: Wellbeing, Resiliency & Belonging for Refugee Youth program, providing young newcomers in Edmonton opportunities to gain social, emotional and mental health skills and connecting them with peers through sport.

“Every child needs a safe space where they can play, belong and grow. Here, they make new friends and find role models in the caring leaders who run the programs. These relationships are so critical in supporting mental health and well being. We are extremely grateful to Minister Turton and the Alberta government for supporting us in creating these spaces of support.”

Tim Adams, executive director, Free Play for Kids

“We commend the Government of Alberta for investing an additional $1 million into Youth Suicide Prevention grants. The government’s continued recognition of the importance of youth suicide prevention is heartening: suicide prevention is long-term work. Support from these grants contributes to CMHA Alberta and Centre for Suicide Prevention’s education efforts, including the co-creation of the guide Community-led life promotion plans for Indigenous youth and communities. Anyone can learn to how to identify and skillfully respond to someone considering suicide; suicide prevention involves us all.”

Mara Grunau, chief executive officer, CMHA Alberta and Centre for Suicide Prevention

Alberta’s government recognizes Mental Health Week from May 5 to 11, and is committed to continuing to expand access to supports and services to young people struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. This includes investments to increase access to supports in schools and in the community, support youth-focused online and telephone resources and ensure mental health and addiction services are available through Recovery Alberta.

Quick facts

An increase in funding to the Youth Suicide Prevention Grant supported 17 eligible applicant organizations to receive grant funding from 2024-26, up from 12 organizations in 2022-24.

Related information

Help Kids be Kids: supporting youth mental wellness

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