05 Feb 139 Islanders Complete Training on the Science of Brain Development and How Early Childhood Experiences Can Affect Mental Health and Substance Use Health Outcomes
Charlottetown, PEI, Feb. 05, 2025 — Today, the Alliance for Mental Well-Being wrapped up its fifth and final cohort of the Brain Story PEI Pilot; a training program that explores the connection between brain development and how early childhood experiences can shape physical, mental and substance use health outcomes.
The intensive 35-hour training was delivered to leaders and staff from a cross-section of community health and social service organizations, government, educators, and the business community. Participants taking the training cited increased understanding of the connection between brain development to substance use health and mental health outcomes along with their capacity to work with and support vulnerable Islanders.
To celebrate the wrap up of the Pilot, the Alliance invited participants from all five cohorts to come together to share stories, connect with each other, and learn about what others have been doing to build brain science into their program and service delivery since taking the training.
“The desire to connect with fellow front-line workers in mental well-being was a common theme that emerged during the Pilot and across all five cohorts” Nancy Anderson, Executive Director of the Alliance for Mental Well-Being. “To support this identified need, we are launching the PEI Brain Builders Network; a community of practice intended to foster connections, share resources, and inspire collaborative ideas”.
The Brain Story PEI Pilot was made possible through funding from the Department of Health and Wellness and reflects three years of work by the Alliance to create the conditions for positive change so that all people on PEI can achieve and maintain the best possible mental well-being throughout their lives. To achieve its mission, the Alliance supports and empowers community organizations to improve mental well-being by offering training, sharing research and providing needed resources.
Additional training offerings will take place throughout 2025. Individuals or organizations that may be interested in enrolling should contact the Alliance at info@afmwb.com
Quotes:
“This training is a testament to the power of education in transforming lives and building stronger communities. By equipping participants with a deeper understanding of how early childhood experiences shape mental health and substance use outcomes, we are fostering a brighter future for individuals and families across Prince Edward Island. The success of the Brain Story PEI Pilot reflects our commitment to mental health and ensuring that all Islanders have access to the tools and support they need to thrive.” – Hon. Mark McLane, Minister of Health and Wellness
“My biggest takeaway was understanding the science behind it. We tend to focus on the practical, common sense understanding of what a good program looks like. But why we are achieving those results helps us develop our programs and more clarity around reviewing program ideas developed by my staff. This is affirming the work.” – Participant, Cohort 4
“I envision using some of these useful metaphors when talking with our participants about childhood development, trauma, (and) resilience” – Participant, Cohort 5
“The most valuable part of this training was the language and understanding to bring this back to my workplace for clients and staff. The entire 3 days were full of “aha” moments, from group shares to the content” – Participant, Cohort 5
Media Inquiries:
Sharon Jollimore
Director, Innovation and Engagement
Alliance for Mental Well-Being
Sharon@afmwb.com
Morgan Martin
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Health and Wellness
mxmartin@gov.pe.ca