About the Network
The RMHN supports rural and remote communities by providing training, resources, and connection opportunities to local volunteers called Animators. These Animators are trained in facilitation and community development skills so they can lead conversations and foster grassroots action around mental wellbeing in their communities.
The Network offers a platform for Animators to connect with peers across Alberta, access ongoing learning, and apply for funding to support community-driven mental health initiatives.
At its heart, the RMHN empowers everyday people to advocate for and build healthier communities through citizen-led change—focusing on mental wellbeing, not just illness. The Network is adaptable and responsive, evolving based on the needs of Animators and the communities they serve.
No, we don’t offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.
That program is delivered through the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and while the name sounds similar, we’re not affiliated with them.
The Rural Mental Health Network does not provide clinical or skills-based mental health training programs like MHFA or ASIST. Instead, we focus on community-led approaches to mental wellness.
That said, we do partner with organizations that offer those programs and help share opportunities with our Animators and communities when available.
Our training prepares Community Animators to take on a facilitative leadership role—bringing people together, sparking local conversations, and building action teams that guide grassroots mental health efforts.
Unlike traditional mental health programs, Rural Mental Health Network (RMHN) doesn’t deliver services or promote a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it supports local leadership and upstream action by empowering residents to lead conversations, identify priorities, and co-create community-driven solutions.
Becoming a Community Animator
We get this question a lot! While the word “Animator” might make you think of cartoons or drawings, here it means someone who brings ideas and conversations to life.
Community Animators in the Rural Mental Health Network are volunteer leaders who use facilitation and conversation skills to connect people and support local mental health action.
To prepare for this important role, Animators complete training that teaches facilitation techniques, community-based approaches, and how to guide conversations that lead to meaningful change.
No formal education or credentials are needed—just a passion for building stronger, healthier communities.
You can express your interest by filling out the Expression of Interest form. After submitting the form, the RMH staff team will review your application. If it’s a good fit, we’ll invite you to a meet & greet conversation to explore your interest and discuss next steps.
Training is delivered through 7 modules through 10 hours of online learning and 4 days of live virtual sessions with the RMH team.
Attendance is mandatory on the virtual training days and you must be present for all 4 days in order to receive a certificate of completion.
After completing the training, the time commitment is flexible and varies by community.
On average, Animators spend a few hours a month connecting with their Action Team, hosting conversations, and staying involved with the RMHN network. The role is designed to be adaptable and sustainable.
Yes! In fact, we encourage it. Community leadership is stronger and more sustainable when shared. Having multiple Animators helps ensure collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual support in this complex work.
Roles & Structures
A Backbone Organization is a local organization—such as a nonprofit, municipality, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), or health centre—that supports the Community Animator and helps manage funds. A Backbone Organization is required to receive Community Development Funds and/or Community Grants. They also play a key role in providing continuity, coordination, and local support for the Animator and Action Team.
For a more thorough explanation, check out the Backbone Organization's role in Animator Training here.
An Action Team is a group of local community members who work alongside the Community Animator to guide mental health and wellness efforts. These teams help identify community priorities, co-create solutions, and implement locally driven initiatives.
The Community Animator role is a volunteer position. While the work is deeply valued and impactful, Animators are not employed or paid by the Rural Mental Health Network. That said, they receive ongoing training, support, and access to funding opportunities that can support their work and their communities.
For a more thorough explanation, check out the Animator's role in Animator Training here.
Yes! You can join a local Action Team, attend events, or share your insights. While these are the current main ways to get involved, we anticipate additional opportunities within the network in the future.
Training & Funding
Training is delivered through 7 modules, including approximately 10 hours of self-paced online learning and 4 full days of live virtual sessions with the RMH team. It focuses on upstream, community-based approaches to mental health, and includes facilitation skills, equity, collective action, and practical tools for leading conversations and supporting change.
The experience is interactive, reflective, and grounded in real community contexts. Participants must complete the online learning, attend all four live training days, answer all discussion posts and quizzes to receive a certificate of completion.
Yes. Participants must complete the online learning, attend all four live training days, and complete all discussion posts and quizzes to receive a certificate of completion and access post-training resources and support.
Animators are never alone in this work. You’ll be connected to a growing peer network, digital tools and resources, one-on-one coaching, and support from your local Backbone Organization. We also provide regular opportunities for continued learning and collective sharing across the province.
Once Animator training is complete and a Backbone Organization is confirmed, communities may be eligible to apply for the Community Development Fund and additional Community Grants to support local action plans, events, or initiatives.
Please note: Eligibility for the Community Discovery Fund is determined on a case-by case basis.
Still have questions?
Reach out to us directly at rmh@cmha.ab.ca — we’d love to hear from you.