Consort, AB – In the heart of East Central Alberta, two dedicated women are creating real change in their community through the Rural Mental Health Project. Natasha Bozek and Lacey Abt, community animators based in Consort, have spent the last two years working to reduce stigma, build connections, and bring meaningful mental health programming to rural residents.
Both Natasha and Lacey bring personal and professional connections to mental health, which fuel their passion for this work. "Mental health is something especially in these rural communities that is so important but has not really been spoken about," shared Natasha, whose background in Educational Psychology complements her lived experience. Lacey, who grew up in Consort and works with victim services, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of awareness following several suicides within the community.
A Grassroots Approach to Wellness
With the support of a community grant, the duo and their action team launched a multi-faceted initiative focusing on mental health awareness, community connection, and reducing stigma. Highlights included:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Through partnerships with local media, the team published educational articles and bought targeted ads on mental health topics. Social media efforts expanded the reach, using accessible language and relatable content to engage people of all ages.
- Community Events: One standout was a lighthearted and empowering evening with speaker Carla White, whose message about self-care and mental health drew a crowd of 160 attendees.
- Intergenerational Connections: Youth and seniors came together for engaging activities, helping bridge generational gaps while opening up new conversations about mental health.
- Wellness Days: The Women's Wellness Day, in particular, left a lasting impact. From fitness classes to laughter workshops and collaborative cooking, participants left with a sense of empowerment and validation. “Some came reluctantly, but everyone left asking when the next one would be,” Natasha recalled. “It turned into a day of healing—for them and for us as facilitators.”
- Youth Engagement: A school wellness day featured games, emotional learning, and a screening of Inside Out, sparking honest conversations among youth. Comedian Chris Koch wrapped up the event series, inspiring students to “laugh at life” while navigating challenges.
Unintended Impact, Lasting Change
One unexpected success? The community’s positive response to the newspaper articles and swag like air fresheners featuring the Rural Mental Health logo. “It seems small,” said Lacey, “but seeing those symbols around town shows that people are connecting with the work.”
The project has already begun to shift cultural norms around mental health in Consort. Natasha and Lacey now find themselves sought out for support and ideas, a sign that the community sees them as trusted leaders in this space.
Advice for New Animators
Their advice for anyone just starting as a community animator? Start by listening. “Engage the community from the beginning,” said Natasha. “Don’t just jump into what you think they need—learn from them first.” Lacey added, “Even if only two people show up, that’s two people you’ve reached. And they’ll help you reach more.”
Their work is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts, and to the idea that small steps can lead to big, transformative change.
Watch the short video below to hear Natasha and Lacey share their heartfelt stories, community successes, and the powerful moments that continue to shape mental health in rural Alberta.
To learn about all of Consort's projects visit Consort.
June 24, 2025 - Emily Wilkes