Family Support Events

• Hope in Action
• Support for Family Members When Youth Experience Psychosis

Hope in Action

A One-Day Conference for Caregivers
by CMHA-Edmonton and Families Supporting Adults with Mental Illness

CMHA Family Services supports families and caregivers of individuals living with mental health challenges. Families and caregivers are a fundamental and integral part of the mental health landscape, and of the community we serve at CMHA Edmonton, which spans from Jasper to Cold Lake. Every person experiencing mental health challenges is supported by people who care deeply about them.

On May 9, 2026, FAMIA with sponsorship from CMHA will host Hope in Action. FAMIA Alberta has been supported by CMHA Edmonton since 2017. This one-day conference is designed to bring families and caregivers together to learn about available supports, recognize the value of their efforts, and connect with others who share similar experiences. Most importantly, it will be a space to hear and share stories of hope—for themselves and for their loved ones

JOIN US FOR

• Inspiring keynote presentations
• Lived experience storytelling
• Practical caregiving tools
• Information sharing booths
• Resource navigation support
• Meaningful connection with other caregivers

AND GAIN

• Greater confidence in navigating systems
• Tools to support stability and well-being
• Reduced isolation
• A renewed sense of hope

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Parents
• Partners & spouses
• Siblings
• Extended family members
• Informal supports
• Community members

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Adam Abba-Aji, MD, FRCPC, FRCPsych, MSc, MBA Dr. Adam Abba-Aji is a consultant psychiatrist and clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of Alberta, where he also serves as the facility medical director of Alberta Hospital Edmonton. With more than two decades of clinical experience spanning Canada, the UK, and Ireland, Dr. Abba-Aji is a leading voice in youth mental health, neuromodulation, and psychiatric service innovation. He holds an MSc in affective neuroscience and an MBA in health management services, and has been instrumental in advancing research and quality improvement in treatment-resistant depression and early intervention services. Dr. Abba-Aji is passionate about improving mental health systems, training future clinicians, and advocating for patient-centered care.
More keynote and lived experience speakers to be shared soon

Caregivers are often the quiet backbone of mental health recovery. If caregivers are supported, then families stabilize, recovery strengthens, and communities become more resilient.

Support for Family Members When Youth Experience Psychosis

Are you a family member supporting a young adult (age 17-27) who has experienced
psychosis?
Are you looking for ways to effectively support your loved one?

Our Free Education Program:

• Developed by local researchers with lived experience.
• Introduces evidence-based tools for families, such as LEAP and ACT.
• Consists of 9 modules delivered over 9 weeks.
• Each module is 2 hours in duration.
  This program follows a structured, progressive curriculum, so participants are expected to attend
  all sessions. Each session builds on the last, and drop-in attendance is not available. After Module
  1, the group becomes closed to new participants to support confidentiality and trust. Interested
  participants that miss the enrollment date can inquire about being enrolled in the upcoming
  session.
  Next Program Start Date:
• Contact Information to Enroll:
  • Phone: 780-619-6396 or 587-588-7076
  • Email: researchfamieducationpsychosis@ahs.ca

You are not alone!