Prairie Mountain Region
Included in the PMRH are the cities of Brandon and Dauphin, and the towns of Neepawa, Swan River, Russell, Minnedosa, Virden, Carberry, Souris, Boissevain, Roblin, Killarney, Gladstone, Hamiota, and Melita.
Our Peer Support Outreach team, located in Brandon, includes Lora Hay, Nicole Mason, Alycia Canada, and Bethany Leslie. Our team can provide one-on-one peer support, facilitate peer support groups, or give presentations in workplaces, non-profit groups or in schools about mood disorders.
If you are struggling with your mental health, looking for resources, or would like to book a presentation or one-on-one peer support session, please email westman@moodmb.ca.
Help/Support/Contact
Alycia Canada is the Administration Assistant at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba in the Prairie Mountain region. A graduate of the Business Administration program at Assiniboine College, she is currently completing her degree in Business Administration at Brandon University.
Outside of her professional and academic endeavors, Alycia enjoys spending time at the hockey rink, where she supports her three children in their activities. If she isn’t at the rink, she is watching football or hockey at home. Her passion for mental health advocacy is a driving force in her life, guiding her efforts both in her career and personal pursuits to create positive change and provide meaningful support.
Nicole Mason is our Outreach Coordinator here in the Prairie Mountain region, as well as a peer support group facilitator. With her own mental health experiences, she has become extremely passionate for helping others that are going through their own struggles. She is excited to share her journey in hopes of encouraging others to fight the battles that mental illness brings. She is currently studying psychology and has experience with both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Dialectic Behavioural Therapy. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, researching numerous topics, and lazing around with her two cats, Will and Theodora, as well as the family pug dog, Tucker.
Lora Hay, Regional Outreach Manager, Prairie Mountain. Starting her professional career as an educational assistant while raising her children, she recognized her passion for helping others and pursued education in counseling. Later she worked as program manager for a non-profit organization and moved into a more career development focus. She is a graduate of Assiniboine Community College’s Applied Counselling program and holds a Registered Professional Recruiter designation, which she used both skill sets while working at a professional recruiter with the Westman based company West-Can HR. With a deep-rooted passion for supporting individuals on their journey toward mental wellness.
Mental wellness and assisting individuals were always at the forefront of her mind, calling her back. Her involvement with SPIN as Treasurer demonstrates her dedication to suicide prevention and mental health advocacy at a community level. Now, as the Regional Outreach Manager at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, Lora aims to further her impact by educating and supporting her community in navigating mental health challenges.
When she is not working with the terrific team at Mood Disorder and volunteering her time to SPIN, Lora enjoys spending time with her growing family including her spoiled dog, Winnie. She also enjoys the outdoors, photography, fishing and camping with her husband of 30 years.
Bethany Leslie is an Outreach/Peer Support Worker at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba in the Prairie Mountain Region. She is finishing her Bachelor of Arts degree at Brandon University, double majoring in Psychology and Religion with a research interest in the effects of awe on mental health. Naturally compassionate, inclined towards self-development, and inspired by her own experience with mental illness, Bethany is passionate about guiding others through their own dark times. As a 300-hour registered yoga instructor and artist, she is driven to serve her community by combining her skills with the programs that MDAM offers. In her spare time, she enjoys engaging in her art practice, hanging out with her friends and beloved cats, and thrifting.
Alycia Canada
Nicole Mason
Lora Hay
Bethany Leslie
Crisis Phone List
All Rural Farm and Rural Stress Line: 866-367-3276
North Westman: 866-427-8628
South Westman: 204-326-9276 or toll-free 888-617-7715
Brandon and Assiniboine: 1-888-379-7699
Wellness Peer Support Group – Westman
Soul Sisters
Brandon Men’s Activity Club
Brandon – Tea & Tales
Neepawa – Postpartum Peer Support Group
Brandon – Postpartum Peer Support Group
Minnedosa- Tea & Tales
Student Support Group
Disordered Eating & Body Image Workshop
M.A.D. Mondays
This is an online mixed group that focuses on wellness topics, addressing all mood disorders, diagnosed or undiagnosed and welcomes everyone to experience an evening of support and connection.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays. This group meets virtually once per month from 6:30 – 8:00 pm and meets next on September 16, 2024. Starting October 7th, this group will meet weekly.
To join the group and receive the Zoom link or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Brandon office at (204) 721-2174.
ONLINE
Once Per Month on Sep. 16th and then weekly starting October 7
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A community of women who care about each other and who welcome open, honest, heartfelt connections and conversations. Come join a sacred space of nonjudgmental & confidential sharing.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays.
To join the group and receive the Zoom link or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or call/text our Brandon office at (204) 721-2174.
ONLINE
Wednesday
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Facilitator: Susan
This group is aimed primarily at men 40+ but those younger are welcome as well. The group fosters socialization and connection among men in a workshop setting. This group does not meet on statutory holidays. (No charge for this group.)
To receive the link to this group or for further information, please contact the Brandon office by emailing or calling/texting:
adassist@moodmb.ca
(204) 721-2174
IN PERSON
Wednesday
12:30 to 2:00 pm
Facilitator: In person at the BNRC Creation Nation Maker Space in Brandon, Manitoba
Our Seniors Tea & Tales is all about coming together for an afternoon tea or coffee to share experiences and discuss a variety of topics about mental health, or simply to connect with other people in a similar age group!
This is a new group in the Brandon area starting on September 6th. The group meets every Friday from 10:30 am – 12:00 pm at Rotary Villas, 1340 10 St., Brandon, MB.
To join or for more information, please contact adassist@moodmb.ca or (204) 721-2174.
IN PERSON
Every Friday
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
MDAM Prairie Mountain is Calling All Moms at Calvary Chapel in Neepawa, MB!
Location: Calvary Chapel 221 Hamilton Street Neepawa, MB
Time: 2 pm – 3 pm
Dates: Meets Twice a Month on September 12 & 26, 2024 and then bi-weekly on October 3, 17, 31, 2024
Join us in-person for support and empowerment in creating the life and wellness you want for yourself and your family. To provide tools and support to parents experiencing postpartum depression. Children welcomed!
For more information, please contact Lora:
✉️outreachmgr(at)moodmb.ca
☎️(204) 721-2174 or (431) 866-4234
IN PERSON
Twice a Month on September 12 & 26, 2024
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Calling All Moms at Baby Bump!
Location: Baby Bump, 728 18th Street Brandon, MB
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Dates: Once a month on Mondays, starting September 16, 2024 & October 21, 2024
MDAM Prairie Mountain has partnered with Baby Bump! Join us in-person for support and empowerment in creating the life and wellness you want for yourself and your family. To provide tools and support to parents experiencing postpartum depression. Children welcomed!
For more information, please contact Lora:
outreachmgr@moodmb.ca
(431) 866-4234
IN PERSON
Once a Month on Monday's starting September 16, 2024
10:30-11:30 am
Facilitator: Lora Hay
We are pleased to announce we will be offering our Senior’s Tea & Tales group in Minnedosa in September!
Calling All Seniors for Tea & Tales at the Minnedosa 50+ Activity Centre!
Location: 31 Main St S, Minnedosa, MB
Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Dates: Wednesdays, starting September 18th, 2024 for 6 weeks
MDAM Prairie Mountain has partnered with the Minnedosa 50+ Activity Centre to offer a safe and confidential space for folks to come together! Looking to connect with others in your community? Then come join us for a morning of refreshments to connect, exchange stories and discuss a wide range of mental health topics.
For more information, please call Lora:
(431) 866-4234 or (204) 721-2174
IN PERSON
Wednesdays, starting September 18th, 2024 for 6 weeks
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Calling all Brandon University and Assiniboine College Students!
Location: KDC Student’s Lounge at Brandon University
Time: 7:00-8:00PM
Date: October 14th, October 21st, November 18th, and December 16th
And
Location: ASCA Boardroom at Assiniboine College
Time: 7:00-8:00PM
Date: November 4th and December 2nd.
Discover your passion, find support, and thrive together! Whether you’re at Brandon University or Assiniboine College, we’re here to help you stay afloat and flourish.
Join our student support group with the MDAM Prairie Mountain for a space to explore mental health, healthy coping, creativity, and community. This is a safe and confidential space.
For more information or to register, please contact us:
(204) 721-2174 by phone or text or email us at adassist@moodmb.ca
IN PERSON
See Page for Full Listing
7:00 - 8:00 pm
Join our 6-week Disordered Eating & Body Image Workshop with Huddle Brandon and MDAM Prairie Mountain!
Location: Huddle Brandon
Time: 4:00-5:00PM
Date: 6 weeks between November 4th and December 16th
Whether in-person or online, we’ll explore setting intentions, challenging beauty standards, nourishing your body, and fostering self-love. Dive into movement, healthy goal-setting, and build a supportive community. Let’s transform our relationship with ourselves and find lasting balance together.
For more information or to register, please contact Huddle:
Phone: (204) 717-6565
Email: youask@huddlebrandon.ca
IN PERSON
6 Weeks Between November 4th - December 16th
4:00 - 5:00 pm
This group meets every Monday from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at 100 – 4 Fort Street in Winnipeg and is a safe space for anyone ages 12-17 to hang out after school to listen to/play music, create art, work on dance or drama routines, and have access to peer support workers. Snacks and light refreshments are provided.
E-mail: youthprogram@moodmb.ca
Phone: 204-890-4316
*This program is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2024.
Registration is required for this program. To register, please click here.
IN PERSON
Mondays
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Facilitator: Cheyenne Zamora
Introducing: Westman’s New WRAP Program
This FREE 6-week online program teaches you how to take control of your mental health.
These classes teach you how to design your own personal WRAP.
These sessions are led by trained individuals who have struggled with their own mental health and are well on their way to recovery.
WRAP classes will teach you how to incorporate the five fundamental recovery concepts into your daily life. The 6 – 8 sessions will cover some of the following topics:
- Creating a Crisis Plan
- Early Warning Signs
- Five Key Concepts of Recovery
- Identifying My Triggers
- Creating a Daily Maintenance Plan
2-hour classes offered online, date and time to be announced.
Email adassist@moodmb.ca to register and be added to the waiting list.
MDAM Prairie Mountain has a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: join us for 4 FREE in-person events taking place in Brandon, MB. 
These events will be based on various fun activities that promote mental health and wellbeing, such as:
Culture – Explore how ancient civilizations viewed and treated mental health, followed by a fun puzzle game.
Artistic Expression – Express your feelings by creating various art pieces through the sound of music.
Land-Based – An introspective walk in nature, followed by a journal and gratitude art project.
Mindfulness – De-stress by joining us for a meditation and yoga session with a registered yoga instructor.
*Registration is required, as spots are limited! Must be 18 years of age or older.
For more information or to register, please contact:
Call/Text (204) 721-2174
Presentation & Workshop Requests
If you are interested in scheduling a presentation or a workshop on peer support and/or mental health, please fill out the Presentation Request Form by clicking on the Request button below.
Book a One-on-One
Do you need someone to talk to? We offer peer support in a one-on-one (virtual) setting. If you would like to book a peer support session, please click on the BOOK NOW button below. Appointments are 30 min – 1 hour in length and are conducted by video chat, using Microsoft Teams.
Success
Stories
Prairie Mountain Events
Hike the Hill *SOLD OUT*
This isn’t just a hike—it’s an immersive experience that blends education, empathy, and entertainment. It’s an opportunity to connect with …
CALM Event
MDAM Prairie Mountain has a SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: join us for 4 FREE in-person events taking place in Brandon, MB. …
May 6, 2024 12:00 am
Mental Health Awareness Week
May 6 – 12, 2024 As part of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, we will be talking about various mood …
Volunteer in Prairie Mountain
Volunteers are integral to the creation and ongoing maintenance of MDAM’s programming. MDAM offers several opportunities for anyone interested in providing support and education directly to our clients.
Interested in volunteering in the Prairie Mountain Region?
