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, Alycia Canada, Bethany Leslie, and Jess Pickett. 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 adassist@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.
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 Coordinator 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.
Jess Pickett is a Peer Support Outreach Worker at the Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba, serving the Prairie Mountain Region. Jess is currently in her third year at Brandon University, pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in Sociology and plans to continue on to a Master’s degree in Social Work. Jess is committed to inner growth and emotional healing, and has been inspired by her own mental health journey. In her peer support work, she aims to walk alongside others as they reconnect with their own inner resources and discover what healing looks like for them. Outside of work Jess enjoys crocheting, creating art through drawing and painting, writing, listening to music, and spending time in nature.
Alycia Canada
Lora Hay
Bethany Leslie
Jess Pickett
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
Follow PMH on Social Media:
Wellness Peer Support Group
Soul Sisters
Brandon Men’s Support Group
Brandon Rotary Villas – Tea & Tales
Minnedosa- Tea & Tales
Boissevain – Tea & Tales
Coffee Talk – Wellness Support Group
Virden – Tea & Tales
One-on-One Chats with the Prairie Mountain Team
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.
Let’s Talk Wellness 💬✨
Take a step toward better mental health and join our Wellness Peer Support Group! Share your story, gain support, and build connections in a judgment-free space.
🗓 Mondays
🕕 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
📍 Virtual We’re here for you—call/text 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca to register. Let’s thrive together!
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays. This group meets every Monday from 6:30 – 8:00 pm.
ONLINE
Every Monday
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Facilitator: PMH Team
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.
📅 When: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
📍 Where: Now HYBRID – join us in person at our Brandon office, located at 1003 13th Street, or virtually!
Connect, share, and support one another in a safe and welcoming space. Whether you prefer the comfort of home or joining us in person, we’re here for you!
For questions or to register, call/text us at 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca.
Please note: There is no charge for this group and we do not meet on statutory holidays.
IN PERSON
Tuesday (In-Person/Virtual)
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Facilitator: Bethany
Looking for a space to connect, share, and engage with other men in Brandon? Join our Men’s Support Group for monthly sessions focused on support, camaraderie, and wellness.
This group meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in person at the MDAM office in Brandon. (No charge for this group.)
For further information, please contact the Brandon office by emailing or calling/texting:
adassist@moodmb.ca
(204) 721-2174
IN PERSON
Dec 9, 2025 (2nd Tues of the month)
6:00-7:00 pm
Facilitator: Brandon MDAM Team
Join us for Tea and Tales at Rotary Villas! This weekly support group offers a warm, welcoming space for seniors to connect, share stories, and support one another.
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
Join us for Tea and Tales in Minnedosa! This weekly support group is a safe space for seniors to share stories, connect, and find support for the unique challenges they face. Come for the tea, stay for the tales, and leave with a sense of community.
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: Every Wednesday
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
Every Wednesday
10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
We’re excited to continue our Tea and Tales Support Group in Boissevain! Join us for a morning of connection, conversation, and support as we share stories and navigate life’s challenges together.
📅 When: First Tuesday of the Month – November 4th
📍 Where: Cherry Creek Place
⏰ Time: 10:00AM to 11:00AM
This group focuses on seniors and their unique struggles, but all are welcome! Let’s come together, one story at a time.
For questions or to register, call/text us at 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca.
IN PERSON
1st Tuesday of the Month (Nov 4)
10:00 - 11:00 am
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Take a moment for yourself and join us for Coffee Talk in our new Brandon office! This new group is all about fostering wellness, sharing experiences, and simply enjoying great company.
📅 When: Every Thursday
📍 Where: Brandon Office Support Space, 1003 13th Street, Unit B Brandon, MB R7A 4E9
⏰ Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Sit, sip, and connect in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We can’t wait to see you there!
For questions or to register, call/text us at 204-721-2174 or email adassist@moodmb.ca.
IN PERSON
Every Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Facilitator: Lora Hay
☕Tea and Tales Virden!!☕
We are very excited to bring Tea and Tales to Virden!
Looking for connection, conversation, and a warm cup of tea?
Join us for Tea and Tales in Virden! Come sip some tea, enjoy a few snacks, and be part of a welcoming community where stories are shared and friendships grow. 🌿✨
📍 Where: Borders Regional Library, 312-7th Avenue
🗓️When: 2nd Thursday of the Month
⏰ 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
No registration needed — just drop in!
Let’s build community, one cup at a time. 💬💚
IN PERSON
Nov 13, 2025
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Facilitator: Lora Hay
Introducing One-on-One Chats with the Prairie Mountain Team, offered through our office located in Brandon.
We’re excited to launch this new One-on-One Chat service in the Prairie Mountain region. Sometimes all you need is a few minutes to connect with someone who understands.
These are short 10–15 minute one-on-one check-ins with one of our amazing Peer Support Workers.
When: Currently offered on Mondays from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Online through Zoom – Join us by clicking the Launch Meeting button
Confidentiality matters. Everything shared is private, and no one else can see that you’ve joined.
Whether you want to share what’s on your mind, check in about your week, or just need someone to listen—we’re here for you.
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
September 23, 2025 12:00 am
Self-Love Community Workshop
True balance begins within. 💜 Practicing self-love means giving yourself the same compassion you offer others, learning to say ‘I …
October 14, 2025 6:00 pm
Hike the Hill Fall 2025
This isn’t just a hike—it’s an immersive experience that blends education, empathy, and entertainment. It’s an opportunity to connect with …
May 27, 2025 6:00 pm
Hike the Hill
This isn’t just a hike—it’s an immersive experience that blends education, empathy, and entertainment. It’s an opportunity to connect with …
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?
