The Mental Health Toolkit for Elected Officials is a fully subsidized program being developed by UBCM to support the wellbeing of local elected officials throughout British Columbia. There will be no cost to participating elected officials or their local governments. Through a combination of educational resources, training opportunities, and mental health supports, the Toolkit is intended to strengthen mental health literacy, build resilience, and improve access to support for elected officials throughout their term in office.
The Toolkit is expected to launch in January, 2027 with additional information on registration and participation to be released following the 2026 local government election.
Program Objectives
The Toolkit is being developed to:
- Improve access to mental health supports and resources
- Enhance mental health literacy
- Reduce stigma associated with seeking support
- Promote resilience, self-awareness, and healthy coping strategies
- Encourage early intervention and access to appropriate services
- Strengthen peer connection and shared learning opportunities among elected officials
What the Toolkit will include
Continuing Education
Participants will have access to learning opportunities tailored to Elected Officials, including:
- Self-paced, online learning modules through the BC Local Government Learning Hub
- Educational webinars focused on mental wellbeing, resilience, respectful workplaces, and emerging issues
Mental Health Supports
Eligible participants will be able to apply for access to fully subsidized mental health support services, including:
- Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP) through Homewood Health
- Mental Health First Aid Essentials training offered in partnership with Pacific Blue Cross
Launch Timeline
The Toolkit is currently under development and is anticipated to launch in January, 2027. Further details regarding eligibility, registration, and application process will be launched following the 2026 local government election.