New Initiative Launched to Expand Mental Health Supports in Employment Services
CMHA HKPR and Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services partner on Work Well Badge and education sessions
March 31, 2026 – (Peterborough, ON) – The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) and Fleming College’s Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services (MKES) are launching a new initiative aimed at increasing awareness and education around mental health supports in employment services.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening employment outcomes across the Muskoka-Kawarthas region by providing greater visibility in how frontline staff can support job seekers experiencing mental health challenges.
Work Well, which will start in April, encourages employment service provider staff throughout the Muskoka-Kawarthas region to participate in a designated suite of mental health information sessions. Designed by CMHA HKPR, the sessions are tailored for frontline staff to build their capacity to support clients more effectively. The sessions focus on using a strengths-based approach and trauma-informed lens as well as coaching on mental health disclosures and workplace accommodations.
Staff who complete the full series of sessions will receive a digital badge and letter of achievement recognizing their commitment to supporting mental health in employment services.
“CMHA HKPR recognizes that finding and keeping employment while managing mental health concerns can be challenging. The Work Well initiative provides education and awareness that empower staff and job seekers with an improved understanding of the importance of mental health in the workplace and what to do when mental health interrupts someone’s ability to stay well at work,” says Kim Kennelly, CMHA HKPR Manager of Justice Services and Employment Services. “Alongside information sessions, Mental Health Employment Consultants are available to offer consultation and one-on‑one mental health support to employees and job seekers throughout their journey towards meaningful employment.”
“Individuals throughout our communities are facing unprecedented challenges that are impacting their mental health,” says Joanne Spicer, Associate Vice President, Student Experience at Fleming College. “Our goal is to foster a better understanding of mental health and illness in the employment services sector in order to further reduce barriers to finding meaningful work. This includes supporting job seekers with tools they can use to navigate the process of searching for and maintaining employment.”
Work Well will run on a two-year cycle, beginning in 2026. Participants will have two years to complete the series with opportunities for ongoing renewal.
More Information:
cmhahkpr.ca | flemingemploymenthub.ca
communications@flemingcollege.ca
About Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services
Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services (MKES) at Fleming College is the Service System Manager (SSM) for all employment service providers in City of Kawartha Lakes, District of Muskoka, Haliburton County, Northumberland County, and Peterborough County. Serving both job seekers and employers, MKES assists our communities with locally responsive employment programs and services with a goal to remove systemic barriers for clients and improve overall job retention. By creating more opportunities for sustainable employment, MKES aims to build prosperity within our communities and contribute to a strong regional economy that benefits everyone. Muskoka-Kawarthas Employment Services is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
About CMHA HKPR
The Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is a community-based organization providing mental health and addiction services to individuals aged 16 and older across the City of Peterborough, Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland County, and Haliburton County. Formed in 2013, it offers a variety of services including crisis intervention, supportive housing, group supports, and education to foster knowledge, hope, and belonging.