Build a Mentally Healthy Workplace
Transforming social purpose workplace mental health
This is a co-created pilot where organizations and individuals bring their workplace experience to help create a tailored workplace educational program.
This isn’t just another mental health initiative. It’s collective action and shared learning.
Join the pilot program
Be part of shaping a unique educational program specifically being designed for charities, not-for-profit and other social purpose organizations across the sector.
Branch & Anchor is taking the lead to guide the process in co-creating a scenario-based pilot program with three specific course paths designed for:
volunteers and interns
staff and employees
managers and people leaders
The program invites individual and organizational gatekeeper participants to inform the program components by sharing:
lived experiences such as workplace patterns and policies from experience in a social purpose organization.
learning needs and preferences within an online e-learning and live virtual environments and
organizational insights including workplace needs for training, experience with mental health and psychological safety professional development and funding and resource needs.
This information will inform and guide the access model, program content and resources created and tested by individual pilot participants and organizational gatekeepers.
Your involvement is a commitment and contribution in making meaningful change across the social purpose sector and beyond.
Why this approach?
This is the only program where you can help shape the future of workplace mental health. By participating in this process, you are contributing to informing tailored and engaging content and resources, allowing for meaningful impact at your organization and across the sector.
Co-creation: You’re not just a pilot participant, you’re a co-designer.
Shared ownership: Together, we’ll build a program that resonates and is adaptive to your and organizational needs.
Pilot experience: Test, engage and provide feedback in the moment and afterwards.
We know this is a timely endeavour. Research shows that 48% of non-profit and charity employees are considering leaving their role in the next 6 months with burnout being a top reason (YMCA Workwell, 2024).
We can see in the figure below that burnout is represented by employees and leaders;
Mental health and psychological safety in the workplace aren’t just trends—they’re a necessity! As a former sector intern, staff and manager. The course director knows first hand the ongoing psychological harms and challenges experienced when working in the “grey” sector. While willing to stay committed to an impactful mission.
Amongst the tailored nuanced content and resources we’ll recommend a course structure and the latest best practices to foster psychological safety and mental wellbeing. This will empower individuals and teams to implement fundamentals into the organizational culture to prevent, reduce and effectively address unsafe experiences and actions which take away from thriving at work.
Working towards a shared culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up, take personal risks, express concerns without fear of a negative impact. This being the intent of psychological safety. (Journal of Human Psychology, 2026).
Designed specifically for organizations and individuals who want to learn and take action on mental health in their workplace.
What to Expect
For Organizations
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Apply for the pilot program.
Participate in an optional discovery conversation
Await response to application 1-2 business days.
Review and sign agreement.
Receive and read onboarding info and pay 50% of program rate (flat or per person). Rates found in FAQ section linked here.
Begin engaging in the pilot:
(1) needs assessment via 10-15-min survey and or 30-min conversation.
per gatekeeper and learning participant
identifying key content areas, priorities and resources needed.
validating the proposed course outline and learning methods.
identify your preferred learning format(s) for the pilot test.
(3-month course creation period)
(2) pilot course launch, test and feedback.
program participants complete a pre-survey and engage with their respective course format.
provide feedback via a 10-15 min survey and or optional 30-min conversation.
per gatekeeper and learning participant
Both phases will include a report of learnings shared with pilot participants.
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A course tailored based on role
volunteers or interns
staff or employees
people leaders or managers
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Early access to the finalized program.
Recognition as a co-creation contributor on the program website and in our reports.
Only pay a reduced course fee for the pilot year
Paying the course cost in two payments; an up-front cost to support creation costs and when launched the second half payment.
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Organizations will receive a certificate of participation recognition their commitment to shaping workplace mental health.
Learning participants will receive a certification of completion.
All learning participants continue access to their respective course for a one year period.
The opportunity to provide a testimonial or further support promotional efforts.
A discounted rate for the next year of course commitments.
Chat with our team about integrating the course offerings into your annual plan and professional development priorities.
For Individuals
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Apply for the pilot program.
Participate in an optional discovery conversation
Await response to application 1-2 business days.
Review and sign agreement.
Receive and read onboarding email and pay program fee. Individual rates found in FAQ section linked here.
Begin engaging in the pilot:
(1) needs assessment via survey and or conversation.
identifying key content areas, priorities and resource needs.
validating the proposed course outline and learning methods.
identify your preferred learning format for the pilot test.
(3-month course creation period)
(2) pilot course launch, test and feedback.
Pay rema 50%
complete a pre-survey and engage with the course experience.
provide feedback via a brief form and or optional conversation.
Both phases will include a report of learnings shared with pilot participants.
-
A course tailored based on your role
volunteer or intern
staff or employee
people leader or manager
-
Early access to the finalized program.
(optional) Recognition as a co-creation contributor in our reports.
Only pay a reduced course fee for the pilot year
Paying the course cost in two payments; an up-front cost to support creation costs and when launched the second half payment.
-
You will receive a certification of completion.
You will continue access to your respective course for a one year period.
The opportunity to provide a testimonial or support promotional efforts.
A discount code to use on your next course.
The program will involve:
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Developing or refreshing knowledge
Cultivating baseline or refreshing understanding of fundamental mental health knowledge and psychological safety.
The focus topics will include scenarios of relevant circumstances that may be experienced when working with a social impact organization. This content will approach experiences that intersect within the human and responsibilities within the position.
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Reducing stigma, bias and misconceptions
Through various learning formats, participants will be invited to reflect and acknowledge their present beliefs related to the mental health of others and their own wellbeing. By engaging with the interactive scenarios or live discussions, participants may explore reflectively or in group discussions which beliefs can hold us back in supporting each other and our teams to ensure we enable healthy workplace experiences.
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Providing tools for change
Participants will receive tangible strategies and resources that can be tailored to possible circumstances or aligned with values-based principles.
Not only guiding leaders to not say the wrong thing to their reports… Taking it further with practical reflective activities to make the mistakes safely and building confidence.
For volunteers/interns or staff who feel like their only response in a challenging situation with their leader/team is to either accept the circumstances or quit.
Providing steps and practical activities to prepare for difficult while important conversations. The intention is to bring our shared humanity forward.
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Offering tailored solutions
Providing tools that are adaptable, useful and realistic for meaningful assessment, planning and action in the workplace. Encouraging opportunities to collaborate safely in the learning environment bringing to life the realities of these types of endeavours and undertakings for all role types. Allowing for prepared implementation in the workplace to be used to collaborate with peers or teams.
Pilot Course Options
The course outlines below are proposed possibilities to be validated and or adapted after the needs assessment component of the pilot. The concepts are suggested based on the National Standards of Psychological Health & Safety in the Workplace, academic and industry sources.
Volunteers / Interns
Get the basics: Become a mental health advocate in your workplace.
For interns, volunteers or early-career professionals passionate about mental health but new to workplace wellbeing.
Delivery: Self-paced online e-learning or hybrid: e-learning and virtual group workshop.
Duration: 2-3 hours.
What you’ll focus on:
Knowledge:
Introduction to psychological health and safety.
Recognizing stress and burnout.
Self-care and resilience.
How to support yourself and others.
Application:
Learn to promote a culture of psychological safety (e.g., awareness campaigns or policy initiatives).
Develop assertive skills (e.g., contributing in conversations or encouraging change.
Building a resource hub for peers (e.g., gathering mental health resources or strategies).
Why Join?
You’ll gain the knowledge and tools to manage your mental health and support your peers.
Staff / Employees
Thriving at work: Empower your own wellbeing and support your peers.
For employees who want to deepen their understanding of mental health and create a supportive workplace culture.
Delivery: Self-paced online e-learning or hybrid: e-learning and virtual group workshop.
Duration: 4-5 hours.
What you’ll focus on:
Knowledge:
Understanding psychological health and safety in the workplace.
Identifying workplace stressors.
Building coping skills.
Navigating workplace challenges.
Application:
Learn to contribute to a mentally healthy workplace.
Learn to co-design peer support tools (e.g. check-in templates, resources lists.
Practicing difficult conversations.
Build a personal mental health toolkit. (e.g. coping strategies, boundary-setting templates).
Why Join?
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to manage stress, advocate for wellbeing and change contributing to a healthier workplace.
People leaders / Managers
Lead with empathy: Build a mentally healthy team.
For leaders, managers and professionals responsible for team culture and wellbeing.
Delivery: Self-paced online e-learning or hybrid: e-learning and virtual group workshop.
Duration: 6-8 hours.
What you’ll focus on:
Knowledge:
The role of leadership in psychological safety.
Recognizing and addressing workplace risks.
Supporting team mental health.
Building a mental healthy team culture
Application:
Your role in a mental health struggle or crises
Measuring and improve psychological health
Developing team-specific mental health policies (e.g., meeting norms, workload management guidelines).
Practice leading with empathy in real scenarios (e.g., role-playing difficult conversations).
Why Join?
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to model and lead teams with empathy, identify risk and foster a culture of safety and wellbeing.
Accessibility & Inclusion Statement
We are committed to ensuring the pilot program is safer, accessible, anti-oppressive and inclusive. We aim to curate the content and learning tools to support various learning and cognitive abilities/disabilities using various formats and flexible participation. If there is a particular needs that is missed or something that we can address, please reach out to us via email at workplace@branchanchor.com or phone 1-647-872-3671.
The following practices can be expected as a pilot participant:
trauma-centred learning; ensuring the content and learning experiences are curated to support a safer learning experience acknowledging the possibility of activation/triggering due to current or past experiences in the workplace. The course flow will include safety preamble and alternative scenario options. Throughout the course offering information on mental health support options will be included to reach out to if needed.
flexible participation; prioritizing autonomy during the course experience where participants can skip content, activities or opt for another format option (e.g. off-camera self-reflection instead of a on camera live group discussion.
cultural responsiveness; the curated content will acknowledge the various perspectives on mental health e.g., including experiences from various cultures and identities, how cultural beliefs of individuals are referenced in a scenario activity or ensuring we include mental health resources for specific identities/communities. We will also ensure to represent a range of family, relationship structures, religious beliefs and work styles in the content.
Pilot Learning Participant Rights
All participants have the right to the following:
The right to opt out of any activity or the whole pilot without penalty.
The right to request accommodations e.g., alternative formats or participation.
The right to provide anonymous feedback.
The right to set boundaries e.g., limit or pass on sharing of personal experiences - especially in public/live settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
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We welcome any size social purpose organization to apply for the pilot program. Though we will be prioritizing small to large (250 max) size organizations for the pilot.
Examples of what is considered “purpose” or “impact” organizations:
registered charities
incorporated non-profits
non-profit co-operatives
Social Innovation and Social Finance – Glossary
Individuals who have previously or currently work at a social purpose organization (not-for-profit, charity, foundation etc.). We invite all positions from volunteers, staff, manager and people leaders. The content may also benefit directors and executive leadership. Though will be tailored more so to mid-level management.
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The design and creation process for the pilot begins in September 2026 until March 2027 which includes:
a brief needs assessment survey and optional interview - once invitation is accepted via email between September-November 2026.
a findings report shared in November 2026.
the course creation between November to January 2027.
the pilot course launches in February 2027.
the testing and feedback phase between February and April 2027.
a findings report will be shared between April-May 2026 with revisions worked on during the spring and summer with the course re-launch in July 2027.
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Organizational participant
Commit dedicated course participants from your organization.
Sign a pilot program agreement form and pay the 50% applicable fee.
Complete a brief needs assessment survey and or conversation.
A commitment to one of our three courses (volunteers/interns, staff or people leader/managers.
Willingness to engage with the course experience and share feedback.
Individual participant
Sign a pilot agreement form and pay the fee.
Complete a brief needs assessment survey and or conversation
A commitment to one of our three courses (volunteers/interns, staff or people leader/managers.
Willingness to engage with the course experience and share feedback via survey and or conversation.
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Yes, we are asking organizations and individuals who would like to participate in the pilot to pay a 30% reduced rate of the standard course rate.
We are asking for 50% upfront and 50% upon the pilot course launch in February to support with covering the course creation expenses.
Flat rates are established based on size and equity-deserving communities:
*Equity-deserving community rate : In recognition of documented, structural funding disparities within Canada's social impact sector. Funding gaps disproportionately affect equity-led organizations, whose discretionary training and professional development budgets are often among the first constrained under restricted or short-term funding models. Organizations will be asked to self-identify with community/ies they focus on serving.
Micro-size Organizations (under 10 employees) - up to 10 participants
Full async: $840 ($53 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $420
Workshop: $1,400 ($70 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $700
Small-size Organizations (10-49 employees) - up to 20 participants
Full async: $1,400 ($70 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $1,100
Workshop: $2,100 ($105 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $1,700
Mid-size Organizations (50-150 employees) - up to 30 participants
Full async: $2,100 ($84 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $1,700
Workshop: $3,150 ($109 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $2,500
Large-size Organizations (150-250 employees) - up to 40 participants
Full async: $2,800 ($105 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $2,200
Workshop: $3,850 ($116 per additional participant). Equity-deserving community rate: $3,100
Individual Participants
Full async: Standard rate $70, Supporter rate $84, Supported rate $56
Workshop: Standard rate $175, Supporter rate $245 Supported rate $105
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The pilot courses will be designed with universal design learning practices. We are proposing two main format learning methods:
full asynchronous online e-learning
Hybrid workshop - asynchronous online e-learning and a live group session (20 participant max).
We plan to include the following learning features:
various ways to access information (written, audio, video, screen reader accessible, etc.).
Hybrid participants will be grouped based on course schedule and group sizes. This may involve blending multiple organizations in one group.
Mid to large organizations will be provided with multiple sessions to ensuring a max group size in support of the learning dynamic for participants and the facilitator.
We acknowledge that our program spans the unceded and ceded lands now known as Ontario which includes 46 treaties and agreements with First Nations and the Crown. We are humbled by the First Nations and Métis communities who have stewarded and lived in a good way on these lands for many generations.
We acknowledge the responsibility of the Crown and their representatives, of settlers and beneficiaries from settler colonialism in supporting efforts to ensure the truth of the past and ongoing oppression continue to be spoken and the harms and violence are ended through collective action. We encourage governments to engage in genuine consultation and consensual partnership working towards reconciliation, healing and prosperity.
As a practice, we are currently located in Tiohtià:ke known as Montréal. Historically a gathering place for many First Nations. These unceded lands have been stewarded by the Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) Nation and are now home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
workplace@branchanchor.com
1-647-872-3671
© 2026 by Branch & Anchor Mental Health & Wellness Services