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Resources & Supports
Find the Supports You Need
(Updated on February 19, 2025)
At Red Deer Polytechnic, we offer a variety of resources to support the well-being of our students and staff. From mental health services to LGBTQS2+ support, we're here to help you thrive. Explore resources you can find on campus and ones available from the broader Red Deer Community below.
RDP Services and Supports | Crisis Supports | Mental Health Supports | Substance Use & Harm Reduction | LGBTQ2S+ Supports | Multicultural Supports | Domestic Violence & Gender and Sexual Based Violence | Career Supports | Additional Resources
On-Campus Resources & Supports
RDP Services
| Academic Support | Free tutoring for RDP students. | Room 2006G (upstairs in the Library) |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility Services | Advocate for accessible learning environments for students with documented disabilities affecting mobility, learning, and physical or mental health. | 403.357.3629 accessibility@rdpolytech.ca Room 1006 |
| Campus Security | Assist with campus safety, distress intervention, Safewalk, and lost or stolen items. | Non-Emergency: 403.342.3445 Emergency: 403.343.4000 Located at Room 1001 |
| Career Education and Experience Development | Free career services for students through resume and cover letter building, interview preparation, career planning and job search workshops. | 403.342.3401 employmentservices@rdpolytech.ca Room 1204 |
| Counselling Services | Free and confidential counselling services for current students regarding mental health, addiction, trauma, etc. Free mental health education and events for students. | 403.343.4064 counselling@rdpolytech.ca Room 1402 |
| Family Room | Quiet and private space for students with children to care for their children while on campus. | Located across from Room 2500 |
| Gary W. Harris Canada Games Centre | Fitness facility for every skill level or fitness goal for students and the community. | 403.356.5100 fitness@rdpolytech.ca 120 College Circle |
| Health and Wellbeing Services | Offers first aid & emergency nursing services, as well as care for all illnesses & injuries. Health and safety education & promotion including mental health, sexual health, addictions, community referrals and compliance with occupational health and safety. Access to free safer sex supplies & menstruation products. | 403.342.3427 campushealth@rdpolytech.ca Room 901 |
| Indigenous Student Services | Facilitates academic, social and cultural support for First Nations, Métis, Inuit and Non-Status learners. | 403.357.3672 indigenous.services@rdpolytech.ca Room 1009 |
| International Student Services | Information on studying in Canada, study permits, registering for courses, arranging accommodations, tutorials, etc. | 403.356.4941 international@rdpolytech.ca Room 1009 |
| Learning Skills Strategist | Professional learning strategy assistance and guidance to help students thrive. | 403.342.3136 kristine.parsons@rdpolytech.ca Room 2006G (upstairs in the Library) |
| Library | Supporting students in reaching and exceeding their academic goals, the Library offers assignment and research support, library materials, technology and study spaces. | 403.342.3344 Text: 403.800.8945 LibraryAnswers@rdpolytech.ca Room 1006 |
| Mental Health Education Coordinator | Coordinate mental health and wellness promotion, prevention and educational events for students. | 403.343.4072 samantha.cooley-morrison@rdpolytech.ca Room 1402 |
| MyWellness | Online counselling provided by the Students’ Association for all current students. | |
| Print Centre | Print and copy shop | 403.342.3302 printcentre@rdpolytech.ca Room 800 |
| Recovery On Campus | Peer connection group for students navigating recovery from addiction. This is an all-paths-to-recovery group where we value both a harm reduction and abstinence-based approach to recovering from addiction. | 403.343.4072 samantha.cooley-morrison@rdpolytech.ca The Loft – Room 2000 |
| Registrar Office | Assist with academic schedule, add/drop classes, tuition refunds and grade appeals. | 403.342.3400 registrar@rdpolytech.ca Located in main hallway of RDP main campus |
| Regulation Stations | Quiet and private spaces on campus equipped with art materials, fidgets, handouts, and resources for students experiencing distress. Located Counselling Services, Testing Services and the 1200 wing. | 403.343.4064 counselling@rdpolytech.ca |
| Residence | Events, resources and information for students in residence. | 403.342.3257 residence@rdpolytech.ca 109 College Circle |
| Serenity Room | Quiet place for students and staff to pray, meditate or reflect. | Room 2400 |
| Students’ Association | Support with appeal process, lockers/handbooks, used bookstore, benefits plan, clubs and societies, food bank and housing. | 403.342.3200 sageneral@rdpolytech.ca Room 2010 |
| Students Connect Centre | Assist with academic advising, financial support, emergency student funding, program requirements, course selection and academic planning/withdrawals. | 403.342.3254 studentconnect@rdpolytech.ca Room 1102 |
| Student Supports Intake | Provides wrap around supports and referrals to students facing any barriers such as crisis management, mental health, accessibility, safety concerns, financial concerns, basic needs, social and cultural needs. | 403.343.4064 counselling@rdpolytech.ca Room 1402 |
| Testing Services | Provide internal and external exam administration and invigilation services for courses. | 403.342.3292 testing@rdpolytech.ca Room 940 |
| RDP SAFE App | Official safety app for RDP | Available on App Store and Google Play |
Red Deer Community Resources & Supports
Crisis Supports
| Alberta Emergency Services | Police, fire, or medical emergencies for immediate support | 911 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Health Services Addictions Hotline | Referral service for problem use with alcohol and substances | 24/7 Line: 1.866.332.2322 |
| Sendero Centre | Provides counselling, education, crisis response and court support. Assistance and safe environment for children and families. | 403.340.1124 24/7 Text Line: 1.866.956.1099 |
| Suicide Crisis Helpline | 24/7 support line for suicide prevention | Call or text 988 |
| Hope for Wellness Helpline | 24/7 immediate crisis support in English, French, Cree, Ojibway and Inuktitut | 855.242.3310 |
| RCMP Red Deer City Detachment | Police for emergencies, safety checks and suicide, and reporting abuse or violence. | 403.406.2200 For emergencies call 911 |
Mental Health Supports
| Canadian Mental Health Association | Mental illness, brain injury, and addiction support, education and advocacy | 403.342.2266 |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Social Services | Individual counseling and family support | 403.347.8844 |
| Central Alberta Recovery College | Classes and group counselling for mental health | 403.967.0473 |
| The Outreach Centre | Support and education for suicide, grief, domestic violence, family law, family crisis and housing | 403.347.2480 |
| Family Services of Central Alberta | Individual, couple and family counselling | 403.343.6400 |
| Government of Canada: Mental Health Support | Mental Health related resources and supports based on province. | |
| Kids Help Phone | 24/7 support line for counselling, information, referrals and more | 800.668.6868 |
| National Eating Disorders Association | 24/7 support line for individuals affected by eating disorders | 800.931.2237 Immediate Support: Text NEDA to 741741 |
| Police & Crisis Team (PACT) | Mobile mental health crisis response outreach teams with an RPM and RCMP officer | 403.406.2505 |
| Red Deer Primary Care Network | Counselling and support groups for anxiety, sleep, happiness and relationships | 403.343.9100 |
| Red Deer Regional Hospital | Medical treatment for physical or mental illness | 403.343.4422 |
| Schizophrenia Society of Alberta | Support for those affected by schizophrenia | 403.986.9440 |
| Vantage Community Services | Counselling services, transitional housing for youth, life skills training and in-house treatment for mental health issues | 403.340.8995 |
| 211 Alberta | An exploration of additional resources and supports, including referral service for financial, social, housing, food, disability, volunteer, mental health and more. | 211 |
Substance Use & Harm Reduction
| Alberta Health Services Addictions Hotline | Referral service for problem use with alcohol and substances | 24-Hour Line: 1.866.332.2322 |
|---|---|---|
| Alberta Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) | Access to treatment for opioid dependency. Free App to notify emergency personnel of overdose while using | 1.844.383.7688 |
| Addictions and Mental Health Services (AHS) | Addiction, mental health and disordered eating services. Drop-in counselling Monday to Friday | 403.340.5466 |
| Central Alberta FASD Network | Awareness, prevention, education and restorative justice about FASD and for those with FASD | 403.342.7499 |
| Turning Point | Harm reduction and health promotion services and connection program for LGBTQ2S+ community. Website is currently under construction, still available by phone. | 1.877.346.8858 |
LGBTQ2S+ Supports
| Central Alberta Pride Society | Offers LGBTQ2SI+ resources, events and peer support | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| CMHA Alberta Division | 2SLGBTQ+ Resources & Information | Resources & Information to support a variety of inquiries. | alberta@cmha.ab.ca |
| Transgender Lifeline | Dedicated to the wellbeing of transgender people especially when they are experiencing crisis | 1.877.330.6366 |
| Turning Point | Harm reduction and health promotion services and connection program for LGBTQ2S+ community Website is currently under construction, still available by phone. | 1.877.346.8858 |
Multicultural Supports
| Alberta Indigenous Virtual Care Clinic | Any Indigenous persons can see a doctor by video or phone call for non-urgent issues | 1.888.342.4822 |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Muslim Counselling | Virtual counselling with therapists who have formal training in Islamic Sciences and counselling | 437.886.6309 |
| Catholic Social Services Cross-Cultural Counselling | Offers supports for settlement, families, Canadian Culture, English, training, employment and cross cultural counselling. | 403.347.8844 |
| Central Alberta Immigrant Women’s Association | Support and awareness for immigrants and their families in all aspects of Canadian life | 403.341.3553 |
| Care for Newcomers | Education, support and resources/connections for new Canadians | 403.346.8818 |
| Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter | Safe refuge, personal counselling and community support for families experiencing violence | 1.888.346.5643 Crisis Text Line: 403.506.0485 |
| Healing in Colour | Offers an online directory of therapists who identify as Black, Indigenous, and people of colour to help find culturally relevant therapy and other mental health resources. Video sessions are available. | |
| Indigenous Residential School Support Line | 24/7 support line for residential school survivors | 1.866.925.4419 |
| Native Counselling Services of Alberta | Housing, mental health and cultural services for Indigenous People by Indigenous People | 403.347.4377 |
| Red Deer Native Friendship Society | Cultural programs, health, social services, housing support, education, cultural connections | 403.340.0020 |
| Red Deer Urban Aboriginal Voices Society | Dialogue facilitation, combat issues and concerns enhance community development and establish regular gatherings | 403.505.4049 |
Domestic Abuse & Sexual and Gender Based Violence Supports
| Bullying Helpline | Support line for victims of bullying or abuse | 888.456.2323 24-Hour Text or Call Line: 310.1818 |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic Social Services Morning Star Program | The program supports women to address self-identified barriers in their lives. This can include attending appointments, assisting with applications and paperwork, locating mental and physical health professionals, finding additional supports, and helping navigate other resources and systems. Drop-In Centre: Morning Star's drop-in program is a safe place for women to get off the streets, to use laundry and shower facilities, and access other necessities, as needed. Hours for the drop-in centre vary, please call for the schedule. | 403.347.8844 |
| Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre | Assistance and safe environment for children and families | 587.272.2233 |
| Sendero Centre | Crisis counselling, medical, police and court support | 403.340.1124 24/7 Text Line: 1.866.956.1099 |
| Central Alberta Women’s Emergency Shelter | Safe refuge, personal counselling and community support for families experiencing violence | 1.888.346.5643 Crisis Text Line: 403.506.0485 |
| Child Abuse Hotline | Report line for suspected child abuse | 800.387.5437 |
| Family Violence Info Line | Support line for individuals experiencing family violence | 403.310.1818 |
| One-Line | Toll-free talk-text-chat service that connects individuals that have been impacted by sexual violence for specialized support operated through the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services. | Call or Text between 9am -9pm 1.866.403.8000 |
| Red Deer Sexual Health Clinic (Red Deer 49th Street Community Health Centre) | Sexual Health Clinic provides sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing diagnosis and treatment, HIV Prep, birth control, pregnancy testing, care after sexual assault (excluding forensic evidence collection), and support. Confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is available for all ages. | 403.346.8336 Toll-Free: 1.888.346.9414 |
| Red Deer RCMP Sex Crimes Unit | Investigate crimes of a sexual nature, including those perpetrated against children. The goal of the unit is to provide trauma-informed, victim-centered service to survivors of sexual violence. | 403.406.2200 For emergencies call 911 |
| Additional options within Red Deer RCMP Sex Crimes Unit Resource | Third Party Option: Allow survivors of sexual assault to have evidence collected by trained Sexual Assault Nurses who store evidence for up to one year. During this one-year period, the victim has the opportunity to decide if they feel comfortable making a report to the police. The Supportive Reporting Program: For survivors of historical sexual assault that never reported the incident. Allows survivors to discuss options with a trauma-informed, plain clothes police officer at a non-police station location. A Sendero Centre worker is able to stay with the survivor throughout the entire process. |
Career Supports
| ALIS Alberta | Career planning, training, look for work, tools and resources | 1.877.644.9992 |
|---|---|---|
| Bredin Employment Centre | Services to assist with finding employment and housing | 587.273.0225 |
| Career Catalysts | Resume building, job searching, career consulting, coaching, cover letters, interview preparation, etc. | 403.348.9025 |
| Community Career Supports List | A list of Career Supports created by CEED. | |
| Employment Placement and Support Services (EPSS) | Employment placement services for employees and support for families and individuals with disabilities. Provides one on one, in-person, or virtual support for career services, assists in finding, preparing and maintaining employment | 403.343.6249 |
| Online Career Development Resources | A list of Career Development Supports created by CEED. |
Additional Resources
| Central Alberta Pregnancy Care Centre for mothers and fathers | Support and education for childbirth, abortion, and adoption | 403.343.1611 |
|---|---|---|
| Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) | CPLEA will try to provide you with information about what the law is and where to go for help with your legal problems. CPLEA cannot give you legal advice about your specific situation. | |
| Community Legal Clinic | Free legal advice and referrals | 403.314.9129 |
| Legal Aid Alberta | Free legal information and referrals | 866.845.3425 |
| The Mustard Seed | Community support centre for shelter, meals, clothing and necessities, and spiritual care | 1.877.731.7333 |
| Red Deer Food Bank | Immediate food requirements | 403.342.5355 |
| Red Deer Housing Authority | Temporary finding for individuals in core housing need | 403.343.2177 |
| Safe Harbour | Emergency shelter services, support services and housing services, resources, and support for extended family | 403.347.0181 |
| Voice of Albertans with Disabilities | Provides disability related services such as AISH, CPPD, LAP, Taxes, DTC, OAC, Alberta Health Benefits, advocacy for Albertans with Disabilities and helps facilitate Human Rights Complaints Processes | 780.488.9088 |
| Dress for Success | Community connection to professional clothing and support for women | 403.597.8769 |
| Free Meal Schedule Red Deer | See Red Deer Food Bank Website | |
| Red Deer Food Map | An online map designed to help you find local food resources, producers and initiatives that support food security in our community. | |
| Red Deer Sexual Health Clinic (Red Deer 49th Street Community Health Centre) | Sexual Health Clinic provides sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing diagnosis and treatment, HIV Prep, birth control, pregnancy testing, care after sexual assault (excluding forensic evidence collection), and support. Confidential testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is available for all ages. | 403.346.8336 Toll-Free: 1.888.346.9414 |
| 211 Alberta | 24/7 provincial resource database available online, via text or over the phone in over 170 different languages. | Call or Text 211 |