Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.
Course Objectives
While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes toward individuals living with mental health or substance use problems. It prevents people from seeking help and providing appropriate support to people around them.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis, until appropriate treatment is found or the situation resolves. An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard has been proven to give participants:
- the tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
- the ability to talk about their mental health.
- the knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
- the confidence to reach out to these supports.
- the tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis, and.
- the knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental wellness.
Topics
This 9-hour course opens with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the live virtual modules (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants will complete Module 1 before participating in Modules 2 and 3.
Upon registration, participants will receive a Participant Reference Guide which outlines MHFA actions for mental health and substance use problems and crises.
Course Schedule
Module 1: Self-Directed – to be completed by January 12, 2024
- Introduction to the course
- Introduction to MHFA Actions
Module 2: Live Virtual Class – January 17, 2024 from 9am to 12:30pm EST
- Practice applying MHFA Actions to situations of declining mental well-being
- Guidelines for MHFA conversations with people from diverse cultures and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
Module 2: Live Virtual Class – January 19, 2024 from 9am to 12:30pm EST
- Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care
- Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations
For more information about the course, see the Open Minds course description page.
This course is copyright © 2023 Mental Health Commission of Canada and is being facilitated by a Certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor.
Registration
This is a private course only open to employees of YMCA of Hamilton/Burlington/Brantford.
To register, please contact Lydia Loo directly via email (lydia.loo@ymcahbb.ca) to indicate your interest.
