GLOBAL SCALE
Mental Health First Aid is a global movement
Founded in Australia in 2000, Mental Health First Aid has grown across countries and communities.
This evidence-based, award winning program continues to expand as organizations invest in practical mental health knowledge and early support skills.
Mental Health First Aid provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and take practical action in declining mental health and crisis situations. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health.
8.6M+
People
trained worldwide
52
Countries
with active MHFA programs
30+
Years
of development and research
Active MHFA countries include: Australia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Brazil, India, South Africa, France, Sweden, China, and others.
Building Canada’s Mental Health First Aid community.
Opening Minds is proud to be the home of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in Canada. Established by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, Opening Minds serves as the exclusive licensed partner for MHFA nationwide. We uphold high standards of training quality, support continuous improvement, and ensure MHFA remains aligned with international best practices.
Mental health matters because someone matters to you.
Mental Health First Aid exists because caring is not always the same as knowing what to do. Training helps close the gap between noticing a concern and responding with confidence.
1 in 5
Canadians experience a mental health or substance abuse challenge in any given year (CMHA).
1 in 2
By the age of 40, half of Canadian adults will face a mental health challenge (CMHA).
58%
Canadian employees affected personally or through a close family member’s mental health diagnosis (MHRC).
Behind the Numbers. A Snapshot of Mental Health First Aid in Canada
Step behind the numbers and see what Mental Health First Aid looks like across Canada.
This short video highlights key statistics about mental health awareness, training, and impact, giving a clear snapshot of how Canadians are learning to support each other. Explore the facts and discover how MHFA is making a difference, one person, one community at a time.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL REASONS.
Everyone has a reason. Who will you learn for?
“I didn’t become an advocate for mental health. I became an advocate for the people in my life.”
PARENT
“Because I wanted to know what to do if my daughter ever needed me.”
MANAGER
FRIEND
“I wanted the confidence to step in, not away, when someone I care about needs support.”
SITE SUPERVISOR
HEALTHCARE WORKER
COMMUNITY MEMBER
“I wanted to be the kind of neighbour people feel safe turning to.”
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Three practical skills for moments that matter.
You do not need all the answers. MHFA gives you a structured way to notice a concern, start a conversation, and support the next step.
STEP 01
Recognize
Notice signs a person is experiencing a decline in mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis.
STEP 02
Respond
Start a supportive conversation, listen without judgment, and respond with a practical action plan.
STEP 03
Connect
Help the person identify professional, community, and personal supports and encourage appropriate next steps.
Explore more about mental health training
Find practical guidance on choosing training and booking Mental Health First Aid courses in Canada.
How to Choose the Right Workplace Mental Health Training for Your Organization
Compare training options and choose a program aligned with your organization’s needs and goals.
How to Book a Mental Health First Aid Course in Canada
Explore your MHFA registration options for individuals, teams, and organizations across Canada.
Share these resources on World Mental Health First Aid Day.
THE MOMENT THAT MATTERS
Would you feel ready when someone reaches out?
Learn how to recognize a change, start a supportive conversation, and connect someone with appropriate help.