MHFA: Northern Peoples
Tailored support for Northern Communities
Address unique mental wellness needs in Northern communities.
Guided by principles such as respect, cooperation, and community, this course builds off the foundation of MHFA’s standard offering and integrates material reflecting the experiences of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in the North.
Who is it for? First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in the North
As a Mental Health First Aider, you will learn:
Recognize signs
that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis
Discuss Support
Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
Initiate Conversations
that encourage a young person to talk about a mental health or substance use problem
Assist
In a mental health or substance use crisis situation
Course structured for impact
Module 1
Mental health and stigma:
What is mental health? • Historical context of Indigenous well-being • Mental health problems and specific groups • Protective factors • Mental health problems and recovery
Module 2
Mental Health First Aid:
What is Mental Health First Aid? • Why use Mental Health First Aid? • The five basic actions of ALGEE • Engage in self-care
Module 3
Substance Related Disorders:
What is a substance-related disorder?
• Types of substance-related disorders
• Concurrent disorders
• Signs and symptoms
• Categories of substances
• Risk factors • MHFA for substance-related disorders
Module 4
Mood-related disorders
What is a mood-related disorder? • What is grief? • Types of mood disorders • Substance use and mood disorders • Suicide • MHFA for mood-related disorders
Module 5
Anxiety and trauma-related disorders
What are anxiety and trauma-related disorders? • Types of anxiety and trauma-related disorders • Signs and symptoms • Risk factors • Substance use and anxiety-related disorders • MHFA for anxiety and trauma-related problems • Crisis first aid for panic attacks • Crisis first aid for acute stress reactions • Treatment and resources
Learn how to use ALGES
ALGES is a simple, and essential Action Plan that helps a Mental Health First Aider provide support until professional help is available.
- Approach the person, assess, and assist with any crisis
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally
- Give reassurance and information
- Encourage the person to reach out to supports
- Self-care for the first aider
Flexible learning options to meet your needs
- Virtual Classes: Facilitated on-line session for 8 to 15 participants
- In-Person Classes: Facilitated session for 8 to 25 participants
Mental Health First Aid Training Options
When training reflects real experiences from a community, the impact becomes even more meaningful. In addition to MHFA: Northern Peoples, we offer a suite of tailored MHFA courses.
Become a Certified MHFA Facilitator
The Facilitator Certification Training is designed for people who want to offer the MHFA course in the communities, workplaces or organizations. As a Certified MHFA facilitator you will join the Opening Minds Facilitator Community that is over 1000 people strong across Canada.
Mental Health First Aid Case Studies
Learn more about how MHFA is helping to transform mental wellness in organizations across Canada.
