Identify.  Understand.  Respond.
Mental Health First Aid - Virtual is a brand new, highly interactive virtual adaptation of the Mental Health First Aid training program.  Using a blended learning model, this 8-hour course is a skills-based training course teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.

In Brief...
The course opens with a self-directed module that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules.                                                                                                 
Module 1: Self-Directed 
        *Introduction to the course
        *Introduction to MHFA actions 
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Module 2: Virtual Classroom
      *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
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Module 3: Virtual Classroom
 *Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care
 *Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations
"Suzanne delivers the information in a very clear, calm, and centered manner, and does an excellent job connecting with the participants and making everyone feel engaged."

​Looking for more detail?  Read on...

​COURSE OBJECTIVES
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 participants will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis and encourage that person to:
  • Talk about declines in their mental well-being
  • Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
  • Reach out to these support
  • Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis
  • Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being

OVERVIEW OF THREE-PART COURSE

Module 1: Self-Directed
(2 hours. Must be completed prior to accessing the Livestream)
  • What is MHFA?
  • Why is MHFA needed?
  • What is the role of a first aider?
  • Key terms, language, and concepts
  • Key knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
  • Impact of stigma on mental well-being
  • The range of changes that may indicate a decline in mental well-being
  • Introduction to MHFA Actions – ALGEES

​Module 2: Virtual Livestream session (3 hours)
  • Review of Module 1
  • Practicing ALGEES with scenarios
  • Strategies for communicating with people from diverse cultures and with members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Module 3: Virtual Livestream session (3 hours)
  • Review of Module 2
  • Responding to possible challenges
  • The impact of self-stigma
  • Using ALGEES for your own self-care
  • Recognizing possible signs of a crisis
  • Mental Health crisis versus Mental Health emergency
  • Helpful actions in a crisis
  • (Closing) Next Steps – Commitments to practice
"The content was very relevant and has already given me the tools I needed to help someone in crisis."