Mental Health First Aid – Blended

A Mental Health Commission of Canada Program.

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Blended course is designed for increased flexibility, incorporating an interactive self-paced eLearning component, in addition to virtual classroom workshops that teach participants about the range of changes that may indicate a decline in mental well-being, the possible signs of a crisis, and the helpful skills to apply to specific scenarios. Participants must complete all 3 modules to receive a Mental Health First Aid Certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

Module 1: Self-directed

  • Introduction to the course
  • Introduction to MHFA actions

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 2SLGBT*QIA+ community.

Module 3: Virtual classroom

  • Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care.
  • Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations.

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.
  • Have conversations that encourage a 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 supports.
  • Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis.
  • Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.

Session Format Details

  • 8-hour course begins with a self-directed module (Module 1) that focuses on the information and strategies that participants will discuss and practice throughout the virtual classroom modules (Modules 2 and 3).
    • Course participants are required to complete Module 1 before participating in Module 2 and 3.
  • Required group size of 8 to 15 participants (maximum).
  • Available in English and only available to Canadian-based organizations.

Ideal For:

  • Managers and Supervisors
  • Students (16 years +)
  • Various Employee Groups
  • Parenting Groups
  • Wellness Committees

Mental Health First Aid - Standard

A Mental Health Commission of Canada Program.

The Mental Health First Aid course covers the causes, symptoms and treatments of common mental health problems with the aim of providing participants the knowledge and confidence to recognize signs of mental health problems and encourage individuals to seek the right help. It also provides participants with the crisis first aid skills to help people who may try to attempt suicide or self-harm. Participants must attend the entire 12-hour course to receive a Mental Health First Aid Certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

The following mental health problems are covered:

  • Mood disorders
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Psychosis
  • Substance Use Disorder

The following mental health crisis situations are covered:

  • Suicidal behaviour
  • Overdoses
  • Panic Attacks
  • Reactions to traumatic events
  • Psychotic episodes

Learning Objectives

  • Study and understand the signs and symptoms, risk factors, mental health, and crisis first aid as well as treatment and resources for the following disorders: substance-related, anxiety and trauma-related, mood-related, and psychosis-related.
  • Learn about Mental Health First Aid as well as the five basic actions of Mental Health First Aid.
  • Understand the meaning of stigma and discrimination in relation to Mental Health.

Training Format Details

  • In-person instructor-led.
  • 12 hours of Instruction.
  • Required group size of 8 to 25 participants.
  • Available in English and only available to Canadian-based organizations.

Ideal For:

  • Managers and Supervisors
  • Students (16 years +)
  • Various Employee Groups
  • Parenting Groups
  • Wellness Committees

safeTALK

A Livingworks Program.

safeTALK is a half-day alertness training workshop that prepares anyone 15 or older, regardless of prior experience or training, to become a suicide-alert helper. This workshop teaches participants to identify the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation. Through practice and real-life examples, participants will learn to feel comfortable in approaching this tough topic with co-workers, friends, and family who may be at risk.

Learning Objectives

Over the course of their training, safeTALK participants will learn to:

  • Notice and respond to situations where thoughts of suicide might be present.
  • Recognize that invitations for help are often overlooked.
  • Move beyond the common tendency to miss, dismiss, and avoid suicide.
  • Apply the TALK steps.
  • Know community resources and how to connect someone with thoughts of suicide to them for further help.

Training Format Details

  • In-person instructor-led
  • 4 hours of Instruction
  • Required group size of 10 to 30 participants
  • Available in English

Ideal For:

  • Managers and Supervisors
  • Students (15 years +)
  • Various Employee Groups
  • Parenting Groups
  • Wellness Committees