Call Us At: 604.601.3114

Let’s Connect

Community Social Services Health and Safety Association of BC

Metal Health First Aid

Delivery
Delivery
In-Person, Virtual
Duration
Duration
In person – 8 hours, Virtual 2 x 4 hours)
Cost
Cost
$140 per participant (for members), $210 per participant (for non-members)

Overview

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an internationally recognized program that teaches individuals how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. Similar to physical first aid, it equips people with the tools to support others experiencing a mental health crisis.

Why Take MHFA Training

  • Increase Awareness: Understand common mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
  • Promote Early Intervention: Gain the skills to identify and respond to early signs of mental health issues, preventing escalation.
  • Support Others: Build confidence in supporting individuals in distress, whether they are colleagues, family members, or friends.
  • Reduce Stigma: Combat the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open, supportive conversations.
  • Enhance Well-being: Create a more inclusive and understanding environment in your workplace or community.

Learning Objectives

  • Overview of Mental Health: Understand mental health, common challenges, and risk factors.
  • Noticing Signs: Learn to identify the signs of anxiety, depression, substance use, and other mental health concerns.
  • Practical Skills: Discover techniques to provide support until the person can access professional help if needed.
  • ALGES Action Plan: Follow the 5-step ALGES action plan to respond to mental health crises:
    • 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

Target Audience

For workers in the social services sector, particularly those who are providing support to employees and to the public.

Course Structure

This 9-hour course includes both self-directed and live classroom modules. Participants are required to complete Module 1 before attending Modules 2 and 3. Upon registration, participants will receive the MHFA Participant Reference Guide which outlines MHFA actions for developing mental health and substance use problems, as well as crises.


Module 1: Introduction to MHFA (2 Hours)

  • Overview: Introduction to the course and MHFA actions.
  • Objective: Participants gain essential background knowledge before engaging in the live classroom sessions.
  • Course type: Self-paced Online

Module 2: MHFA for Declining Mental Well-Being (3.5 Hours)

  • Overview: Practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being.
  • Objective: Equip participants with the skills to respond to individuals showing signs of mental health decline in a supportive and constructive way.
  • Course type: Live classroom
  • Pre-requisite: Introduction to MHFA (Module 1)

Module 3: MHFA for Crisis Situations (3.5 Hours)

  • Overview: Apply MHFA actions to mental health or substance use crisis situations.
  • Objective: Ensure participants are prepared to assist someone in a crisis and practice self-care in challenging situations.
  • Course type: Live classroom
  • Pre-requisite: MHFA for Declining Mental Well-being (Module 2)

Training Format

Face-to-Face Training

  • Group Size: 8-25 participants
  • Duration: 1-2 days (typically 8 hours)
  • Cost: $140 participant (for members), $210 per participant (for non-members)
  • Location: TBD

Virtual Training:

  • Group Size: 8-15 participants
  • Duration: 1-2 days (typically 8 hours)
  • Cost: $140 per participant (for members), $210 per participant (for non-members)

Platform: Zoom