As COVID19 entered its first wave, and then the second, in-person workshops ceased in many areas. And for good reason. That also left a major gap in training services. But no longer. Not only did Mental Health First Aid Basic receive an update (the new version is now called “Standard” instead of “Basic”,) but it also entered a new format; virtual! Meaning certified facilitators can now deliver Mental Health First Aid Virtual online.
One of the changes in the new course is the language we use around mental health. Throughout the training participants will hear us refer to mental well-being, instead of mental health and mental health problems.
There is also new content that addresses how to support an individual who is of a different cultural background from yourself, as well as how to support those in marginalized communities, such as the 2SLGBTQ+ population.
All of the original content is covered, but the new delivery format enables to cover it in a much shorter time. Instead of 12 hours of in-person training, the virtual program is comprised of 2 hours of self-paced learning (Module 1,) plus 2 x 3 hours of virtual livestream classroom time (Module 2 & 3.)
In no time at all there has been a line-up of organizations ready to set up in-house virtual workshops. In addition to those, we’ve added a number of open-registration workshops that anyone across Canada can access. For the full list of upcoming workshops click here. To learn about our trauma-informed facilitator, Shawna Percy, click here.
OUTLINE OF WORKSHOP
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
REGISTRATION
To register for an upcoming course click here to access our shop, or message us to explore internal virtual trainings for your organization.
During this time of increased stress for many we’re thrilled we can finally bring this imperative workshop to participants and organizations across Canada.