MHFA - CERTIFICATION (2 DAYS) - Tues, May 26-27 (9:00-4:30)

Participants will learn how to…

Increase their awareness of mental health

• Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions.
• Recognize indicators of mental health across the continuum (optimal, declining, poor).
• Understand key information about mental health disorders in Canada.
• Identify factors influencing mental health positively and negatively.
• Explain the Two Continua Model of mental health

Improve their confidence to provide help

• Apply the ALGES framework in scenarios of declining mental health and crisis.
• Identify barriers to providing mental health firs aid and how to overcome them.
• Ask effective questions to initiate supportive conversations.
• Demonstrate empathy and effective listening skills in supportive interactions.
• Communicate non-judgmentally using verbal and non-verbal skills.
• Provide reassurance and appropriate information in supportive conversations.
• Develop a list of professional, personal, and community resources and supports.
• Explain recovery-oriented approaches to providing support.

Decrease their mental health-related stigma

• Explain mental health stigma, including self-stigma, public stigma, and structural stigma.
• Recognize stigmatizing language and practice respectful alternatives.
• Reflect on personal attitudes and biases that contribute to stigma.
• Understand risks and limitations associated with diagnostic labeling.
• Identify practical strategies to challenge and reduce stigma.

Enhance their mental health

• Identify personal self-care strategies using the Three Pillars of Self-Care: reflective, purposeful, and boundaries.
• Recognize when self-care is needed as a Mental Health First Aiders and how to integrate it into daily life.
• Commit to intentional self-care actions to maintain personal well-being as a Mental Health First Aider.