Mental Health First Aid - FOR CURRENT BVC STUDENTS & STAFF ONLY

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Date: February 17 & 18, 2026

Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (both days)

Location: Online

There is a $25 REFUNDABLE fee (minus Eventbrite fee) which will be refunded after you attend the training, or cancel your ticket within 48 hours of the workshop.

The self-paced Module 1 of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training is foundational and takes approximately 2 hours to complete before you attend the live modules(Modules 2 and 3). MUST SUBMIT PROOF TO: habbott@bowvalleycollege.ca

Module 1: Self-Directed Content. The goal of this module is to introduce key concepts and strategies that you will practice in the subsequent live sessions. Key activities and topics generally include:

• Understanding Mental Health: Defining mental health and recognizing indicators of declining mental well-being across a continuum.
• The ALGES Framework: Explaining each action of the evidence-based action plan for providing support:
• • 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 appropriate professional help.
  • Encourage other supports (family, friends, self-help groups).
  • Self-care for the first aider.
• Stigma Reduction: Identifying and challenging personal biases and stigmatizing language to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment.
• Developing Interaction Skills: Practicing effective listening and non-judgmental communication techniques through various scenarios and knowledge checks.
• Resource Identification: Learning how to develop and identify a list of local mental health resources and supports.

What to Do

• Access the Online Portal: Upon registration, you should receive access to an online learning portal or platform where Module 1 is hosted.
• Complete All Sections: Work through all the module's sections, including any knowledge checks or assessments, at your own pace.
• Review the Reference Guide: You should receive a "MHFA Participant Reference Guide" (manual) upon registration. Module 1 content will align with this, so review the relevant sections.
• Submit Proof of Completion: In most cases, you are required to complete Module 1 and may need to email the completion certificate to your instructor before attending the live sessions.

This self-paced module ensures everyone has the foundational knowledge necessary for the interactive group discussions and scenario practices in the live modules.

While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems. This lack of understanding leads to fear and negative attitudes toward individuals living with mental health or substance use problems. It prevents people from seeking help and providing appropriate support to people around them.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is offered to someone with an emerging mental health or substance use problem or in crisis until appropriate treatment is found or the situation is resolved. An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard has been proven to give participants:

• the tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
• the ability to talk about their mental health.
• the knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
• the confidence to reach out to these supports.
• the tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis, and.
• the knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental wellness.