MHFA - CERTIFICATION (2 DAYS) - Mon, Jun 15-Tues, Jun 16 (9:00-4:30)

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification is for designated mental health first aid responders or sectors requiring credentials.
About this Event

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.