Research shows that at some point in their lives, mental health problems affect one in three Canadians. So the chances are good that each of us knows someone with a mental health problem such as a substance-related disorder, depression, anxiety, or a psychotic disorder.
While thousands of people across the country know how to provide first aid to someone with a physical injury, a lot fewer people can recognize the signs of someone needing mental health first aid. But that's changing thanks to a new mental health first aid training program for the general public, being offered coast-to-coast by Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Canada, a program of the Mental Health Commission of Canada.
Format: Two days (12 hours) of in-class instruction. The course covers four modules: Substance-related Disorders, Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Psychotic Disorders
The 12-hour course provides general information about what is meant by mental health problems and illnesses, how to identify signs of mental health problems in yourself and others, effective interventions and treatments, and how to support an individual and help them find out about and access the professional help they may need.
It also dispels common myths surrounding mental health problems and reduces the stigma around mental illness, since estimates suggest that more than half of people with a mental health problem will never seek treatment.
The course doesn't train people to diagnose mental illness or be a therapist or counsellor, it provides the first aider with actions to guide a person in need to appropriate professional help when a problem first arises. We know the sooner a person with a mental health problem gets help, the better their chances of recovery. MHFA trained employees will help equip an organization to:
AUDIENCE:MHFA Canada is an interactive course for anyone and no previous mental health experience is necessary. It can benefit human resource professionals, employers, managers, supervisors, and the general public.
This course has been accredited by the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) for two (2) credits towards Gold Seal certification for in-class attendance.
This course has been approved by Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) for twelve (12) non-core units towards AIBC’s Continuing Education System
Fee Includes: Student manual, certificate upon completion, complimentary Wi-Fi access, lunch and free parking.
Cancellation & Substitution Policy: Payment is non-refundable for cancellations made within 7 business days of the course, or non-attendance on the day. Complimentary substitution of another member of your company is accepted.
If VRCA has to postpone or cancel courses due to insufficient enrolment, VRCA will refund the registration fee or, if possible, the attendee may choose to move to an identical session in the future.