Mental Health First Aid is a program offered by Opening Minds, an initiative of the Mental Health Commission of Canada that provides trainings and tools to talk about mental health, change negative attitudes and reduce the stigma of mental illness. The Canadian Mental Health Association Saskatoon Branch has had the opportunity to deliver this training for over a decade.
MHFA CERTIFICATION (2-day)
*For individuals working in a human service field, directly supporting individuals or supervising staff.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Certification course provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions for declining mental health and crisis situations. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health.
Participants will learn to:
Once the in-person facilitation for MHFA Certification is complete, each participant will be provided an opportunity to take an online quiz (not mandatory) if a participant is successful in passing this quiz they will be considered certified. Certifications last 3 years.
- Distinguish between mental health, mental illness, and mental health conditions.
- Better understand mental health disorders and their prevalence.
- Appreciate what support looks like to someone living with a mental health condition.
- Understand the importance of recovery and how to handle challenging situations.
- Demonstrate empathy and non-judgmental communication.
- Recognize warning signs and respond to crisis situations.
MHFA ESSENTIALS (1-day)
*For individuals who have personal experience or an interest in learning more about supporting individuals living with mental health challenges.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) provides the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for participants to recognize changes in mental health, respond supportively, and apply practical actions for declining mental health and crisis situations. It helps participants build confidence, reduce stigma, and enhance their own mental health.
Participants will experience a:
- Increase in awareness of mental health
- Improvement in confidence to provide help
- Decrease in mental health related stigma
- Promotion in personal wellness
MHFA Essentials is a condensed version of MHFA Certification, but does not include the opportunity to become certified.
Scheduled public courses and registration information can be found on our events page.
For any inquires contact: Chalaine at csenger@cmhasaskatoon.ca
MHFA Facilitator:
As a MHFA trainer, I am dedicated to providing holistic mental health and wellness information. With 10 years of experience, my knowledge is rooted in both personal and community based mental health support with individuals and group programming. It is my hope to provide a safe space for participants to grow in their own wellness and a opportunity to build confidence in supporting others.
Chalaine
MHFA Basic Trainer