Developed in Australia in 2001 and brought to Canada in 2006, Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a nationally recognized certification course that is offered in every province and territory through the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Courses are delivered by certified MHFA instructors who have been trained exclusively by the Commission.
What is MHFA: Supporting Youth Virtual?
In the broadest sense, Mental Health First Aid Supporting Youth helps equip participants to provided help to a young person who is navigating mental health challenges with understanding and support.
This course was developed with input from educators, caregivers and mental health experts to meet the unique needs of youth aged 12-24. It offers practical tools to help adults recognize when a young person may be struggling and provides guidance on how to offer meaningful support. By focusing on the challenges and pressures faced by youth today, the program empowers participants to foster understanding, build trust and promote resilience in the young people they care for.
Who Can Take MHFA: Supporting Youth Virtual?
MHFA: Supporting Youth Virtual is suited for parents, guardians, educators, coaches and youth workers.
MHFA: Supporting Youth Virtual empowers everyday people to recognize when a young person may be experiencing mental health challenges and equips them with practical skills to provide initial support. This course builds confidence to respond calmly and offer meaningful help during tough moments—all without needing to be a mental health expert.
How is MHFA Virtual Structured?
The course is delivered in a blended learning format, including:
- Module One (4-8hrs): Course participants opens with self-directed learning. This includes reading of the MHFA Reference Guide (4-8hrs).
- Module Two (4hrs): After completion of the self-directed learning, participants will participate in a facilitator led virtual classroom session. In this module participants practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being.
- Module Three (4hrs): After completion of module one and two, participants will participate in a second facilitator led virtual classroom session. In this module participants practice applying MHFA actions to mental health or substance use crisis situations.
Participants who complete all required elements will receive a certificate of completion for the course.
Participants will learn to:
- Recognize signs that a young person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health or substance use crisis.
- Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being.
- Initiate conversations that encourage a young person to talk about a mental health or substance use problem.
- Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis situation.
Learn how to use ALGES
MHFA actions ALGES provides a framework for supporting someone in distress: first approach them, assess for any crisis, and offer immediate help if needed.
Then, listen without judgment, give reassurance and information, and encourage both professional help and other supports like family, friends, or self-care strategies. The first aider must also practice self-care to manage the emotional impact of providing help.
- 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 supports
- Self-care for the first aider
Cost: $300.00 plus 5% GST per participant (or $315.00).
Registration: Click here to register.
For further information, please contact us.
