Online Workshop: Mental Health First Aid

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About this Online Workshop

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.

Workshop participants will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis and encourage that person to:

  • Talk about declines in their mental well-being
  • Discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being
  • Reach out to these support
  • Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis
  • Use MHFA actions to maintain one‘s own mental well-being

NOTE: This is an interactive, virtual workshop, which is different from a webinar. Participants will be expected to participate through voice and video, and to engage with each other and the facilitator in large and small group discussions, to learn from each other and practice skill development.

Participants receive a digital manual and a certificate from the Mental Health Commission of Canada upon completion of the workshop.

Topics

Module 1: Self-Directed
Participants will receive a link to the self-directed learning module two weeks prior to the start of the workshop. This module takes approximately two hours to complete and must be completed and submitted for evaluation three days prior to the start of the workshop. Participants must successfully complete Module 1 in order to participate in Modules 2 and 3. 

  • Introduction to the workshop
  • Introduction to MHFA actions

Module 2: Virtual Classroom

  • Practice applying MHFA actions to situations of declining mental well-being
  • Guidelines for MHFA conversations with people from diverse cultures and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community

Module 3: Virtual Classroom

  • Discussion on using MHFA actions for self-care
  • Practice using MHFA actions in crisis situations

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is well-suited for any human services professional.

Format and Duration

Two, 3.5 hour online workshops over two back-to-back days.


Workshop Dates and Registration

All sessions in Eastern Standard Time.

Please read guidelines below before registering! 

April 2 – 3, 2025

  • Module 1 (Self Directed): Sent on Wednesday, March 5 and due by Wednesday, March 26
  • Module 2: Wednesday, April 2 | 8:30 – 12:00
  • Module 3: Thursday, April 3 | 8:30 – 12:00
  • Registration Cut Off: Wednesday, March 26

Register Now

September 17 – 18, 2025

  • Module 1 (Self Directed): Sent on Wednesday, August 20 and due by Wednesday, September 10
  • Module 2: Wednesday, September 17 | 8:30 – 12:00
  • Module 3: Thursday, September 18 | 8:30 – 12:00
  • Registration Cut Off: Wednesday, September 10

Register Now

IMPORTANT GUIDELINES - READ BEFORE REGISTERING

  1. Each participant will be issued an individual access code to complete Module 1. If a course cancellation request is received after access codes are issued there will be additional $80 administrative charge. 
  2. Participants who miss the first 30 minutes of Module 2 will be ineligible for the full certificate. All participants need to be on-camera and have working audio to be marked as present on the attendance. 
  3. Module 2 & 3 need a minimum of 8 people to be present in order to run the session. Please ensure all registered participants are able to attend Module 2 & 3 as lack of participation can impact others ability to attain this certificate. 

Pricing

  • Members: $435 + HST

  • Non-Members: $565 + HST

  • Non-Member Education Level 1 & 2: $450 + HST

Bring This Workshop to Your Staff

OMSSA can work with you to deliver this workshop to you and your team in an in-person format at a time that works for you. We can also customize the content of each workshop to meet your specific needs. Contact OMSSA's Director, Education Christie Herrington to learn more about bringing this workshop to your staff. 

Testimonials

Here are what some attendees had to say about this workshop:

 [I enjoyed] the different perspectives, input and opportunities to share all our unique knowledge and experiences.

Learning what to say, and how to approach individuals, and challenging situations relating to mental health issues.

I enjoyed the self care suggestions and the open discussions.


About the Facilitator

Bonnie Corey was an Ontario Public Service employee for over 35 years. Her work has span across the young offender, day care and children's services and developmental service sectors. In roles as a child and youth worker, probation officer, licensing manager, program supervisor and as a corporate project lead Bonnie has been respectful and compassionate with individuals receiving care and services, as well as supportive to staff and managers to identify and acknowledge mental health illnesses and a respectful approach. Understanding mental health is a strong start to providing first responder support to individuals we live and work with and Bonnie is dedicated to sharing this knowledge and information with as many people who are interested. We all have experience with mental health and this course provides information and a safe environment to share and learn from each other. 

Technical Requirements

OMSSA will be hosting this virtual workshop using Zoom, an online, interactive platform that you can join straight from your web browser, or by downloading 'Zoom Client for Meetings' on your computer or tablet. 

Participants will be expected to join the workshop via both video and audio. Participants should therefore have access to a desktop computer, laptop computer or tablet with:

  • a webcam or built-in camera

  • a built-in microphone or a headphone jack where you can plug in a headset or earphones

We strongly recommend that participants use a headset or earphones with a built-in microphone in order to limit background noise. 

System requirements: Click here for more detailed information on system requirements from Zoom.