Online Workshop: Mental Health First Aid
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.
April 3-4, 2023
Module 1 (Self Directed): Sent on Wednesday, March 22 and due by March 31*
Module 2: Monday, April 3 | 8:30 – 12:00
Module 3: Tuesday, April 4 | 8:30 – 12:00
Registration is now closed.
October 16-17, 2023
Module 1 (Self Directed): Sent on Monday, September 25 and due by Wednesday, October 11*
Module 2: Monday, October 16 | 8:30 – 12:00
Module 3: Tuesday, October 17 | 8:30 – 12:00
Registration cut off: Friday, October 6
*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.
Pricing
Members: $425 + HST
Non-Members: $550 + HST
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.
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.