MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (MHFA)

The support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being, a mental health crisis, or substance use problem. Just as physical first aid is administered to a person with an injury prior to seeking more intensive medical care, MHFA is the immediate support provided to an individual until appropriate treatment is found or the crisis is resolved.

Upcoming Courses

April 30th, 2025 | Trillium Mutual Insurance Office in Listowel, ON | $100 per pson | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

MHFA standard training

MHFA Standard Training open to anyone in the community.

Facilitators: Lynne Harris & Grace Bonnett

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Project Background

1 in 3 Canadians will experience mental health in their life time. While we often know a lot about physical illness, there tends to be less knowledge about mental health or substance use problems.

MHFA Standard training provides participants with the tools to:

Recognize signs of declining mental well-being.
Have conversations that encourage a person to discuss their mental state and confidence to reach out to supports.
Assist during a mental health or substance use crisis,
Maintain one’s own mental wellness.
Learn about mental health supports in the community.

Project Goals

Enhance Community Mental Health Awareness

Increase understanding and awareness of mental health issues within rural communities, equipping individuals with the knowledge to recognize signs and symptoms of mental health challenges.

Provide Practical Mental Health First Aid Training

Deliver accessible MHFA training sessions that teach participants the skills to provide initial support and guidance to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem.

Strengthen Support Networks in Rural Areas

Empower community members to create a supportive environment where mental health is openly discussed, reducing stigma and fostering connections that encourage help-seeking behavior.

Promote Long-Term Mental Health Resilience

Equip participants with tools and resources that encourage proactive mental health management, contributing to a stronger, more resilient community with increased mental health literacy.

Project Timeline

01.

Planning & Development

02.

Outreach & Connections

03.

Training Sessions

04.

Follow Ups & Support

05.

Evaluation & Reporting

Who Can Benefit?

Anyone can benefit from MHFA training. From psychological health and safety in the workplace to schools and community groups across Canada, over 30,000 individuals have benefitted from the training to date. You can too!

The course begins with an online self-directed module, (Module 1) that introduces topics that are discussed and practiced throughout the live classroom modules, (Modules 2 and 3). Course participants must complete Module 1 before participating in Modules 2 and 3.

Delivery

Timing

The course takes a total of 9 hours to complete. Participants are required to complete 7 in-class hours and 2 self-directed hours, for a total of 9 hours. This can be offered over the course of one full day or two-half days, within a 2-week period.

The training can be offered both in-person, virtually, depending on what works best for you or your organization.

Platform

Participants & Fees

Class sizes can range from:

8-25 for in-person trainings
8-15 for virtual trainings

Fee structures for the course vary based on various factors. Please reach out to mhfatraininggateway@gmail.com for more information.

Supportive

Inclusive

Empowering

Proactive

Project Team

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) project team is a group of compassionate professionals and community advocates committed to supporting mental health awareness and resilience. With backgrounds in psychology, counseling, healthcare, and education, each team member brings unique expertise to deliver impactful MHFA training sessions tailored to the needs of rural communities. Through strong partnerships with local organizations and mental health specialists, the team creates an inclusive, supportive space where participants can learn practical skills to assist those in crisis. Together, they are dedicated to building a network of mental health advocates who strengthen community well-being through empathy, knowledge, and support.