Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)

Mental Health First Aid Canada gives people the skills to provide early help that is so important in recovery. Participants will learn the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and where and how to get help in Grey and Bruce. One in three Canadians will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. The earlier a problem is detected and treated, the better the outcome. 

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Just as physical first aid is administered to an injured person before medical treatment can be obtained, MHFA is given until appropriate treatment is found or until the crisis is resolved.  

Goals & Objectives: 

MHFA shares the same overall purpose as traditional first aid – to save lives. It aims to:  

• Preserve life where a person may be a danger to themselves or others. 
• Provide help to prevent the mental health problem from developing into a more serious state. 
• Promote the recovery of good mental health. 
• Provide comfort to a person experiencing a mental health problem. 

* MHFA does not teach participants to become therapists or counsellors. Rather, it provides the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that allow someone to offer effective first aid intervention. 

Is This Program for Me? 

• You are 16 years of age or older. 
• You are interested in learning the skills and knowledge to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems, provide initial help and guide the person to appropriate professional resources. 

What We Offer: 

CMHA Grey Bruce offers basic training in Mental Health First Aid (12 hours) as well as MHFA for adults who interact with youth (14 hours). 

We also offer a virtual option – 1.5 hours of self-directed online learning prior to two 4 hour (8 hours in total) virtual sessions over zoom. 

How Do I Get Connected? 

We can arrange trainings on location at your place of business and/or organization.  To attend a community training, please click on the training in the Events calendar to register. 

To book training or find out when the next training will take place, please contact Jackie Ralph, Youth Awareness and Education Supervisor, by telephone at 519-371-3642 (Toll-Free at 1-888-451-2642) ext.1216 or by email at [email protected].  

Is There a Cost for This Program? 

Fees vary based on location.  

Location:  

Bruce and Grey Counties