Work Place Training
Mental Health First Aid
What does Mental Health First Aid include?
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a training program designed to teach individuals how to provide initial support to someone experiencing a mental health crisis or developing a mental health problem. The goal is to help individuals recognize the signs of mental health issues, offer assistance, and guide the affected person toward appropriate professional help if needed.
The training covers a range of mental health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Mental Health First Aid is not a substitute for professional mental health care but aims to empower individuals to respond effectively in the immediate situation and to connect people in crisis with appropriate help.
Why Choose MHFA with us?
MHFA Training increases Mental Health Literacy and reduces stigma. Participants learn concrete strategies and experience an increase in their own well-being - Case studies have shown a significant impact on MH disability rates, healthcare cost savings, and increased EAP referrals. See openingminds.org/ impact/case-studies for more information on case studies.
We come to YOU! - We’re different in that we offer the training in-house for the comfort and ease of you and your employees.
We’re widely trained in mental health
Our facilitators have decades of hands-on experience working with complex mental health needs.
We tailor the training to your needs as much as possible - We’ll have you fill out a survey ahead of time outlining your company’s specific areas of need.
What Employers Can Do
The top contributor to mental health well-being of employees is employer support through the use of mental health initiatives (like MHFA) to assess and address the impact of mental health in the workplace. Research has shown the following benefits of a psychologically healthy workplace (i.e., one which promotes mental well-being): increased engagement, productivity, morale, satisfaction, retention and recruitment; along with decreases in absenteeism, grievances, health costs, medical leave/disability and workplace injuries (Government of Canada, 2024).
The Stats
More than 1 in 3 Canadians are taking time off work as a result of mental health challenges, with over a half of those off for a month or more and the average time off being 12 days per year (Future Skills Centre, 2023). Government of Canada has claimed that 30% of all disability claims are related to mental health problems and illness, with spending reaching over 50 billion dollars per year as a result! The Government of Canada endorses the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA, 2024) training as an effective and recognized tool to support mental health in the workplace (canada.ca, 2018).
What are the Concerns MHFA Training Addresses
Mental Health and Substance Use problems are common. 1 in 5 people in Canada are living with a mental health disorder; that’s 20% in any room - 20% in YOUR organization. Professional help is not always on hand. Individuals trained in MHFA will have the tools to provide immediate support until professionals can become involved. Members of the general public often don’t know how to respond. Many people don’t respond for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing; MHFA training gives participants the tools to respond. The ongoing stigma associated with mental health and substance use problems. Stigma creates a barrier to accessing support. Talking about it openly in your workplace decreases this barrier. Many people are not well-informed. Myths continue to be prevalent, along with the fear that those with mental health challenges are violent. Increased dialogue increases people both seeking and offering support. Research has shown the following benefits of a psychologically healthy workplace (i.e., one which promotes mental well-being): increased engagement, productivity, morale, satisfaction, retention and recruitment; along with decreases in absenteeism, grievances, health costs, medical leave/disability and workplace injuries (Government of Canada, 2024).
Training Course Outline
7 hour Training (in person or virtual) with a 2 hour online self-led module prior to the training
Small class sizes with ample 1:1 support
Participants will receive a certificate of completion, as well as learn the five core actions of ALGES:
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Assess the risk of suicide and/or harm
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Listen non-judgmentally
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Give reassurance
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Encourage professional support
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Self- Care
Topics Covered
Understanding Mental Health
Participants learn about various mental health disorders, their signs, symptoms, and the prevalence of mental health problems.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Participants are taught to identify signs of mental health distress and problems or crises in others as well as themselves.
Guiding Others to Seek Professional Help
The training emphasizes the importance of encouraging the affected person to seek professional help and provides information on available resources and services.
Developing Mental Health Literacy
The training provides information to reduce stigma and increase understanding of mental health, fostering supportive environments.
Providing Initial Support
Strategies are discussed for offering initial assistance to someone experiencing a mental health crisis and if intervention is needed.
Promoting Self-Care & Support Strategies
Participants learn how to support individuals in developing their coping strategies and seeking appropriate help.
Industries We Support
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
In professional industries such as finance and insurance , Mental Health First Aid training is important. By equipping staff with the skills to identify signs of distress, offer support, and connect colleagues to appropriate resources, this proactive approach fosters a supportive workplace. The improvements in employee well-being can contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.
TECHNOLOGY
SECTOR
In the fast-paced and high-pressure environment of the technology industry, prioritizing the mental well-being of employees is crucial. Training employees in mental health first aid equips them with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. This proactive approach not only enhances employee well-being but also contributes to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved team dynamics.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES
Educational institutions, being environments with diverse sets of stressors, greatly benefit from Mental Health First Aid training. By equipping staff with the ability to recognize early signs of mental health concerns in students, offer appropriate support, and contribute to a more supportive learning environment, this training becomes instrumental in promoting a holistic approach to well-being within the educational community.