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What is mental health first aid?

Mental health first aid is the support provided to a person who may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a mental health crisis.

Most people are familiar with CPR and know what to do when they are faced with a cardiac emergency. However, would you know what to do if you were faced with someone having a mental health emergency? People are experiencing an overwhelming amount of uncertainty and stress caused by COVID-19 right now, so now more than ever, it can be vital to understand the signs and symptoms of someone in a mental health crisis and knowing how to help.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Virtual Training Course

The course was developed by the Mental Health Commission of Canada. During the course, the 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.
• Find and reach out to professional and other supports that could help with recovery to improved mental well-being.
• Assist in a mental health or substance use crisis.
• Use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.

Course Details

• 8 hours of instruction: 2 hours of self-directed study, plus two 3-hour virtual classroom sessions.
• Self-study Online Module 1: access link will be sent to course participants by email after their registration has been processed but not later than 2 weeks before the course start date.
• Virtual Classroom Modules 2 and 3: delivered via Zoom during the dates indicated below.

Course Fee

The cost to participate in the course is $200 per participant. Course fees are non-refundable.

Limited subsidized spots are available – please get in touch with us directly at riley@afchelps.ca if the cost of the course is prohibitive. We would like to make sure everyone who needs the training can access it. Subsidized spots are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Course Dates

Participants must be available on both dates to complete the course in its entirety.

MHFA Virtual Course – June 2021

• Tuesday, June 22, 2021; 12 – 4 pm (ET)
• Wednesday, June 23, 2021; 12 – 4 pm (ET)

REGISTER FOR JUNE 2021

MHFA Virtual Course – July 2021

• Wednesday, July 28, 2021; 12 – 4 pm (ET)
• Thursday, July 29, 2021; 12 – 4 pm (ET)

REGISTER FOR JULY 2021

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Meet the Trainer

Christine Rossi-Wright, BEd, MSW, RSW (Ont.)

In her role as Senior Program Worker at The AFC, Christine coordinates client intake and applications for emergency financial aid, contributes to case review calls with the Board of Directors, and provides direct social work support to clients.

Previously, Christine worked as an Epilepsy Educator, which included advocacy, counseling, and coordinating support plans for people with epilepsy; she also has experience working with survivors of trauma as a residential counselor. Christine is a registered social worker and holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor.

Christine’s education and experience is complemented by her previous work as an actor in professional musical theatre and her strong ties to the Toronto arts community.